<p>The iconic Vineyard photographer whose pictures of people spanned more than half a century, died Sunday night at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.</p>
Peter Simon, the iconic Martha’s Vineyard photographer whose pictures of people both famous and ordinary, political protests, rock concerts and Island landscapes spanned more than half a century, died Sunday night at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital.
He was 71 and had been battling lung cancer for some time.
Beginning in the 1960s and running until the time of his death, his prolific photographic career included rock and roll portraits, the civil rights era, hippie heyday, sports, Jamaica and its reggae stars. He had published numerous books, including On the Vineyard I, II and III, and a yearly calendar. His last book, To Everything There is a Season, was published in 2017 and was a retrospective of his life’s work with more than 700 photographs.
He was a reggae music aficionado and for many years hosted a weekly radio show on WMVY. He produced his own record labels, including the Vineyard Sound volumes that featured compilations of well-known singer-songwriters such as Richie Havens, Jonathan Edwards, Maynard Silva, Johnny Hoy, Susan Tedeschi and his sister Carly Simon.
A longtime year-round resident of Chilmark, Peter was a familiar and ubiquitous presence on the Island, where he would wander about with his camera, often barefoot in all but the coldest months of the year. Lucy Vincent Beach was a favorite summer haunt.
Peter began working for the Gazette in 1969, and over the next five decades contributed thousands of pictures to the weekly newspaper. He never tired of the thrill of having his picture on the front page or editorial page. He was a photojournalist first, and his broad record of work included all the traditional Vineyard events, from the Chilmark Road Race to annual town meetings.
Born in 1947, he grew up summering on the Vineyard and was the son and youngest child of Richard and Andrea Simon, progressives in their era who had a profound influence on him. His father was the founder of the publishing company Simon and Schuster, and was also was an amateur photographer who encouraged Peter’s work.
When Richard Simon died of a heart attack in 1960, Peter inherited his Leica camera.
He dedicated his last book to his father.
In an interview with the Gazette about the book, he said: “My father, before he died, said son, save every negative you’ve ever taken. So I did. I never throw anything out because I listened to him.”
He is survived by his wife Ronni Simon, their son Willie Simon and his sisters Carly, Lucy and Joanna Simon.
Arrangements are incomplete — a full obituary will follow.
Comments
Our family will always
Victor and Joyce Harte Edgartown/ New YorkOur family will always remember Peter, whom we were thrilled to have photograph my daughter and son-in-law’s wedding 7 years ago. Peter captured the essence of this event as only he could. He was a kind and gracious soul and gave us some tremendously funny moments. We are grateful to have known him. Rest In Peace Peter.
Such sad news. Rest in peace,
Bob M, CharlestownSuch sad news. Rest in peace, Peter. May family and friends find lasting peace in your memory. One love.
Peter was a prime example of
Hugh Weisman Chilmark & New YorkPeter was a prime example of the one-of-a-kind individuals that thrive on Martha's Vineyard. We've first met him on Jungle Beach attired with only a hat, a camera, and a welcome smile. And how lucky we were to have him photograph the Chilmark Road Race almost every year. He'd approach me while we were setting up the finish line....
."Can I ride in the Start truck?"
"Sure, Peter, Hop in when we get up to the Start."
So, he'd hop in at the Start and shoot away, producing iconic pictures year after year.
This year, he couldn't quite hop in. But with a little assistance, he got into the back of the truck and shot away with wonderful photos of Lily Tuck and Tristan Forsythe winning their divisions.
Thank you, Peter, for helping to make the Vineyard the wonderful place it is.
"Peter was a prime example of
Kate Scott Tisbury"Peter was a prime example of the one-of-a-kind individuals that thrive on Martha's Vineyard."
So true. His passing is sad news indeed.
Peter seemed to be laid back---I'm sure he was laid back---but he was disciplined about his work. At a presentation he gave at the Vineyard Haven Library he mentioned how one winter he used the "off" time to digitize all of his decades' production of slides! He also generously shared with the attendees information on his reasonably priced go-to camera.
The Island will not be the same without him. It's hard to believe that he is gone---he fought the good fight against his cancer, and seemed to remain optimistic no matter what. He leaves an extraordinary photographic legacy.
My deepest condolences to his wife and sisters.
They say no one is
Stephen Davis Milton, Mass.They say no one is indispensable. ... We beg to differ ... The sky over Boston is crying tonight
We met Peter on May 11,2017
Vivian DeMarco LeoniaWe met Peter on May 11,2017 at his book signing in NYC. My daughter and I bought his beautiful book.
So sad to hear he passed away.
Our thoughts with his family.
