Last night I attended the St Patrick's College Speech night with my son. I was shocked when Simon Peter's father approached the microphone to present the "Simon-Peter Kolibac Memorial Prize for Year 11 Chemistry". I had met SP when he was in the latter part of Year 12 and I was working at the College. While I have not run into him since then, he had made a lasting impression on me - I felt so sad when I heard that he had lost his battle. My heart goes out to his family and friends for the ongoing grief and loss that they must feel.
The Memorial Prize is a fitting tribute to Simon-Peter's life, intellect and passion. Each year his spirit will be passed on to other young men who share his passion for science.
Catherine Reynolds

I didn't know you but I know you now fly high.
High up with the birds that once filled you life.
Did you know you were a fledgling to family and your friends and they were not quite ready to let you leave there nest.You take so much love with a love that will servive but everyone is missing you and wish you were still alive. May an Angel hold you in her wings so you can rest in peace

You always knew when Simon-Peter was in the room. His exuberance was infectious. To us SP was cheerful, outgoing, sociable and hard working.
Very independent and self sufficient in the lab, he was not afraid to strike off in his own direction, dragging out ancient textbooks in search of further insights into the chemistry of Prussian blues. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t, but he persevered.
Few of us had any idea of the struggle that he fought daily and hid so well. The only clues were the occasional absences and late mornings, but even then he mostly managed to make the 9 am group meetings.
It is hard to express the sense of shock, bewilderment and grief in the School when the news of his passing broke, but that is not how he will be remembered. To me he will always be that buoyant, enthusiastic young man that I knew for too short a time.

There are just so many stories... Simon and I were friends by default when we realised that we lived 5 mins walk from each other, and from then on the stories begin.
We did everything from walk from Netwown to Concord through to harrassing Santa girls. One Sunday night, my doorbell rang at 12:30. SP was standing there with a monkey wrench in the rain and insisted that this was the best time to steal the Concord Street signs on Denison and Kendall Street before they were to be replaced by the ugly City of Canada bay signs! So out we went, SP standing on my shoulders andafter two hours of struggling to undo the Denison St sign, telling some old passer by to get stuffed, and SP dropping the Kendal St sign on my head; we finally returned toour dissaproving parents. SP, you will always be a 22 year old University student, always looking for some other way to go against the norm. God bless, good luck.
Doukas.

simon peter will always be to me, the little rascal who laughed at me on a family holiday years and years ago when i fell over and sprained my ankle - and proceeded to video the whole incident. it still makes me smile to this day. he was the nicest boy, with the kindest heart and the many many fond memories i have, will remain with me forever.
kate h
xox

The thing that stood out the most about SP was that he was a bright person with a great personality when he walked into a room he filled the room up with life. I have alot of memories of SP but ill only name 2 (SP joined my family up at the central coast in January) 1 SP Anthony Alex and I filled up water balloons and threw them off the appartment balcony towards the pool area aming them at whatever we could hit. 2 SP Anthony Alex Bec Liv and I wanted to go into the spa area but in order to get in you have to pass the reception area where the staff members always work wont let anyone under the age of 16 in the spa. Because Alex is only 13 he couldn't get in, so SP had an idea to throw all our towels ontop of him and try and smuggle him into the spa room. When we entered SP destracted the staff by talking to them until Alex got into the spa. 1 hour past when staff members noticed and told him to leave. Thoughts and prayers are with the Kolibac family. Thanx SP for so many memories.

cara zia rita ti mandiamo le nostre più sentite condoglianze . la notizia cia ha addolorato molto. vi siamo vicini nel dolore. renato maria assunta nonna blandina e tutti noi.

Dear Rita and family,
for the short time I knew Simon-Peter I knew him to be a lovely, warm young man. I was not surprised, when I realised he was the son of Rita. I have many fond memories of our time together at St Josephs Enfield, and I hold you in high regard. My heart breaks at the thought that you have been dealt such sorrow,
I cannot fathom the depths of despair, however your courage and faith will carry you. My prayers go out to you and your family, my love and many warm hugs as well.
Kind Regards
Manuella

SP was a terrific young man. He was intelligent, had a wicked sense of humour and was really other person centred. He was held in high regard by his peers and the staff. My thoughts and prayers are with you SP and also with your family and friends.
Timo (St Pat's Strathfield)

I remember Simon-Peter at family functions as this little shy boy with a big smile. When I think of Simon-Peter I remember that big smile. Simon-Peter, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. To the Kolibac family, my heart and tears are with you and I send my love.
Mirella ( Bologna, Italy)