Simon Antoine Horness

Simon Antoine Horness (1936-2026), age 89, of Tucson, AZ, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026.

Born April 24, 1936, to Latife Horness in Damascus, Syria, and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. He moved to Baton Rouge, LA and met the love of his life, Katherine Elizabeth Horness, at LSU, and they married in 1958. Simon served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Stuttgart, West Germany, as an ambulance driver. Following his service, he returned to LSU and graduated with a BS in Accounting.

Simon began his career at LSU as the Foreign Student Advisor before moving to Tucson in 1970. There, he served as the Director of the International Student Office at the U of A and as President of NAFSA (Association of International Educators). His expertise took him to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, where he worked establishing universities. He concluded his distinguished professional career as an administrator for the U of A Alumni Foundation and the College of Business. Simon was widely respected as an outstanding administrator with a tireless dedication to helping students.

Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Simon traveled extensively across the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. He was known for his charisma, quick wit, and the 67 years of happiness he shared with Katherine.

Simon is survived by his wife, Katherine E. Horness; his children, Antoine F. Horness Sr. and wife Catherine; Bruce D. Horness and wife Julie; and Simone E. Horness; his four grandchildren, Alexa K. Horness, Antoine F. Horness Jr., Travis J. Horness and Adam B. Lamberton; and three great-grandchildren, Theo M. Horness, Harlowe S. Horness and Lilith Horness.

Per Simon's wishes, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.