After graduating as a microbiologist, Simon Klapish came to Australia in 1979 on a one-year work permit. He subsequently worked in Belfast for 18 months before migrating to Australia in January 1982. Later that same year, he joined the Australian Army Reserve and went on to hold the rank of Captain before retiring in 1993. He has since completed a Masters Degree in Business (Marketing) at RMIT University.

Klapish has travelled extensively. The experiences gained from this author having visited more than 50 countries are said to have contributed to the content of his books. Likewise, the period Klapish spent working in Northern Ireland and his military background provide the backdrop for much of his first novel, Ripples of Revenge (2000).

Klapish has lived in East Bentleigh, Melbourne.