Simon Daniel Karunias
August 18, 1933 - January 6, 2022
Tribute
Philippians 1:21 says “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”. To paraphrase, “Jesus is my source of joy and my reason to live. When I die, I will be with Jesus in eternity.”
Simon was born August 18, 1933 in Cirebon, West Java, Indonesia. He was the middle child of three: Johanna, Simon and Hans. His older sister Johanna predeceased him in 2014. Simon is survived by his brother and several nieces and nephews (Martus, Michael and Michelle).
Simon recalled that he was brought up in a Christian home. His mother told him about Jesus and he remembered her stories from an early age. Simon was very close to his mother, and spoke often of her godly influence in his life. Simon graduated from high school in 1954 in Jakarta, then earned his degree in Business Economics in 1962 from the Universities Indonesia in Jakarta.
Simon then served in the Indonesian military on what he described as “an academic induction program in the Army” from January 1965 to April 1966. Over the course of his life Simon lived in Indonesia, Germany, and Holland, then permanently moving to Canada in 1968. Simon made friends in these countries and corresponded with several of them over the years. Simon became a proud Canadian citizen on July 6, 1973.
Simon was a humble and gentle man. Simon lived a simple life, but he was not a simple man. He was a dedicated journaller, with interests in cooking, gardening, horticulture, art, history, architecture and design. He also spoke and wrote Indonesian, Dutch, German and English. Simon was a serious scholar of Scripture, reading the Bible from cover to cover, underlining passages and making margin notes. Simon completed a one-year missiology course at Prairie Bible Institute in Alberta, followed by a missions trip to Brazil. He served as a volunteer Bible teaching leader for the church while also shepherding an Indonesian bible study group. Simon made a pivotal decision in 2011, knowing that as a single man he would need to prepare adequately and carefully for his remaining years. So at the age of 79, he downsized, sold his home in Vancouver and moved to Surrey. Simon records, “It took a lot of preparation, work, determination and endurance to move out from a place called HOME and move into Elim Village. But the Lord Jesus has been with me all the way. It was the Lord who directed, led and brought me to live at Elim Village. I am very thankful for his provision and watchful care for and over me. I am blessed and happy in him.”
Simon passed away peacefully in his sleep, into the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he loved and served, on January 6, 2022, after a short illness. The doctors and nurses at VGH were very kind and gentle to Simon, and kept him comfortable and without pain.
2 Corinthians 4v16 reminds us, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
Simon will be missed by friends and family alike. Interment at Fraser Cemetery, New Westminster. A memorial service will be held at a later date as restrictions lift. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to FEBCanada (Far East Broadcasting Canada), #3200-8888 Odlin Crescent, Richmond, BC V6X 3Z8.
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Date & Time:
February 18, 2022
Beginning at 12:00pm
Location:
Fraser Cemetery
100 Richmond Street
New Westminster, BC Canada
100 Richmond Street
New Westminster, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
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