Looking through Peter's
Stephanie & Jerry Menemsha / MarylandLooking through Peter's Vineyard calendars and fondly remembering our conversations with him in his gallery. Nobody could capture the essence of the Vineyard like Peter could. He will be missed.
Peter was our wedding
Tracy Lankow Krechevsky Wellesley, MAPeter was our wedding photographer in September 1987. I still remember him climbing on top of the roof of a car parked in front of the Harborview Hotel in order to get the shot he wanted. I treasure all of the up-close, candid photographs he took of our wedding guests, capturing their very essence and the joy we all felt that day. My husband, Curt, went on to play softball with Peter on summer Sunday’s up Island for many years. I could never get over him batting and running the bases sans shoes. As long as Peter lived, so too did the old Vineyard of my youth. I cannot imagine the island without him. Truly the end of an era. RIP.
I was so honored to work with
Rachel Lloyd Alexandria,VAI was so honored to work with Peter during my time as a reporter at the Gazette. He was not just a co-worker but became a great friend. He showed me such kindness and support during my time on the Island and also after I left. He will be so missed by so many people. No shoes, no problem. Hugs to all who knew and loved him.
So sad to hear of his passing
DaveO FalmouthSo sad to hear of his passing. Incredible talent in all he did. Rest in peace Peter.
You photographed our family
Barbara Oppenheimer Newton,MAYou photographed our family several times in our favorite Vineyard spaces. You always managed to capture our various personalities so well. Your use of the Vineyard’s late afternoon light was extraordinary just like your spirit. We will forever be grateful that you touched our lives.
What a talented, lovely and
Bruce and Stacey Danziger Sudbury/EdgartownWhat a talented, lovely and gentle person Peter was. He transmitted his love for the island to everyone, including Stacey who loved his work. We will so miss walking into the gallery and discussing music, radio, sports and other subjects. Thinking of Ronni right now.
I have nice memories of Peter
Suzanne Levy Tyler, TXI have nice memories of Peter from working with the yearbook staff at Boston University. Tremendously talented and a kind person. My condolences to the family
Peter told me many times,
Emily Liggett BostonPeter told me many times, often with friends at Lucy Vincent, that he believed we were all put on this Earth to be kind to one another. Job well done, friend.
He lives on in the work. He
Geraldine Brooks West TisburyHe lives on in the work. He showed us the island, and ourselves.
Peter, the eternal boy of
Sig Van Raan West TisburyPeter, the eternal boy of summer - the pistol Pete of Sunday morning softball - makes a catch for the ages of a sky high foul ball - arms and legs flailing he dives and somersaults with the ball in his glove - a toothy grin spread across his face as even the opposing players applaud
a dear friend who consoled me when my wife died with a beautiful photo "brighter days lie ahead" was written and signed by Peter - over the years he seemed to chronicle our times-it's trues, as his dad said"save all the negatives" and he did indeed turn them into positives. One love Peter - go in style - blessed journey
Though I didn’t know Peter
Kathy Laskowski Oak BluffsThough I didn’t know Peter personally, I always looked forward to visiting his store to buy my family’s calendars every year - all nine of them, carefully signed! We will miss him. He is truly a piece of the island. ❤️
The loss hurts. Love to Ronni
Ed Wise Norfolk MAThe loss hurts. Love to Ronni, Willie and the Simon sisters. Pete made the rest of us his extended family, and it was our good fortune. I’d like to think of him romping around with Cos-y somewhere, basking in the love he gave us coming back to him.
Peter and I showed together
Wendy Weldon ChilmarkPeter and I showed together at my first art exhibit back in the early 1970's at the Field Gallery. Peter was kind and helpful, keeping me calm. Peter always had a generous smile and a big hug for all, making his friends feel how important they were to him. I will miss him at the Chilmark Town Meetings. He could capture some memorable moments, sometimes annoying our Moderator with his bare feet and his persistence.I will miss his loving smiles and his upbeat greetings. Rest in peace, dear Peter.
pete was a great guy always a
rob the roofer new jerseypete was a great guy always a smile and willing to give you his time. I'll miss the great conversations at the store he was one of the most interesting people I ever met a real land mark on the island. rest in peace my buddy "ONE LOVE"
Peter was wonderful and
Bill Wolf Middleburg, Va.Peter was wonderful and quirky, which helped him get some of the best pics of my family and kids ever. Much love.
I treasure the photographs
Rona Kiley Chilmark summersI treasure the photographs Peter took of my sons, David and Ben, when young children in a tall grass Vineyard field with our cat Chloe. He captured the love and joy of these boys. He also phptographed my sons with me as we were about to go to a dinner with Hillary and Bill Clinton at the home of the marvelous Lucy and Sheldon Hackney.. With deep appreciation of Peter for all the happy memories he generously gave us.
