Irving Simon and Yohance Simon
Recorded
May 14, 2022
Archived
May 14, 2022
39:33 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
atl004631
Description
Yohance Simon (42) talks with his father, Irving Simon (79), in celebration of Irving’s 80th Birthday.Subject Log / Time Code
Yohance Simon (42) says he is Irving Simon’s (79) 4th son. He wishes his dad a Happy Birthday.
Irving says he was adopted. He says Hubert and Evelyn “Tiny” Simon are the parents he knows. He says his biological mother was Evelyn’s sister Olga.
Irving says he has siblings living in England. He says he is close to them.
Irving says he was born in Georgetown, Guyana. He talks about spending 10 years in England. He says he spent time there with his biological mother and siblings.
Irving says he attended Norwood College in England.
Irving talks about being a black officer in the Royal Navy.
Irving says he returned to Guyana to run a radio station there.
Irving says he has lived in New York, Missouri, Virginia, and Kansas. He says he went to seminary school while in St. Louis and became a pastor.
Irving says he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, after retiring.
Irving remembers working in telecommunications and being encouraged to join the Navy. He says he was offered a commission as a Lieutenant, which he accepted.
Irving says his first assignment was in Malta. He says it was exciting and that life as a Lieutenant was really good.
Irving says he left the Navy after five years because no one mentioned signing up again.
Irving says he was married with two sons when he returned to Guyana. He says his third son was born there.
Irving says he missed the Navy. He says he served on frigates.
Irving talks about his time on the HMS Verulam and the HMS Dreadnought.
Irving says he met his wife, Dorothy, at Norwood College. He remembers meeting in the library to talk every evening.
Irving says he spent three years at Norwood College. He says Dorothy studied biology at Imperial College London.
Irving says Yohance was born in the United States. He says he is thankful to the Lord for giving him these 4 sons.
Yohance brings up his brother, Esan, who is currently estranged from Irving. Irving says he prays for his sons everyday.
Irving talks about the importance of church and school support for young people. He says his sons were kept busy with sports.
Irving says his advice is to work hard and do the best you can while respecting your elders and your fellow human beings.
Yohance asks if there is anything Irving would have done differently. Irving says he would have stayed in the Navy, and he would have had mentors.
Irving says he does not know much about his biological father. He says he met some members of his father’s family when he was in his 40s. Irving says he does not have hard feelings toward anyone.
Yohance asks if Irving has a bucket list. Irving says he would like to own some more homes. He says he currently has three.
Irving says he is thankful for his wife of 55 years.
Yohance asks about Irving’s legacy. Irving says he has been faithful to his family; he says he has never wavered.
Irving says he is asking the Lord for another 22 years.
Irving says his sons are passing on good traits to their children.
Irving talks about his wife who has stayed with him through good times and through hard times.
Yohance thanks his dad.
Participants
- Irving Simon
- Yohance Simon