The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks,
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Friends, former colleagues and students were in a state of shock yesterday as word of the passing of former U.S. Sen. Paul Simon spread throughout the Southern Illinois region.
The Public Policy Institute director, who was 75, died at 1 p.m. at the Praire Heart Institute at St. John's Hospital in Springfield a day after undergoing heart surgery. Jean Pulliam, a friend and former Simon campaign supporter, said the news of Simon's death came as a great blow to both her and Southern Illinois.
"My husband and I have spent the evening wishing we could somehow find the words to show what our overwhelming emotions are about this man," Pulliam said. "He made such a difference in the world and in the state of Illinois."
The death stunned not only the local community, but spread nationally, capturing the front pages of the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and CNN web sites. Sam Goldman, a close friend of Simon and retired SIUC administrative education professor, said he was not surprised at how widespread an impact Simon's passing evoked.
"He was one of those rare people who was known locally, across the state, nationally and internationally," Goldman said. "He was the same kind of friend to presidents and prime ministers as he was to students on campus."
In addition to his outstanding public service and political accomplishments, Simon also left a lasting impression in the minds of those who knew him best. Kappy Scates, another of Simon's close friends and Shawneetown resident, said Simon's genuine affection for the people of Southern Illinois is what she will remember most.
"His love of people meant that he always wanted to help people in any way that he could," Scates said. "He was one of the most caring people I've ever met."
Simon was also one of few politicians who formed bonds with his colleagues that extended beyond the political arena. Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole said he and several other representatives were able to connect with the former senator regardless of party affiliations.
"To me, and to a lot of people, he was considered a friend," Cole said. "His efforts certainly transcended the partisanship, which we don't always see these days."
Simon, who retired from the Senate in 1997, also left an indelible impression on SIUC students through his efforts with the Public Policy Institute. Jeff Sinclair, an undecided freshman from Normal, said he knew little about Simon before this fall, but the fiscal-minded Democrat quickly grabbed his attention.
"I never really knew anything until I got here, but since then I've learned that he's pretty much a legend around here," Sinclair said. "It's really a shame because I just got here and I never had a chance to go to more of his events."
For those who did have a chance to know Simon, the wake of his death has bred a strong current of emotions. But while he can never be replaced, he will also never be forgotten.
"He would always learn about somebody in need and reach out and try to help," Goldman said. "He was a very, very good friend and caring guy who leaves with him an incredible legacy and a lot of memories."