Rona Kiley
MV reflected in Peter's eyez,
Lauri EdgartownMV reflected in Peter's eyez, pictures and his soul. What an incredible gift to us all for decades. I grew up with the Simon and Taylor families, something never shared as islanders have no interest in celebrity,politics or name dropping, just our hearts and community. My deepest sympathy and healing light to our island families who adored Peter so much. Humility, kindness and an unmatched photographer, our MV life will never be reflected so perfectly again.
Thank you for the words, the
Jennifer New YorkThank you for the words, the work, the friendship.
I just received the news this
Bill Baird Huntington, New YorkI just received the news this morning about Peter. Few know that Peter helped me during my fight to legalize birth control in the 1960s. As a student at Boston University, he let me sleep on his sofa when I would be in the area from New York. He joined me in marches to legalize birth control along with other students and he took photographs of those times. I am so shocked with the news and saddened. My condolences to his talented wife Ronnie and family.
Heartbroken hugs for Ronni
Kelly MacConomy Washington/Vineyard HavenHeartbroken hugs for Ronni and the Simon family. We live on forever in the hearts of those we loved and the creations we leave behind- children, an image, a thought, something crafted, woven, a flower or a tree planted sowing the seeds carried through oceans of time.
Good journey, Peter!
Into the sunset!!!!
My deepest sympathy to Ronni,
nita fandray pittsburghMy deepest sympathy to Ronni, Willie and the Simon sisters. I loved Peter. Spent many hours with him talking about photography and life. He was a dear person. Always funny, smiling, contemplative. Received the gallery's newsletter a couple weeks ago and was checking out which photo I wanted my husband to buy me for Christmas. Because Peter would appreciate this, it was a choice between shirtless Bruce Springstein in 1979, and the photo Peter entitled, "Poverty," the latter a very rich social commentary. I will miss Peter.
I got to know him via his
Glen M BostonI got to know him via his love of Reggae music, his Reggae Bloodlines radio show on WBRU Providence and WGBH Boston among other stations. I still listen to tapes I made of those shows. One of his first stations was the old WCAS Cambridge 740am. An excerpt [http://www.740wcas.com/smp3/psimon791229.mp3]. Met him once in Providence when he was spinning reggae at the old Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in the mid 80's. He was a real fan of the music & his enthusiasm was infectious.
On behalf of my family, being
Rt. Hon. James van der Hoop Ottawa, Ontario, CanadaOn behalf of my family, being cousin to James, Sally and Ben Taylor - We offer our sincere condolences to the Simon Family, especially to Sally and Ben Taylor, at their tragic loss. Peter was a very cool individual who saw the beauty in everything and everyone that crossed his path. Quick to smile and quick to listen he was a wonderful person. My sympathies to Carly and the Simon Family.
-Right Honorable James van der Hoop
Rideau Hall, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Our deepest condolences,
Susan Stone N TisOur deepest condolences, Peter will be missed and kept in a special place in our hearts. His joy of life was so contagious
My dear dear friend. You
Bruce Katz Mill Valley, CAMy dear dear friend. You have left us all way too soon. I don't think I ever knew a man
with a bigger heart. Your Reggae radio show in Boston seems like only yesterday and those wonderful afternoons on the Vineyard with Ram Dass were some of my fondest moments on the island. How you saw your friends and the world you traveled will surely live on in your photographs and in our memories of time we shared. One of the most special people I ever had the joy to know. Thank you Peter for giving of yourself so generously with all of us.
Sending heartfelt condolences
Raymond Mungo Signal Hill, CaliforniaSending heartfelt condolences to his family. Peter was one of a kind. From the first day that he appeared in the newsroom of the Boston University News in 1965, he was our finest photographer. He was also a soulful friend and sincere artist.
I never met Mr. Simon, but
Rick Heath Chatham, MAI never met Mr. Simon, but being a professional photographer, I always look at the photographs of other photographers to see what "they see" through the lens... Mr. Simon's work was simply breath taking. He made a beautiful island, and the nooks and cranny's that the island has, stand out in a way that I'm not sure no other photographer could accomplish.
I will miss seeing his work.....
Had the pleasure of meeting
Samuel Close South CarolinaHad the pleasure of meeting Peter in 2001 at his Studio/Gallery in Vineyard Haven. A a very long, wandering discussion,that afternoon and subsequent trip to the island would always find me wandering in and talking about earlier times. One of my favorite recollections was a chance encounter at Aquinnah where Peter was chroniciling fine deterioration of the cliffs and I was taking reference photos for future paintings. Was a lovely early fall afternoon of conversation, laughter and photography. He will be always remembered by all who had the privilege of his presence their lives.
Barefoot golf. I LIKE it.
