Michael Robin Clarke Simpkins

Michael Robin Clarke Simpkins died peacefully on November 4th, 2026 secure in the knowledge that he was loved by his wife Niki (Woppit) his five children, and his six grandchildren A man of immense likeability, Mike was known for his kindness, his open charm, and his wonderfully spontaneous sense of humour.

Born in Vancouver, and educated at St. George’s Boys School for his senior years, Mike went on to study for a year at UBC before joining his father’s automobile company, Clarke Simpkins Ltd., where he worked his way through the ranks in sales and then management.

In 1972, on a tip from a friend, he re-met and then a year later married his Woppit. Absolute soulmates from the start, they immediately joined forces and started on the journey that would give them 53 years of happiness. Often finishing each other’s sentences, or communicating through the hidden language of their eyes, they shared a sense of humour which was the catalyst for many a fun evening.

Always an outdoor man, Mike loved to boat and sail at Secret Cove, to ski with his Aussie pals at Whistler, and to hike up local mountains to explore nature in all its aspects. When he and his wife took over the ownership of a 45 acre farm in 1998, he found himself totally in his element. He hiked through bush, planted trees, planned gardens, mowed fields and loved every moment of it. Astride his beloved Big Red, he would roar about from field to field totally unaware that the horses were bolting and that his barking dogs were manically racing after him in hot pursuit. Big Red, by the way, was Mike’s four wheeled ATV, and purveyor of four broken ribs, a slashed mouth, and a badly bruised but not bowed, mud soaked 86 year old mother-in-law!

Mike had varied interests. Propagating rhododendrons, collecting clocks (he was the proud owner of a Tompion), and hydroponic cultivation, would be to name just a few. His desire to start collecting homing pigeons however, was quickly squashed by Woppit!

In 2017 after twenty wonderful years, Mike and Woppit sold the farm and their life turned a new page. It was time for condominium living and a quieter tone. Days were filled now with long daily walks along the sea wall, afternoons watching rugby, and fun filled happy hours spent with their wonderful new neighbhours.

Mike had 92 good years on earth, and he filled those years with enduring friendships, memorable adventures and a deep love for his wife and family. His infectious sense of humour, his kindness and the unmistakeable pleasure everyone had in his company stands testament to his life well lived.

When he graduated from St. George’s in 1957, Mike was awarded the prestigious Sims Trophy. A trophy given with the following notation from the Head Master. “Awarded annually to the senior leaving boy, who, in the opinion of his masters, best exemplifies the qualities of a gentleman, a sportsman, and a scholar.”

Apart from the word “scholar” which seems highly dubious, how very fitting the sentiments of that award seem even today. For Mike did indeed leave this world “a courteous, chivalrous and honourable man”. The true definition of a gentleman. And, oh, how he will be missed!

“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, a cause to which Michael regularly contributed”.