On that day... we've lost something that could never be replaced.

"Someone". Even if many fansubs translate it that way, I don't think Simon would ever refer to Kamina as "something".

You could also look at it as 'We lost his leadership, his guidance, his charismar'. You know. 'Something' like that.

monae said:
"Someone". Even if many fansubs translate it that way, I don't think Simon would ever refer to Kamina as "something".

I would argue that it's correct as "something" because Kamina was seen as the embodiment of many ideals.

For me, the saddest, and yet the best scene of the entire anime. Just... beautiful
"Listen, Simon, never forget. Just believe in yourself! Not in the Simon that I believe in, not in the Kamina that you believe in, have faith in the Simon... that believes in you!"