On April 13, 2006 Dallas and the world lost a great man when Francis Simun passed over in a Pittsburgh hospital after fighting a brain tumor for nine months. Francis was 71 years young and his bright spirit will be missed by countless friends/customers of The Francis Simun Bakery on Commerce Street.
Francis Simun was best-known as a macrobiotic chef who baked delicious organic breads and muffins without sugar, dairy, fat, or yeast. His products were sought after by people with allergies and other food sensitivities. His customer list included people from all over Dallas, the U.S., and even Europe.
Francis Simun was an original, with his infectious laugh, his quirky sense of humor, and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Francis seemed to have an ageless light-hearted spirit. Those who knew Francis more intimately knew of his deeper, more passionate, nature. Francis shared his love of classical music, politics, and God with anyone who took a moment from the busyness of life to listen to a piece of classical music with Francis, or to hear him tell about the latest news from the Vatican.
I was one of the lucky ones. When this magazine was young I would personally drop off copies at Francis’ bakery and Francis would tell me about how things were and how they should be. I joked with Francis that he was a “walk-in”—a spirit-filled being that occupied the body of some middle-aged guy. It was my way of telling Francis that he was “out of this world.”
In the past few years I lost touch with Francis as my visits downtown grew infrequent. I let the busyness of my life take over. I’ll miss those carefree moments spent with Francis. Out of time and out of this world, Francis had a way of making the present moment feel more alive, brighter, richer, and deeper. Francis, your passionate life touched so many souls, free from your well-worn body, may your soul rest in peace.
Blessings,
Tony Cecala
P.S. The Francis Simun Bakery at 3106 Commerce Street, in Deep Ellum, is still open and is being run by the current employees, 214-741-4242.
About Tony Cecala
Tony is a business strategist. He publishes the Holistic Networker and produces the Wellness Expo. In his spare time he reads about technology and the mind.
- Web |
- Flickr |
- More Posts(165)
