Lieutenant Irving Simon passed away peacefully on Sunday, 19 July 2026, after a short illness. His life was one of service, dedication, and quiet trailblazing, marked by a deep commitment to his family, his country, and the advancement of naval engineering.
Born in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1942, Irving moved to the United Kingdom as a young man and pursued studies in radio engineering at Norwood Technical College in London. It was there he met Dorothy Neufville, who would become his wife in July 1967.
After college, Irving began his career in telecommunications at Marconi, but his path soon led him to the Royal Navy, where he made history. In 1966, he became a commissioned officer—the first Black Lieutenant in the Royal Navy.
His achievement was not only personal but symbolic, opening doors for future generations and standing as a testament to his determination and excellence.
During his naval career, Irving served as an electrical engineer on frigates including HMS Verulam, and contributed significantly to the development of sonar technology. His work played a vital role in the systems later installed on HMS Dreadnought, the first nuclear submarine in the British Navy. His colleagues remembered him as a gifted engineer, a steady leader, and a man whose expertise quietly shaped the future of naval innovation.
After his five-year naval commission, he returned to Georgetown, Guyana as the chief engineer at Radio Demerara. He melded his naval technical expertise with public communication—a role reflected in his vivid recollections: “Life as a lieutenant was really exciting…I should have signed up again” At the United Kingdom Embassy in Georgetown, Lt Simon was barred from returning to England due to the prevailing immigration policies of the then government. It was later found those policies had a dramatic effect on the ‘Windrush Generation’.
As he was recognised by an official at the nearby US embassy, Lt Simon and his wife were granted access to New York. They entered the country with only $10 USD as they were prevented from accessing any of their assets in the UK.
Lt Simon quickly found employment in various roles, moving from New York to Virginia to Missouri and Kansas—where a spiritual calling led him to seminary and appointment as a Presbyterian minister.
Sadly his wife passed away peacefully in the summer of 2024 ending a partnership remembered for its strength, warmth and devotion spanning nearly six decades.
He is survived by four siblings, four sons and nine grandchildren. His presence will be deeply missed not only by his family but by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Lieutenant Irving Simon leaves behind a legacy of service, pioneering achievement, and integrity.
May he rest in peace.
