Obituary of Alan Simpson

It is with great sadness that the family of Alan Simpson announces his peaceful passing on May 23, 2013. Dad was surrounded by his family and was in the comfort of his home as he had wished. Alan was predeceased by his beloved wife Elizabeth (2007), his parents Albert and Jeannie Simpson and a sister in infancy. He is survived by his children Esther King (Frank) of Chilliwack, B.C., Alastair of Chilliwack, B.C. and Anne Huntley of Waterloo, Ontario. Lovingly remembered by his many grandchildren, Robert, Rebecca, Stewart, Samuel, Savannah, Faith, Farah, Angel and Joudelie King, Kyle, Duncan and Aidan Simpson, Andrew, Heather, Erika Siegner, Michael and Grace Huntley. Alan leaves behind his sister-in-law Esther Pigott (Brian) of London, England. Dr. Simpson was born in London, England in 1930 and was mostly educated in Aberdeen, Scotland where he graduated in medicine in 1953. After a series of internships and a two year spell of compulsory military service - some in Egypt but all in peaceful combat - he emigrated to Newfoundland and Labrador then Montreal to complete training as an anaesthetist. He joined several other anaesthetists in Kitchener in 1961 and worked for over 40 years at the two local hospitals. Dr. Simpson became more and more appreciative of his teachers. There were many of these, starting with his parents who paid for his education and insisted on 'homework'. Then all the teachers in medical school and elsewhere, the nursing staff at hospitals and surgical colleagues. Finally, his own family, who patiently showed the importance of social and family life. In retirement Alan kept busy with his garden, was involved with Third Age Learning, Probus Club and helping others. Family, neighbours and friends knew him as a man of honesty, integrity and selflessness. Alan found his happiness in helping others and in his endless pursuit of knowledge. Alan had a strong belief in learning and teaching which motivated much of his life. The Alan Simpson Community Care Clinic was opened in Simonette Haiti in 2010 as a tribute to the learning that Alan felt was vital to future generations. While the goal of the clinic was to teach, the clinic has been doing acute care since the earthquake. If you would like to donate to the clinic in memory of Alan Simpson, donations can be made as detailed below through the funeral home. Dad was a great role model to all of us in many ways and his many grandchildren can attest to the many "lessons" ranging in topics of geography, history, politics, etc. The family would like to sincerely thank so many people for the care and compassion shown to Dad throughout his illness. His family physician Dr. Norman Bodkin, Dr. Donna Ward and her palliative care team, CCAC and their great nursing staff, family, friends and neighbours. Special thanks also to daughter Esther, the family nurse, who travelled from Haiti to be Dad's "private" nurse! Friends are invited to share their memories of Alan with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday May 27, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday May 28, 2013 at 1pm in the Chapel of the funeral home. Reception to follow in the Fireside Reception Room of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully received for Tytoo Gardens Children's Foundation, Mennonite Central Committee, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation or Grand River Regional Hospital Foundation and can be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.