Far too many memories to put into words you big spunk - the posers we are... I'm going to miss the dance offs and the Cornell sweat... James Brown will never be the same... Heeeya!! The christmas games and the coona's that resulted. The look on your face when Sandra and I broke into 'Shoop' on the way home from our first dinner together... Finally I had somoine on my side loving Salt n Pepa. What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. Your bogan sista will miss you all the rest of her days xx

Simon, My wish for you now is that God may take you to heaven and that you be filled with His love, light, peace and joy for eternity. Please God hear my prayer. ITNOJIP. Amen Maureen (SRE teacher)

Op-shopper extraordinaire, dancing man, old school Masterchef, dandy, deep thinker, fiercely loyal friend, raconteur, incredible musician, funny bugger of the highest order, you've left a great big Simon-shaped hole in all our lives. I'm so sorry you're gone. With much love to Sandra, Yvonne, Peter and Sarah.

I remember last year chatting to Simon when he was taking a kindy class for the day. He had a massive and friendly smile and I thought he was so trendy. Genuine person too. Loved his arty/jazzy dress sense! I have a big envelope full of personal cards made by a year 5 class for your family. Some touching comments and memories from them - some down to the detail...eg: drawing pictures of you with sleeves half rolled up, wearing your vest and belting out some tunes!

Simon we worked with you such a short time..your lovely smile, and sense of fun will stay in my memories. Brooke Keevers APS

It was really great to meet Mr. Cornell, who always carry smiles with him. His dancing was great, and it was our pleasure to have him in our school. Although he only stayed at our school for about a term, everybody loves him. He was one of the teachers who is amazing. He was a creative, energetic, hardworking, delicated person who enjoys making people laugh. Rest in peace, Mr. Cornell. Thanks for all your great time. We all missed you. Jeffrey

We still can not believe that you have passes away. We will miss your beautiful smile and the love that we saw between Sandra and yourself. We will miss how my Simon will call you 'Simon no.2' and he was 'Simon no.1'. You are now Sandra's ' Simon no.1'. My Simon has picked out a star in the night sky and named it after you. It is one of the most beautiful stars I have seen, just like you. We wish with all our heart and soul that you were still here with us and read all these beautiful messages and know that you are a wonderful and amazing person. Rest in peace Simon Love Sally, Rammiro, Simon and Nathan xoxoxo

I remember seeing Simon perform in a play at Darlo Theatre. He was very good, as always; though something unfortunate happened in a scene where Simon’s character had to stage-fight one of the other characters. He slightly mis-timed it, and accidentally broke the other fellow’s nose. Poor Simon was mortified, especially being such a gentle soul as he was… Simon looked after our house and our dog once when we went away on holidays. We had only recently moved in and we just had vegemite-jar glasses to drink out of. Simon accidentally broke one, and felt so bad about it he bought us a whole set of proper drinking glasses. And the dog fell in love with him, of course. Don’t believe from these two stories that our Simon was clumsy though! Far from it: that man always looked good on the dance floor. R.I.P dear Simon. You were a kind, thoughtful, talented and generous person. You will be greatly missed.

Mr Cornell is the greatest teacher on earth. He gave us singing, dancing and the whole lot. I was in his class so I know how much a great, excellent teacher he was. He helped me with my self portrait and I loved it. I will treasure it forever to remind me of him. I missed him when he left LPS, but now that I know he is gone forever I am crying. From the day that I found out I knew my friends would miss him but I will miss him more because he is the best. Louisa, 5A, (5C) LPS oxo

To my soulmate Simon. The first night we met my whole world stopped. You were the most wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, charming, loving and stylish man that I have ever met. The last two years were only filled with words of love. I don't know who else will serenade me, care for me or hold me the way you did. I was alway so proud of you and believed in you. I thought our love story would be longervthan this but I am so thankful that I spend such a blissful time with you. I have comfort in knowing that I told you how wonderful you were everyday. Though my heart is shattered I live in the hope of seeing you again and being yours once more. I love you with every part of me and I adore you more than words.

Joy

14 years ago

Thank you for your beautiful words and pictures. Thoughts and prayers are with you and Simon's family. Love Joy c/o Artarmon. Will donate to the nominated charity.

To my soulmate Simon. The first night we met my whole world stopped. You were the most wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, charming, loving and stylish man that I have ever met. The last two years were only filled with words of love. I don't know who else will serenade me, care for me or hold me the way you did. I was alway so proud of you and believed in you. I thought our love story would be longervthan this but I am so thankful that I spend such a blissful time with you. I have comfort in knowing that I told you how wonderful you were everyday. Though my heart is shattered I live in the hope of seeing you again and being yours once more. I love you with every part of me and I adore you more than words.

