Simon Ternier

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for the life he lived, we celebrate the life of Simon Ternier, who passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, at the age of 87.

Born in Jacmel, Haiti, Simon carried with him a deep appreciation for hard work, perseverance, and family. He immigrated to New York in the late 1960s before settling in South Florida in the early 1980s, where he built a life filled with purpose, friendship, and love.

A Man of Many Talents

Simon was truly a Renaissance man. Over the course of his life, he worked as a pharmacy technician, cab driver, and eventually as an accountant and bookkeeper for Miami-Dade County's transit system, where he proudly retired after years of dedicated service.

His talents extended far beyond his profession. Simon was a gifted handyman, mechanic, gardener, and exceptional cook. If something was broken, he could fix it. If there was a problem, he could solve it. Family and friends often turned to him for help because they knew he would always find a way.

Many will fondly remember his famous Haitian-style chili and signature baked potatoes, dishes made with the same care and generosity that characterized his life. They will also remember his uncanny sense of direction. Long before smartphones and navigation apps, Simon could guide you anywhere you needed to go, often knowing a better route than anyone else.

The Man We Knew and Loved

Simon had a warm spirit and a playful sense of humor. He loved music and could often be heard humming a favorite tune as he worked around the house or spent time with family. He faithfully enjoyed his daily lottery ritual, always hopeful that the next drawing might bring a little extra luck.

More than anything, Simon loved his family and took great pride in caring for those he loved. He was generous with his time, willing to lend a helping hand, and steadfast in his commitments. If Simon told you he would be there, you never had to wonder. He would show up.

His reliability, kindness, and quiet strength made him not only a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, but also a trusted friend to many.

His Greatest Legacy: Family

Simon is survived by his beloved wife, Genevieve Charles-Ternier, and his eight children: Rachelle Charles, Frances Ternier, Joane Ternier, Jerry Ternier, Alain Laveau, Daniel Laveau, Rodney Laveau, Rose Ternier and family dog Junior.

He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Devin A. Durner, Jeremy L. Ternier, Jacob S. MacMillan, Abigail Charles, Ellis Bowman-Laveau, Ralph Nelson, Marc Nelson, and Theresa Nelson.

Though he leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly, he also leaves a legacy that will continue through each of them: a legacy of perseverance, hard work, generosity, devotion, and unconditional love.

A Life Worth Celebrating

For 87 remarkable years, Simon touched the lives of countless people through simple acts of kindness, steadfast support, and unwavering love for his family. We will miss his humor, his humming, his cooking, his stories, and his ability to fix just about anything.

And somewhere, we’d like to imagine Simon is still doing what he did best: helping someone find their way, humming a favorite tune, sharing a good meal, and reminding everyone that there's always a better shortcut.

Rest peacefully, Simon. Your love remains in our hearts, and your legacy lives on in every life you touched.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever our Simon.