Alan McDavid Simpson

Alan McDavid Simpson passed away in Grand Junction on July 1, 2014, after a brief illness. He was born on Glade Park, Grand Junction, CO, on February 19, 1920 to Benjamin Harrison Simpson and Mary McDavid Simpson, who were early pioneers and settlers of the Grand Valley. He earned an Engineer of Mining degree from the Colorado School of Mines in 1944. After graduation he was employed by Union Carbide briefly before signing up with the United States Army, serving overseas in World War II as a survey engineer. Alan says he would not have been drafted and could have avoided the military because of his position with Union Carbide. He wanted to serve his country, however, so he enlisted in the United States Army. Following the war, Alan returned to work with Union Carbide and worked in various locations and positions with that company until he and his brother, Julian, started one of the largest uranium mines on the Uncompahgre Plateau, Simpson Brothers Mining Company. Alan was also involved with one of Grand Junction's earliest elite night clubs and restaurants, the Cafe Caravan. The establishment was owned and operated by his sister, Marian Simpson Vogel Young.

Alan met and married Dorothy Bulla in 1950. They had three children - Doss McDavid Simpson, wife Sarah; David Alan Simpson, wife Kyle Anne, both of Denver; and Alana Simpson Popoff, husband Victor, of Keaau, Hawaii (Big Island).

Following Dorothy's sudden death early in 1980, Alan met and married Linda Conley Pederson. Alan also took on a young family at that time, Linda's two children, Tracy Pederson, wife Melanie, and Christi Pederson-Sampson, husband Kevin. Alan loved these two children as his own, and leaves a great legacy not only as a father, but as a step-father. All three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren from Alan and Dorothy's union and marriage survive Alan. Alan is also survived by his wife Linda, his two stepchildren, their spouses, and six step-grandchildren.

Alan was the last surviving child of six children born to Ben and Mary. His youngest sister, Malinda Billingsley of Stone Mountain, GA passed away on June 12, 2014, preceding Alan in death by 18 days. The children of his siblings consisting of four nephews and one niece, along with many cousins, also join in celebrating the life of Alan.

Alan and Linda's nearly 33 years of marriage were filled with many friends, golf trips, fishing trips, international travel, and the gracious simplicities of life - fishing, reading, gardening, and enjoying their 5 children and many grandchildren. He died peacefully at Hope West hospice care center in Grand Junction.

A graveside memorial service will be held at the City of Grand Junction Cemetery, 2620 Legacy Way (Orchard Mesa) on July 8, 2014 at 10AM. A private ceremony to honor Alan's life will follow. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made in Alan's name to Hope West.

Arrangements under the direction of Martin Mortuary, Grand Junction, CO.