Family members are remembering an Edmonton husband, father and well-known animal rescuer as a man whose generosity and compassion touched countless lives after he was struck and killed while stopped on the Capilano Bridge last month.
Derek Simenac, an arborist and father of four, died May 21 after pulling over on the bridge to check his work equipment. His family says helping others was simply part of who he was.
“To us, he was simply Derek. A man with a huge heart who believed that helping others was the right thing to do,” said Trinity Wright-Griggs, Simenac’s wife.
Relatives describe Simenac as someone who never hesitated to assist others, often without seeking recognition or compensation. They say he would go out of his way to help anyone in need, whether a neighbour, stranger or animal.
While many knew him for his work as an arborist, Simenac also earned a reputation as “Edmonton’s Cat Rescuer,” helping retrieve cats stranded high in trees when even fire crews could not reach them.
His neighbour and co-worker, Rick Nielsen, said the pair likely rescued more than 100 cats over the seven years they worked together.
“He’s got every single one out of the tree, brought up a little laundry basket on a rope and he would bring some cat treats in his pockets and he’d get them out every time. I don’t know how he did it but they’d always end up in that basket… sometimes they’d run away and he’d have to climb up from one tree to another just with ropes… it was crazy,” Nielsen said.
Since Simenac’s death, the family says they have received an outpouring of support, including messages from people they have never met who wanted to share how he had impacted their lives.
According to the family, many described Simenac as a hero and said he left behind “a legacy of kindness and compassion.”
His brother, Drew Simenac, said that legacy extends far beyond the cat rescues that made him well known throughout the city.
“I think he left a great legacy, not only with his cat rescue but with helping neighbours, just being a kind-hearted person and helping anyone in need. He would’ve pulled over on the side of the road that day to help anyone stranded, changing a tire or something in bad traffic,” he said.
An online fundraiser has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support Simenac’s wife and four children.
Wright-Griggs said she hopes her husband’s story serves as a reminder of the impact a single person can have on others.
“We hope his story reminds people that one person can make a difference in the lives of many… and that how short life can be,” she said.
A funeral service for Simenac is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. at Park Memorial Funeral Home near downtown Edmonton. Family members say anyone who knew him is invited to attend and may have an opportunity to share memories if time permits.
Derek Simenac, Edmonton husband, father and well-known animal rescuer killed while stopped on the Capilano Bridge. (Courtesy: Simenac family)
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