Mr Simon Francis Latham

Simon was born in October 1941 to Thomas and Ann Latham at Lucas Farm, White Roding. He was the fourth of five children and had 3 sisters and a brother. He moved with his family to Thaxted in 1942 where they lived at Park Farm.

Simon went to school at Wellbury and London Oratory before studying agriculture at Writtle Agricultural college. After he completed his education, he joined the family farm and stayed at Park Farm all his life.

He met his wife, Hazel, a farmer’s daughter from Cheshire who was teaching in Hertfordshire, at a rugby club event and they married in 1968. They had 3 children, Chris, Matthew and Amy.

As well as wanting to be a good farmer, conservation was very important to Simon and in the 1970’s and 1980’s he transformed the look of Park Farm by planting many acres of trees and reinstating hedgerows. This legacy will remain for future generations to enjoy.

Simon loved the village of Thaxted and played an important part in its community, having various roles in the Parish Council, Thaxted Scouts, the Bowls club, the Christmas Tree Committee, the Town Twinning committee, the Catholic church and local charities.  He also served as Chair of Governors for St Thomas More primary school in Saffron Walden and St Mary’s secondary school in Bishop’s Stortford.

Simon was an accomplished sportsman and in his youth played rugby for Saffron Walden and went on to play representative rugby for Eastern Counties. He was also a very good tennis player, a golfer and a fine shot.

In his retirement Simon welcomed 7 grandchildren and got a lot of enjoyment in spending time with them and celebrating their various achievements. He was also a great armchair sports fan, particularly of rugby and cricket. When he slowed down with work he enjoyed travelling the world with Hazel, often accompanied by friends. He also joined Dunmow Probus where he played active roles on the Committee.

Simon had a few health challenges in his later years, but his passing was unexpected and sudden. It was a comfort to his family and friends that it was quick and peaceful. He will be greatly missed by all the family and his many friends.

We have chosen two charities if you would like to donate in his memory.

Prostate Cancer UK (https://prostatecanceruk.org/), which was a condition Simon had recently been diagnosed with; and

PSP (https://www.pspassociation.org.uk/). PSP stands for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a form of Parkinsons, which is a progressive condition that Simon’s wife Hazel has.