It is with deep sadness that I write about my friend and colleague Simon Tilsiter, who died last year following a courageous battle with cancer. I am honoured to have the opportunity to celebrate Simon’s life in the Jewish Chronicle, many of whose readers will have worked with Simon as managing director of Strettons and as a leader throughout the property industry.
Simon joined Strettons in September 1990 as a graduate trainee, fresh from Oxford Polytechnic, now Oxford Brookes University. From his earliest days, he brought an unmistakable energy and warmth to everything he did. He had a rare ability to combine sharp commercial insight with genuine care for people, and that balance defined his entire career.
As Simon progressed through and helped shape Strettons’ business, he moved from auctions into property management and later became a director. It was clear that leadership came naturally to him. He understood instinctively that people mattered most – clients, colleagues and communities alike. Becoming managing director in 2019, he led with integrity, calm judgment and kindness.
Simon took immense pride in supporting graduates and mentoring young professionals. He was generous with his time, thoughtful in his advice and quietly proud of the successes of those he helped. With colleagues throughout the property industry, he was a convivial conversationalist, always ready with a joke, an infectious laugh and the ability to put people instantly at ease. Simon was deeply committed to the Jewish community and gave his time and expertise generously. He advised housing charities, was actively involved with the Community Security Trust and was passionate about Jewish learning and education through organisations such as Seed and Aish. He was proud of his identity as a British Jew and lived his values daily through family, friendship, learning and service.
Simon embraced life fully. He loved travel and the outdoors, particularly cycling and skiing, he trained in krav maga with characteristic determination and his artistic pursuits included drawing and watercolour painting.
Above all, Simon was a devoted family man. He and his wife Beverley were married for more than 30 years, building a home grounded in love, respect and Jewish values. He was immensely proud of his three daughters, Carla, Ella and Zoe, and spoke about them constantly. They were the centre of his world.
His daughters describe him as a loving father, loyal friend and a man with a true zest for life.
He was someone who seized opportunities with optimism and enthusiasm. That spirit stayed with him to the very end. Even in his final weeks, Simon remained engaged, thoughtful and outward-looking, concerned as much for others as for himself.
Simon leaves an extraordinary legacy, not just in the business he helped lead, but in the people he supported, the community he served and the family he adored. He will be deeply missed and always remembered.
In tribute to Simon Tilsiter, Strettons has set up a fundraiser in aid of the charity Seed, which provides adult and family Jewish education across the UK through formal study and informal experiences. Seed aims to strengthen the family through positive Jewish encounters and by sharing the richness of Jewish life, learning and values. Donations can be made at justgiving.com/page/simon-tilsiter.
Mark Bolton is managing director at Strettons
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