Simon Ganet Chicago IL Obituary: Associate Director at Digitas North America Dies After Battle With Cancer; Twin Brother, Annie Hoesly, and Colleagues Mourn.

A Creative Light Extinguished: Simon Ganet of Chicago Dies After Courageous Cancer Battle

CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago community is mourning the profound loss of Simon Ganet, Associate Director at Digitas North America, who died following a long and courageous battle with cancer. His passing has left an indelible void in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Simon Ganet was not only a talented creative leader in the advertising and digital industry but also a man of remarkable warmth, creativity, and deep personal connection.

Simon Ganet approached his illness with the same determination and grace that defined his life. Though his battle with cancer was arduous, those closest to him say he never lost his spirit, his humor, or his ability to make others feel loved. His death marks the end of a life lived fully — but his legacy of kindness, collaboration, and joy will endure.

Who Was Simon Ganet? A Life of Creativity and Connection

Simon Ganet was a resident of Oak Park, Illinois, a near-western suburb of Chicago known for its vibrant arts community and historic architecture. He worked as an Associate Director at Digitas North America, a global marketing and technology agency, where he was respected for his vision, his dedication to excellence, and his collaborative spirit.

Colleagues at Digitas North America remember Simon Ganet as more than just a talented professional. He was described as thoughtful, generous with his time, and deeply invested in helping others succeed. Whether leading a complex campaign, brainstorming creative concepts, or mentoring junior team members, Simon brought a sense of purpose and joy to his work.

“Simon had a rare combination of creative brilliance and genuine humility,” said a colleague who worked alongside him for several years. “He could solve problems that stumped the rest of us, but he never made anyone feel small. He lifted people up. That’s a gift.”

In the competitive world of advertising and digital marketing, Simon Ganet stood out not only for his results but for his character. He understood that the best work comes from trust, respect, and authentic collaboration — values he embodied every day.

A Bond Like No Other: Simon and His Twin Brother

Perhaps the most touching aspect of Simon Ganet’s life was the extraordinary bond he shared with his twin brother. In a heartfelt tribute shared following Simon’s passing, his twin described him as a best friend, confidant, and lifelong companion whose presence shaped every stage of life they shared together.

The bond between twins is often described as uniquely close — defined by an almost telepathic understanding, shared memories, and unwavering support. For Simon and his brother, that bond was the foundation of their lives. They grew up together, faced challenges together, celebrated victories together, and navigated the complexities of adulthood side by side.

“Losing my twin is like losing half of myself,” the tribute reportedly read. “Simon was not just my brother. He was my first friend, my constant, my mirror. There is no one else in the world who understood me the way he did. And now he’s gone.”

The twin brother’s words have resonated deeply with those who have read them, serving as a reminder of the unique and irreplaceable nature of sibling bonds — particularly between twins. As the family mourns, they do so with the knowledge that Simon and his brother shared something rare and beautiful, something that death cannot erase.

The Love of His Life: Annie Hoesly

Simon Ganet is also remembered for his deep and abiding love for Annie Hoesly, his partner who stood by him throughout his illness and his life. Those close to the couple describe their relationship as one built on mutual respect, shared passions, and unwavering support.

Annie Hoesly was not only Simon’s romantic partner but also his confidante, his caregiver during difficult times, and his greatest champion. Together, they built a life in Oak Park filled with meaningful routines, quiet moments, and shared dreams. Friends say that Simon’s face would light up whenever he spoke of Annie, and that their love was evident to anyone who saw them together.

“Annie was Simon’s rock,” one friend said. “Through every treatment, every setback, every small victory — she was there. And he was just as devoted to her. They were a team in every sense of the word.”

In the memorial arrangements, Simon and Annie’s home in Oak Park will host a gathering on Friday, allowing friends and family to pay their respects in the space where the couple shared so much of their lives together.

Passions Beyond Work: Curling, Dancing, Baking, and Joy

While Simon Ganet excelled professionally, those who loved him best remember him for his passions outside of work. He was an avid curler — a sport that requires precision, strategy, and teamwork — and he found great joy on the ice. His curling teammates remember him as both competitive and gracious, always quick with a laugh and a word of encouragement.

Simon also loved dancing. Whether at weddings, parties, or just in the kitchen, he moved with a joyful abandon that was infectious. Friends recall that he was never the best dancer in the room, but he was almost always the happiest — and that happiness spread to everyone around him.

Perhaps surprisingly to those who knew him only professionally, Simon Ganet was also an enthusiastic baker. He found peace and creativity in the kitchen, and he loved sharing his creations with friends, neighbors, and colleagues. A loaf of bread, a batch of cookies, a carefully constructed cake — these were Simon’s love language. He understood that food brings people together, and he used his baking to nurture the connections he valued so deeply.