Martha MageeBarefoot golf. I LIKE it. Naked golf would be better.
Godspeed, Peter Simon!
What a terrible loss. Such a
Janina Kean ConnecticutWhat a terrible loss. Such a nice man.
Peter Simon was Martha’s
John B. PynchonPeter Simon was Martha’s Vineyard. RIP
Sweet Peter and good friend.
Barbara W New York CitySweet Peter and good friend. You were nothing but love. May your travels be peaceful and gentle. Much gratitude to you. Condolences to your family. All Love Ram Ram
I am truly frozen with grief.
Michael Halbreich Atlanta & ChilmarkI am truly frozen with grief. I have known Peter almost my whole life. Everyone seems to reflect on what a character he was, but in reality he was just Peter, a unique and unforgettable human being. It's been quite a few years that I have missed playing softball with him, but somehow now it feels like yesterday. I miss him coming by my house to go over the plans for his next radio show and boy do I miss his "kickoff to the summer" backyard party. Peter was the photographer of my families portraits that capture the most important people in my life. I will see him every time I look at those magnificent pictures. My deepest condolences to Ronnie and Willie and his whole family. I wish him eternal peace and rest and I pray from the bottom of my heart that there is no requirement to wear shoes in heaven. Rest well Peter, and know how many hearts you have touched.
So thankful for your kind and
Gwen Bernecker New York & PhillySo thankful for your kind and sweet spirit! I will always remember how you held our son’s face and said how beautiful he was. There wasn’t a pretentious bone in your body. Thank you for your gifts of art, photography, music and humor. Somehow we will always see you on the Vineyard....
Peter was my roommate
Jeff Hutchins Black Mountain, NCPeter was my roommate freshman and sophomore year at Boston University. We were close friends during that time, and I liked Peter a lot. He was my mentor on all things political and inhaled. I am grateful that we stayed in touch these 50+ years.
Peter's work, measured in
Sara Piazza EdgartownPeter's work, measured in volume alone, was unparalleled. Then, add his nack for celebrating and glorifying ordinary moments and you have a true master of his craft. RIP, Peter.
My love and deepest
Lazarus Quan SARASOTAMy love and deepest sympathies to Peter's family and friends. No one who ever knew him was untouched by his love of life. And his love. Now voyager sail thou forth to seek and find...
I arrived on the Vineyard in
Cynthia New YorkI arrived on the Vineyard in 1975 and knew no one but I overheard a conversation on the ferry that Peter Simon was giving photography lessons. I scraped together what little money I had, took the course, and as you might imagine, Peter was an amazing teacher. Not only did we have a blast, but he taught me sooooooooooooooo much - using tinted lenses, shooting on Illumination Night, and getting the action shot of people jumping. I have every slide I took during that time and I only wish I could post one now - my favorite, Peter jumping in the air on the beach at Squibnocket.
I am so sad to hear of his death. He was pure creative genius.
Peter was a great man and
Miguel silva Barnstable,MassachusettsPeter was a great man and will be missed. He had the gifts that we all enjoyed. Such a wonderful talent. My condolences to Ronni and family.
Peter was the essence of the
Bob Dusa Oak BluffsPeter was the essence of the Vineyard in thought, word, and the countless number of photographs that graced the Island's two newspapers, his numerous books and calendars, and the family and wedding events he captured. His candid "shots" were one of his specialties. He will forever be remembered in the hearts of those he touched. Safe travels in God's universe and beyond, shoeless Wonder.
RIP to a fellow BU alum who
Andrea Taylor New York CityRIP to a fellow BU alum who never stopped searching for beauty & truth. Condolences to his famiy and friends!
I will miss my annual visit
Pete F BostonI will miss my annual visit with you in your store or the random show I would always see you at. Ronnie condolences to you and the family.
Rest in peace Peter. To
Jill Goodman ChilmarkRest in peace Peter. To Everything There Is A Season sits on my children's coffee tables as well as mine.
This past Monday at a weekly
David Seward Vineyard HavenThis past Monday at a weekly gathering in Chilmark where he was a regular participant, a bunch of red roses had been placed on the rocking chair Peter always sat in. The room had a somber tone to it. Near the end of the gathering a friend raised his hand to speak. The eloquence in his words summed up what many of Peter’s friends were feeling. He spoke of kindness and how Peter understood the power and healing nature of the word. Peter was indeed one of the kindest people I have ever known. Anger and angst in others seemed to baffle him. He cared about people and showed it often. He had a quick smile and upbeat attitude. He also possessed a faith that worked and was always open to sharing it with others. Peter Simon loved his fellow man. And in the end he left us all with the sacred gift of having experienced kindness in its truest form. Way to go old friend!
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