You always found the right things to say and the best words of advice - and then you'd pick up your guitar and put it into song! I hope that I can share what you've given me (and everyone else around you) and help other people smile like you would always make them smile.

I work in the Library at Lindfield PS and was able to see how well Simon worked with his students and what a fabulous teacher he was. He was an absolute asset to this school. Sincere condolences to family and friends. Margaret Knight LPS

Have not known you for a long time but what we knew of you was a kind and gentle person who worked hard and was dedicated to his class. We will miss your beautiful smile.

You had a sensivite caring attitude to all the children in your care - Artarmon school will miss you. Rest in peace. Danita

To my soulmate Simon. The first night we met my whole world stopped. You were the most wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, charming, loving and stylish man that I have ever met. The last two years were only filled with words of love. I don't know who else will serenade me, care for me or hold me the way you did. I was alway so proud of you and believed in you. I thought our love story would be longervthan this but I am so thankful that I spend such a blissful time with you. I have comfort in knowing that I told you how wonderful you were everyday. Though my heart is shattered I live in the hope of seeing you again and being yours once more. I love you with every part of me and I adore you more than words.

I work in the library at LIndfield PS. I often had the chance to observe Simon working with his class.He was a dedicated and hardworking teacher. Everyone liked Simon and we were very disappointed when he received his placement at Artarmon. Sincere condolences to family and close friends.

It was fantastic to have you in our school, Mr Cornell. Your funny actions reminded of you. You are definitely one of the best teachers I ever had. It was really shocking when our school principal told us you had passed away. I couldn't have imagined that. Rest in peace for now, we all missed you.

Simon had a smile which would fill the staff room, day in and day out! My fondest memory of Simon, would have to be his fantastic rendition of Linfield Publics School song. When asked to approach the stage for a last hoorah sing a long with the school - Simon's beeming voice hailed across the hall loud and clear, accompanied by his loving/caring smile which stretched from ear to ear (standard). Although this simply wasn't enough, Simon then continued the song by dancing and kicking up his heels, pacing back and forth across the stage thrusting his fists into the air as he marched proudly . . . . . . . Ill never forget it! There was not one person in that whole entire room without a smile on their face. Thats what you did best . . . . just that . . . . . . light up a room no matter what the circumstance. Thanks for great chats and silly laughs. You'll be missed dearly! Em Bradley. xo

You were a dynamic, energetic, creative and dedicated teacher. You were simply a top bloke. You will be missed.

Simon we will miss you dearly. Your beautiful smile and loving ways are memories we will treasure always! Love Fay Bronte and Peter xxx

mr.cornell was a really good teacher he would help me and all my class mates he always sang us these songs he was a fun and caring teascher we will miss him my friends and i wish he was still here with us today love from hanna-5a L.P.S

His guitar playing was great. we had a short time with Mr Cornell.but he was one of the best teachers i had. we will miss him. and remember him always smiling.

I worked with Simon at Drummoyne PS when he took on a Year 5 class a few years ago... My favourite memory is an assembly performance Simon co-ordinated and played at with his class- nothing traditional or boring, but his own original rendition of a song from the Flight of the Conchords. Hilarious, and touching. I couldn't get the song out of my head for days. Simon was an awesome teacher who knew how to make learning fun for his students. He also provided lots of laughs in the hallways and staffroom. What a shock to hear such tragic news. We at DPS will miss him...

Simon I loved our quirky little chats - mostly at gigs, I just wish we got to have more of them. What a perfect pair you and Sandra made, we will look after her for you buddy. love xxx

What a kind hearted person you were Simon. You had a gentle way and a gift with children. We will miss you. Joy c/o Artarmon.

The very first memory I have of you, is walkiing into your dingy little terrace 12 years ago in Melbourne . You with guitar in hand, me there to learn Marvin Gaye's 'I Want you' for the Rat Pack show. A great first memory, first meeting, immediately singing together. I will hear you speak and see you dance and hear you sing until I meet you again special beautiful friend. I loved every moment I shared with you. emX

Mr. Cornell was the best teacher ever. When i couldn't understand something he would help me as much as possible so that i could understand. He was a really fun teacher because he did loads of art with us and he even brought his guitar in and sang songs with us. We miss him lots. Love from Layla - 5A L.P.S javascript:void(null)

Simon was my daughter's teacher at Lindfield PS. He was a dedicated teacher, and always very interested and concerned about his pupils' well fare. My daughter adored him. He was artistic, and encouraged her to draw. Simon was sad to leave Lindfiled PS, and was worried about leaving year 5 half way through the year. My daughter and I will miss him, RIP.

You way you were made everyone smile.