Simon S. Eng, 65, of Potomac, MD, was born on April 25, 1951 and passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Maryland, Baltimore Pharmacy School in 1976 and continued his education by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy with Honors from The University of Florida in 2002. He served as a U.S. Public Health Service Officer for 25 years and achieved the rank of Captain. He was stationed at the FDA where he worked as a Regulatory Project Manager.
Simon is survived by his father Sun Shing Ng; his wife, Lily Chua; two sons, David and Stephen; 4 sisters, Lina, Nancy, Diane, Kathy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Simon had many passions: walking and running, photography, gardening, and more.
Simon’s sons did not know this until recently, but they discovered a payment dating back to 1995 along with an intricate blueprint outlining the details of their home garden. They were astonished how much time, effort, and devotion Simon put into the planning of this garden- a true reflection of his character. It is still thriving today.
Simon took the Surgeon General’s call to action to promote walking and walkable communities very seriously. He strapped on his Fitbit and became so competitive that he would walk several hours a day to get as many steps as he could. He knew this would spark competition amongst his friends and peers and thus make them walk more. His lifestyle change was extreme. Even the day before Simon’s death, he bragged to David about how he was invited to a steps competition by his former pharmacy school student and her friends who were much younger than him. He went on to beat peers less than half his age!
Simon was in the middle of training for the 2017 ARMY 10 mile race – a race over a year away. He ran the 5k marathon for the FDA on a yearly basis and always bragged to Stephen about how much faster he was than his younger peers. In the most recent 5k race he ran, it was raining heavily but Simon still took out his camera and took a selfie of himself and his competitors as they crossed the finish line- proud and joyful of their accomplishments.
It was very difficult to gather photos of him because he was always the photographer, energetically taking photos at every gathering, each opportune moment, with every special person in his life or simply a moment he found beautiful and worth keeping. There are endless memories through the photos he took – although he is not the subject, each memory was captured by him. Simon was even named the honorary photographer for the Office of Program and Regulatory Operations.
Simon remembered his late mother fondly and carried on her unflagging work ethic. He constantly spoke of his love and admiration for the sacrifices she made for their family. Up until his passing, he also took great pride in caring for his father, David and Stephen’s Grandfather. They were always busy smiling and taking selfies together.
They had a ritual of cooking 3 dishes every night and Grandfather was named his sous chef because Simon always wanted him to feel of the utmost importance. When they would eat dinner, Simon would ask him after every single bite, “Does it taste good?”
Simon took care of everybody in the neighborhood. In the wintertime, he would shovel snow off each driveway using his trusty snowblower. One winter he even injured his rotator cuff and had to undergo surgery, after shoveling snow off a neighbor’s driveway! He would make sure everyone’s house was clear before even shoveling his own. He even made a point to fix a neighbor’s mailbox that was damaged.
Being in the military, you receive many benefits, but Simon played by the rules. He made sure never to take advantage of any of these because there were others less fortunate than him who needed those benefits more; however, Simon himself came from humble beginnings. He paid his way through school as a taxi driver. Many years later, when Simon was established in this country, he and his sister Diane sponsored 16 cousins to come to the United States.
Simon was extremely hard working. He had many students throughout his career. These pharmacy students of his were inspired by him in many ways. He mentored and taught them by his own free will, knowing he gained nothing in return but the knowledge that he was empowering them through education. He was instrumental in assisting many of his students and acquaintances to work for the FDA. At least five of his son’s friends are currently employed there. Simon even convinced one student of his to remain at the FDA when she had an opportunity elsewhere, and because of this decision, she went on to marry her future husband also employed at the FDA! Simon was given an honorary role at their wedding for being a great matchmaker.
Above all, Simon loved spending time with his sons and wife. Not only was he a family man at home, but in recent years, the entire Eng clan worked for the FDA and kept in constant contact daily through their work communicator- sharing everything from mundane details of their days to asking each other for advice.
Over the years, the family has traveled distances near and far. Together they enjoyed road trips, fishing, and visiting theme parks. Although Simon worked hard, it was important to him that his family was able to relax and take vacations together.
Five years ago, Simon helped his eldest son purchase his first home. He chose a fixer-upper so that he could spend time with David, passing on his many skills and indefatigable workmanship. The two worked tirelessly together, every day for six months. This bonding time was equally special to both father and son.
Simon’s legacy is carried on through these kind acts, only a few of which are shared here. It is because of this rare selflessness that his colleagues, friends, family and network of people are struggling with and suffering this sudden and tragic loss. But it is shown in people’s responses that his eternal and boundless kindness must live on in the people that knew and loved him for this.
If you knew Simon, he loved two things more than any hobby: making new friends and helping anyone who crossed his path. He will be remembered forever as a kind and great man, son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. An inspiration to those around him, a hero to some, an amazing human being to all. He touched everyone’s lives and he will never be forgotten, nor will his heroic deeds.
