Donald Simpson

Donald Simpson of Ridgetown, much loved husband of Donna Jean (Pfaff) Simpson passed away at Victoria Hospital, London surrounded by his family on Friday June 21, 2013.

At their home on May 2, 1925 to Willard & Janet (McLarty) Simpson a son was born. The seventh of fourteen children who would be born on this farm and to this family, they named him Owen, after his uncle and Donald which would become his given name. Growing up in a large family had both challenges and rewards. Long days and hard work would form the backbone of a closely knit family; a family who would appreciate the gifts of an ordinary day…a ride in a rumble seat, the shade of the big maple tree in the yard, an orange for Christmas and a walk to the Klondyke to pick watercress for sandwiches. Don was able to attend the Ridgetown Vocational School, but after his mother’s death when Don was 16 and his father’s death when he was 21, he stayed at home to help farm and raise his younger siblings. One day he met a beautiful young lady named Donna Jean Pfaff and on May 2, 1955 they married, beginning a journey that would span over 58 years. Don and Donna stayed on the family farm which was recently given the status of a Century Farm and raised their own children; Deb & Andy Bossy of Chatham, Dwayne & Dorothy Simpson of Leamington and Deena & Sean McBrien of Ridgetown. They were also blessed with grandchildren Jessica & Emilio Iacobelli and their daughters Bria and Aylin, Erica & Ryan Reaume and their children Rex and Qhloe, Nicholas Bossy, Gregory Bossy, Melissa Simpson and Christopher Simpson & Stephanie Puhr and their children Liam and Noah and Chris’ daughter Taylor.

Don loved to work the land. He was a good neighbour. In his spare time he loved to go to auction sales and repair bicycles. Often he would have a row of bicycles that he had fixed in the front yard for sale. If you needed a bike part, somewhere in the barn he would be sure to have one. He was a kind man with a gentle voice; a man of infinite wisdom.

Don is survived by his siblings Fern Simpson of Strathroy, Ruth Campbell of Blenheim, Ray & Ruth Simpson of Blenheim, Russel & Ruth Simpson of Glencoe and Fred Simpson of Dutton, by his brothers and sisters in law Marjorie Simpson of Ridgetown, Bob Eskritt of Ridgetown and Helen Field of Ridgetown and by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Kelso & Grace Simpson, Max Simpson, Eileen & Adrian Hayes, Adelaide Simpson, Doug & Marjorie Simpson, Beth Eskritt, Ivan Simpson, Edward Simpson, Percy Pfaff, Rev. Alex J. Simpson, Mac Campbell, Bernice Simpson, Donna B. Simpson, Jean Simpson and Jack Field.

Friends and family are invited to the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Monday June 24, 2013 from 3:00 – 5:00 & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. to show their support to Donna and her family and again at the Erie Street United Church in Ridgetown on Tuesday June 25, 2013 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the Funeral Service for Don which will begin at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Ridgetown Rotary Club or World Vision.