Above all, Simon treasured spending meaningful time with the people he loved. He was not someone who measured life in accomplishments or accolades; he measured it in moments — shared meals, long conversations, walks in the neighborhood, quiet evenings at home. He was present. He was grateful. He was loved.

A Courageous Battle With Cancer

The details of Simon Ganet’s cancer diagnosis and treatment have not been publicly disclosed, respecting the family’s privacy. What is known is that Simon faced his illness with extraordinary courage. He did not let cancer define him, nor did he allow it to steal his spirit.

Friends and colleagues describe visiting Simon during his treatment and finding him, against all odds, in good humor. He remained engaged with his work as long as he was able. He continued to bake when he had the strength. He cherished every moment with Annie Hoesly, his twin brother, and his wider circle of loved ones.

“Simon taught me what it means to be brave,” one colleague wrote in an online tribute. “He didn’t pretend cancer wasn’t happening. But he also didn’t let it steal his joy. He fought hard. And he never stopped caring about the people around him.”

The battle is now over. Simon Ganet is at peace. But those who witnessed his fight will carry his example with them for the rest of their lives.

Professional Legacy: A Respected Leader at Digitas North America

At Digitas North America, Simon Ganet was known as a dedicated creative leader whose work reflected his talent, vision, and commitment to excellence. As Associate Director, he oversaw complex projects, guided creative teams, and helped shape the agency’s strategic direction.

But numbers and titles tell only part of the story. Colleagues remember Simon as collaborative, thoughtful, and deeply invested in his craft. He was the person who stayed late to help a teammate meet a deadline. He was the one who offered constructive feedback without ego. He was the leader who celebrated others’ successes as enthusiastically as his own.

“Simon made work better — not just the output, but the experience of creating it,” said a senior executive at Digitas North America. “He understood that creativity flourishes in an environment of psychological safety, trust, and mutual respect. He built that environment everywhere he went.”

The agency has reportedly planned internal tributes to honor Simon Ganet’s contributions, and colleagues have established a memorial fund or scholarship in his name — though details have not yet been made public.

Memorial Service and Shiva Arrangements

A memorial service for Simon Ganet will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 2:00 PM at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, Illinois. This house of worship will provide a space for family, friends, and colleagues to gather, share memories, and begin the difficult process of saying goodbye.

Following the service, a Shiva — the traditional Jewish week of mourning — will be observed. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 5:00–9:00 PM and Thursday from 4:00–9:00 PM at the home of Ken and Marcey Siegel in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. These gatherings offer an opportunity for mourners to offer condolences, share stories, and support the family in their grief.

Additionally, a gathering will be held on Friday at Simon and Annie’s home in Oak Park. This more intimate setting will allow close friends and family to continue mourning and celebrating Simon’s life in the space he shared with Annie Hoesly.

Those wishing to attend are encouraged to check for any updates or changes to the schedule, as arrangements may be adjusted. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity supporting cancer research or patient support services — though no specific organization has been named as of this writing.

How to Honor Simon Ganet’s Memory

For those who wish to honor Simon Ganet, there are many meaningful ways to do so:

· Attend the memorial service or Shiva to offer personal condolences and support to Annie Hoesly, his twin brother, and the rest of the family.
· Make a donation to a cancer research organization, such as the American Cancer Society, Memorial Sloan Kettering, or a local hospital’s oncology unit.
· Perform an act of kindness in Simon’s name — bake something for a neighbor, go curling with a friend, or spend quality time with someone you love.
· Share a memory of Simon Ganet on social media using respectful language, being mindful of the family’s privacy.
· Support colleagues at Digitas North America who are grieving — grief in the workplace is often overlooked, but it is real and painful.

What is not helpful: speculating about the details of Simon’s illness, contacting the family directly unless you are a close friend or relative, or using his death for personal or professional gain.

Final Words: A Legacy of Love and Creativity

Simon Ganet lived a life that mattered. Not because of his title at Digitas North America, not because of the campaigns he led, but because of the way he treated people. He was kind. He was creative. He was loving. He was present.

As friends, family, and colleagues gather to mourn, they also celebrate Simon’s life and the love he shared with those around him. His memory lives on through the relationships he built, the work he contributed, and the deep bonds he formed — with his twin brother, with Annie Hoesly, with his curling teammates, with his baking recipients, and with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Simon Ganet.

You are deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed. May your family — especially your twin brother and Annie Hoesly — find comfort in each other, strength in treasured memories, and peace in knowing that your legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew you.