“I’ll see light”

Left to right: Joyce Gordon, president and CEO, Parkinson Society Canada, David Simmonds, and Debbie Davis, CEO, Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario.

David Simmonds is well known to readers of the Times as the purveyor of clever and poignant observations through his weekly column in these pages. Many also know David by way of his musical gifts—his enchanting ability to weave amusing, honest, personal and touching revelations into spare yet timeless music.

Some will know that David has battled a cruel and debilitating disease for the past 20 years. Few, however, know how much he has helped other sufferers of Parkinson’s disease.

David was not yet 40 when the disease set upon him. Parkinson’s is an ailment mostly associated with the elderly. It is unusual for it to afflict a man in his prime. David was raising a young family and building a strong career as a trust attorney with Gowlings, one of the largest and most respected legal firms in the country.

Since he was diagnosed, David battled the disease with a series of medications. But by 2000 he had to choose—his health or his career. By the time he made the decision to leave Gowlings he was already immersed in the Parkinson Society, helping to restructure and raise funds for the national support organization. He persuaded his former partners to underwrite an annual prize to recognize leadership among those living with Parkinson’s disease. The award came to be known as the David Simmonds award.

Each year someone with Parkinson’s is chosen to receive the award created to “honour the unique contribution and charisma of David Simmonds”.

David continues to work with and contribute to the better understanding of said Gordon. “He led the charge to build a united and strong national Parkinson’s movement.

“He crafted the National Agreement Among Canadian Parkinson Societies, which took effect in 2001. This led to greater cohesion across Canada in working together and in delivering services to Canadians living with Parkinson’s.”

Gordon highlighted Simmonds’s range and energy.

“David is an eloquent spokesperson and superb writer,” said Gordon. “He has testified before Senate Committees and before the Parliamentary Health Committee. He actively participated in our National Summit in 2007, which developed a fiveyear road map for Parkinson’s in Canada.”

Gordon quoted from song David wrote that speaks to his determination and optimism:

“I won’t stop dancing ’til the band runs out of music, I won’t ever stop my soul from singing, I won’t forget my strength can come from others, and I won’t forget that joy can live with sadness. I won’t see darkness, I’ll see light.”