Blind advocate, comedian Mike Simmonds leaves behind legacy of 'caring deeply'

The last time Gerry Nelson, an employee with the Canadian National Institute For The Blind, spoke with Saskatoon's Mike Simmonds was a couple of weeks ago, when the notable blind comedian and advocate called him up to tell him about an upcoming pub night for guide dog users.

"Mike was compassionate, he was kind toward people, and Mike genuinely cared for really anything he was involved in," Nelson said.

Mike Simmonds died this week, just days after his 50th birthday.

He left behind a legacy of advocating for the blind. In 2013, he launched a complaint to the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission after a local taxi company refused him service because of his guide dog, Graham.

Simmonds was also well known in the visually-impaired community for his participation in blind hockey, as well as his work as a stand-up comedian. Nelson cracked a smile while reminiscing about his old friend.

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"He usually had, you know, some off-colour one-liner that got me chuckling. He always brought a smile to my day," Nelson said.

Nelson helped Simmonds along while he was losing his sight, even helping him make the transition to using his guide dog. He's known 'Mikey' for well over a decade.

"I'd like to think that I helped Mike out somewhat throughout his journey as he was losing his sight, and after he lost it."

Nelson added there's definitely a sense of loss throughout the blind community, and noted that get-togethers and social events will be different without his close friend.

"Some of us wouldn't see Mike's smiling face, but certainly we're going to miss that one-of-a-kind voice that he had, and his sense of humour."