Simon Phyllo Tate

Simon Phyllo Tate left this world on March 26th, 2025 while doing what he loved. He was a sweet man. From the very beginning, he had unusual ideas, opinions, and deep feelings. As he grew into a man, his spirit grew in kindness and wisdom. His powerful connection to the natural world grew too. He loved the creatures that inhabit it, from large to microscopic.

As a child, he wore wild hats and capes. Though his fashion sense changed over the years, the basis for his choices never did. His wardrobe was his personal style, clothes and accessories that were comfortable and made him happy.

He had a special relationship with the Earth—the soil in particular—only happy when he felt it beneath his feet. Shoes were too constricting. He never wore them unless absolutely necessary. When he became an adult, he changed two of his names, choosing Phyllo for his middle name in honor of the phyllosphere, the habitat for microbes and fungi above the soil surface. He overcame learning challenges to achieve a Bachelor of Science degree in Soil Science with a minor in Microbiology. He graduated with honors.

Simon never lived on the surface of life. Thinking and feeling deeply were ingrained in his nature. He learned martial arts, studied human psychology, kept bees, and tended animals, among many other interests, and was always generous in passing along his knowledge to others. His Dungeon’s and Dragon’s group appreciated his creativity and humor.

His spiritual nature manifested in many ways. He spent much time at the Hanuman Temple, where he is well-known and loved. In recent years, he has shared his gift for human connection with people on the fringe by teaching skiers with disabilities and by care-taking an elder of the community with dementia.

Simon Phyllo Tate was proud to be a Taoseño. He sometimes felt like an outsider in this world, and yet he touched the lives and hearts of so many. He was loved by his family, his friends, his temple community, his ski community, the people who accompanied him in his journey from his start as a curious bean sprout to his end as a gentle, wild, generous man. He will be sorely missed.

Jay Jay Jay

Simon Das

Ki Kay

The family of Simon Phyllo Tate has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com