Harold SIMPSON Obituary

July 28, 1935 - September 11, 2021

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our treasured father, Harold (Bud) Simpson. Bud passed peacefully in Peterborough, surrounded by the love of his entire family. Bud will be deeply missed by his children Peter (Cynthia), Juli (Andrew), and Karri. His grandchildren Tyler (Bronwen), Brady, Parker (Kate), Megan (Zachary), Jason, Mackenzie, and Connor will always cherish the time they spent with their Buddy. Bud was predeceased by his wife, Gwendolyn Simpson (nee White). He is survived by brothers Bruce (Jean, deceased) and Gerry (Patricia) Simpson, and many nieces and nephews. Bud was born in Peterborough to parents Emma Muriel and Ernest James Peter Simpson. He married Gwen, his high school sweetheart, in 1958. Bud began a nearly 50-year career teaching in a one room school-house, and moved on to teach at several Peterborough secondary schools, including Crestwood, Kenner, and finally Thomas A. Stewart. Bud also helped young students get their drivers licences, working as a driver's education instructor. His enthusiasm for teaching was apparent to all who knew him. After retiring from the secondary school system, Bud felt very fortunate to become part of Peterborough's continuing education programs, teaching grade 12 equivalency English at Quaker Oats, GE, and various night school programs. Bud's passion for teaching was reignited by the enthusiasm, commitment, and desire to improve displayed by these mature students. Bud was a passionate and loyal volunteer at St. Luke's Church, where he was a warden and sidesman for many years. Alongside Gwen, he also volunteered for 30 years with the Peterborough Meals on Wheels program. Bud and Gwen were incredibly happily married for 63 years and Gwen was the rock of Bud's world. We will all remember them dancing together so beautifully at their 60th wedding anniversary celebration. It was inspiring to see them "still dancing in the kitchen" after 60 years! Bud and Gwen's family home on Glendale Drive was full of love and laughter and was the gathering place for many memorable parties and celebrations. The decades spent there created life-long friends and turned neighbours into extended family. More than anything, Bud loved spending time with his family. Weekends, vacations and retirement were happily split between family in Havelock, Cobourg, Montreal, Ottawa and White Rock. Like Gwen, Bud most loved to have the entire family all together, spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Bud was so proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow and mature into wonderful young adults. Bud will be remembered as a principled man, a loving husband, an exemplary father, a compassionate and committed grandfather, and a loyal brother. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff at Royal Gardens Retirement Residence for their attentive and kind care. Thank you to Sara at the Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program, you made a real difference in Bud's life. A special thank you to Dr. Stephane Dallaire for his long-term commitment to our family with continued compassion, advice and support. Due to COVID a Celebration of Life will be held when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bud Simpson may be made to the March of Dimes, Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program by calling 1-800-263-3463 or by mail: March of Dimes Canada, Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program 13311 Yonge St, Suite 202, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4E 3L6