Bob Simon Remembered as a Journalist, Father, Hero

By Chris Ariens 

“60 Minutes” correspondents Morley Safer and Steve Kroft were among those who eulogized Bob Simon at his private funeral at the Metropolitan Opera House this morning. The service, which got underway around 10:45am, was attended by 150 close friends and colleagues and included a rendition of Ave Maria sung by the Met’s Diana Damrau.

“60 Minutes” EP Jeff Fager and Sir Howard Stringer, who started at CBS News in 1967 (the same year as Simon), and went on to run the network in the 1990s, also spoke at the service. One of the most poignant moments came when Norman Lloyd, a former CBS News cameraman, revealed‎ for the first time that Simon saved his life, and the life of a sound man, when all three were covering the Vietnam War.

Simon’s daughter Tanya, a “60 Minutes” staffer who produced his final story, wrapped up the event with a beautiful recollection of her father. Most of the “60 Minutes” family then went to PJ Clarke’s across the street to continue to remember their dear friend.

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Simon died last Wednesday as the result of a car accident in Manhattan.

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