We are deeply grieved to inform you that Rev Dr Simon Carey Holt has posted his last writing to you all, due to his very sudden death on Tuesday 25th August 2026.

The family wanted you all to have the following information as the community of his readers, from all over the world, meant a great deal to Simon.

Please be kind to each other (and yourselves) as he would want.

This is a link to the official tribute page and livestream details:

Rev Dr Simon Carey Holt, beloved writer, thought leader, chef, public theologian and pastor, died on Tuesday, 25th of August, in The Royal Melbourne Hospital after a very brief battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  His life will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 11am at Collins Street Baptist Church in Melbourne, where he served as Senior Pastor for 16 years. All are welcome to attend.  The celebration will also be live-streamed.

Simon will be missed every day by so many people, but especially his wife of 37 years, Brenda; his children, Alese (and her partner Daniel) and Nathaniel; his brothers Mark (and Val), Larry (and Jo), Greg (and Sally), Paul (and Cindy) and Ben (and Zoe);  his 17 favourite nieces and nephews, their partners and children; and many close friends.  At the heart of things, Simon was devoted to his family but never saw that as a closed group.  There was always room at the table for one more, a room in the house to stay, dessert to be shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a blood or plasma donation to the Red Cross or a financial contribution to Collins Street Baptist Community Care.  

The family would also like to thank the outstanding staff of the Royal Melbourne Hospital:  teams from Emergency, Coronary, Haematology, and ICU gave Simon outstanding, professional care during his brief illness and we all so appreciated them.

Donations to Collins Street Baptist Community Care:

Please donate via direct bank transfer.

Account Name: Collins Street Baptist Community Care ltd
BSB: 633000

Account Number: 227052859

Memorial Service: Fri 4 Sep 11:00 am

Collins Street Baptist Church
174 Collins Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000