Keith Simmonds ‘will go on to leave a positive legacy in the Niagara community’

Former co-workers, politicians and business leaders are remembering Keith Simmonds for being a popular tourism figure in Niagara, and for being a mentor and helping others.

An outpouring of tributes to Simmonds, the longtime general manager and vice-president of Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls who was killed Saturday in a cycling collision, have been posted to social media, with people sending their condolences to his family and looking back fondly at his legacy.

Keith Simmonds was always able to balance professionalism and running a tight ship with encouraging fun and laughter," said Mac Fraser, on Facebook. I'll fondly remember Jays games, riding water slides and giving each other a point and a nod if we didn't have time to chat. Truly a great boss, a greater man, and a tragic loss for not just Great Wolf Lodge, but the Niagara region."

Simmonds was one of, if not the best" general managers Paul Huggins said he ever had the pleasure to work with and learn from."

Over my two years working for him as sous chef at Great Wolf Lodge he mentored me, coached me and taught me many valuable career and life skills - which I still use and remember to this day," Huggins posted to Facebook. Thank you for being such a big part of my life and career, and for being my friend of many years."

Crispin Bottomley said he worked for Simmonds for more than two years at Great Wolf Lodge, then later volunteered together at Niagara College in the hospitality and tourism program advisory committee faculty meetings.

I respected his leadership style and the way he led," wrote Bottomley on Facebook. He will go on to leave a positive legacy in the Niagara community."

Niagara Falls Tourism president Janice Thomson said her great memory of Keith" is seeing him out in the community, always at the forefront of raising money for children's charity, for being enthusiastic, for involving other people, in terms of donors or sponsorships or support."

He was a good person to rally support for those charities," she said in an interview. He always positioned Great Wolf Lodge as a great participant in those community events, the community fundraisers, for various charities."

City Coun. Wayne Thomson said he dealt with Simmonds for years, and credited him for being responsible for one of the best businesses and attractions in Niagara Falls."

He was actively involved in the community and also a great manager of Great Wolf Lodge," he said in an interview.

I dealt with him for years when I was the chairman of Niagara Falls Tourism, and he had, without exception, the best business in the city for families. Every time you would drive by that facility, the parking lot was full."

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati took to Twitter to say he was heartbroken" to learn of the collision that claimed Simmonds' life.

RIP, Mercer. You will be missed."

St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik also tweeted that he was heartbroken."

A real class act," he said.

Rocco Rossi, president and chief executive officer of Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said he was crushed" to learn of Simmonds' death.

He had an enormous heart and was always looking for ways to help others," tweeted Rossi.

A statement issued by The Jim Pattison Group, Ripley Entertainment Inc. and Great Wolf Lodge of Niagara Falls said Simmonds was general manager and vice-president of Great Wolf Lodge since its inception more than 17 years ago. It said Simmonds took great care in supporting his work family and instilling a sense of pride in everything that his team did."

Keith often referred to the Lodge as the Little Log Cabin on the Parkway' and was instrumental in ensuring the success and growth of the company's Niagara Falls location."

The statement extended the company's heartfelt sympathy" to Simmonds' wife, Toby, and his children, Ben and Nick.

In a press release issued Saturday evening, Niagara Regional Police said a collision occurred on Niagara Parkway between Victoria Avenue and Whirlpool Road at about 11:20 a.m.

It said a cyclist, who police did not identify, was struck by a vehicle going in the same direction. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ray Spiteri is a St. Catharines-based reporter for the Niagara Falls Review. Reach him via email: raymond.spiteri@niagaradailies.com