TRIBUTES TO SIMON

Zelkova Serrata Tree at the Botanical Garden in Hohenheim, Germany

Shortly after Simon died, his paternal grandparents, Irmgard and Peter Vodosek, sponsored a tree in Simon's memory at the Botanical Garden at Hohenheim University in Germany. It is a Japanese elm called Zelkova serrata, and from the pictures we have seen, it stands lush and somewhat alone on a grassy field.

We plan to visit the site ourselves as soon as we can make it back to Germany for a visit. We are touched that Irmi and Peter chose this lasting, green, growing tribute in their own country to the grandson they loved dearly but saw far too seldom.

Markus' cousin Katrin Stepanek took the below photos on August 22, 2005 when she was visiting the Vodoseks. Hohenheim is located near Stuttgart, where Markus' parents live.

More Tributes to Simon

• Mary Craig's This I Believe radio essay, May 12, 2008 on KUER in SaLt Lake City

• Zelkova Serrata Tree at the Botanical Garden in Hohenheim, Germany

• Mahler's "Kindertotenlieder" performed by Mary Craig and Elizabeth Ballantyne

• A Note of Condolence from Emma Smid

• Writing Assignment about Simon by Jennifer Sharpe

• A Lemonade Stand for Simon (TV News Story)

• "You've Crossed Over", a Song for Simon by Laz Slomovits

• The Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan Pays Tribute to Simon on October 13, 2004

• Musical Tributes in Dublin, Ireland by Blánaid Murphy and Her Choirs
  Updated 12/3/04

• "Simon the Dragon" by Erik Troberg

• A Poem for Simon and his Family by Gari Stein

• Grann's Prayer over Simon's Body, August 6, 2004

• An altar for Simon at the home of Rowan, Annette, and Steve Williams in Oakland, CA

• Miriam's ink and watercolor drawing of Simon, August 7, 2004