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Saint Michaels to host celebration of life for Simon Ibell

Popular basketball team manager was a SMUS grad
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Simon Ibell govikesgo.com

Saint Michaels University School will host a celebration of life for one of its most inspiring grads, Simon Ibell, who died on May 25.

The celebration is set for June 28 in h the SMUS Chapel at 7 p.m. (3400 Richmond Rd.).

Ibell was 39 when he died. He had lived with the rare medical condition known as Hunter syndrome since a young age.

Ibell attended SMUS from 1990-96 and was a lover of sport. Former Vike and SMUS teacher Ian Hyde-Lay linked Ibell up with then Grade 12 basketball stars Steve Nash and Milan Uzelac and Ibell became the basketball program’s team manager.

As an undergraduate at UVic, Ibell, who earned his bachelor in 2002, became a dedicated manager to the Vikes men’s basketball program alongside late head coach Guy Vetrie. Ibell was front and centre when the Vikes men won their eighth and last Canadian national championship in 1997.

Ibell then went on to manage Canada Basketball programs under coach Jay Triano and championed several fundraising efforts, spreading awareness in multiple capacities for people with rare diseases.

“Simon’s incredibly caring spirit, his genuine regard for those around him and his courageous attitude were an inspiration to all of those around him. Few people have the gift of making the world a better place to be,” said Clint Hamilton, Vikes Athletics and Recreation director. “We count ourselves fortunate for having Simon be an important part of our Vikes program. Indeed, he was a remarkable individual who we will miss dearly.”

Ibell Originally went to UVic to pursue a finance degree but his passion for sport later led him to switch to the School of Exercise, Science, Physical and Health Education where he earned a Bachelor in Leisure Studies Administration.

In 2002, Ibell put his passion to work including becoming a team manager for the Canadian national team, biking the length of Vancouver Island with NBA icon and fellow SMUS grad Steve Nash raising $250, 000 for Bike 4 MPS, founding the Be Fair 2 Rare outreach program, and founding the iBellieve Foundation, which advocates for Canadians with diseases.

The June 28 celebration is open to everyone.

reporter@saanichnews.com