Simon Ipe

Simon Ipe embraced every moment of life. He loved God with all his heart, and he ran his race with focus and determination. He believed that every challenge should be accepted fully and every task done wholeheartedly. His joyful and adventurous spirit livened every interaction. Simon Ipe, son of P.C. Ipe and Susan Ipe, was born in Kunnamkulam, Kerala, India on July 4, 1951, and grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. He received his B.S. in Chemistry from Madras Christian College and his B. Commerce from Vaishnav College in Chennai, India. He completed his Chartered Accountancy in 1978. Simon married Elizabeth (Geetha) Mathew of Cochin, Kerala, India in 1980. Together, they raised four children: Mary-Susan Danker-Dake, Mary Anna Pothen, Ipe S. Paramel, and Mathew S. Paramel. Simon began his career in India with Indian Organic Chemicals and later worked at Tata Finlay and E.I.D. - Parry (India) Ltd. In 1984, he accepted a two-year international contract with the Tanzania Audit Corporation, and the family moved to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. After six years in Tanzania, Simon accepted a position with the Government of Botswana, and the family relocated to Gaborone. Simon and Elizabeth remained in Botswana for the next 29 years. Upon Simon's retirement in June 2019, he and Elizabeth relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be close to their children and grandchildren living in the United States. Professionally, Simon served in financial and executive roles at the Bank of Botswana, KPMG, and Bifm (Botswana Insurance Fund Management). Most recently, he was with the Bank of Botswana, the country's central bank as Technical Advisor to the Governor of the Bank of Botswana, and he continued in that capacity until his retirement in June 2019. Simon served in Botswana during a transformational period of the country's growth and development and was instrumental in developing and strengthening the financial infrastructure of the economy. Simon loved Jesus Christ with all his heart and sought to share the love of God with everyone he met. During his student days, he was involved with the Union of Evangelical Students of India and the Evangelical Graduates Fellowship. He and Elizabeth served together with Scripture Union and volunteered their time and service to many non-profit organizations in Tanzania. In Botswana, Simon and Elizabeth served together and provided leadership for several outreaches and ministries through Alpha Botswana: couples through the Marriage Course and the Marriage Preparation Course, students through Alpha for Youth, and people in the community and prisons through Alpha. Simon was also a treasurer and church warden in the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross of Gaborone, Botswana. In the United States, Simon was involved in various outreaches, especially prison ministry through Kairos. At the end of April 2023, despite his illness, he completed his commitment to finish the spring session at Dick Connor Correctional Center. This service to his Lord brought him great joy and satisfaction. Upon his retirement, Simon felt directed by the Lord to write commentary on and summarize each Sunday's lectionary readings to aid ministers in writing their sermons. He was gratified that he was able to complete the commentary and the summary of the full 3-year lectionary cycle. Simon was beloved by all who knew him. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor, teacher, and friend to many. In his final moments, his grandchildren expressed their love and affection by remembering all the times he showered love on them. His gentleness, humility, and care for the needs of those around him are fondly remembered by all. He was hard-working and persevering, and he acknowledged God's goodness in his life. He was always ready to help and would never say no to anyone if it was within his power to help. He was gracious and forgiving all his life. Simon is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his two daughters, Mary-Susan and Mary Anna; his two sons, Ipe and Mathew; his sister, Jasmine Zachariah; his three brothers, David, Job, and George Ipe; and his five grandchildren, Sophia, Priyanka, Paul, Lizzy, and Nina. Viewing 10am-8PM, with family greeting friends from 5-7PM, Friday, June 2, 2023 at Moore's Southlawn, 9350 E. 51st, Tulsa, OK. Funeral Service will be 10:00 A.M., Saturday, June 3, 2023 at First Methodist Church, Tulsa, OK. View the Memorial Service. Memorial Service for Mr. Simon Ipe Friday, June 9, 2023, at 1400hrs Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Gaborone, Botswana View Livestream. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Kairos of Oklahoma in honor of Simon.

Simon Ipe

July 4, 1951 - May 27, 2023