Gilbert Clark Simpson

He leaves to mourn his sons Douglas and Craig, daughters Karen (Harvey) Enns and Sheilagh (Trevor) Dohie; his cherished granddaughters, Ainsley (Kyle) Prior, Jennefer (Derek) Waskul, Shayna Simpson, and Chelsea Enns (Albert Gorter); great-grandchildren Cameron, Gavin, Justin and Gwynn. He also leaves his beloved brother Gordon (Ida) Simpson of Kelowna B.C.; brother in law Doug (Donna) Craigie, sister in law Eileen Craigie, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Edna in 2000, after 50 years of marriage; his parents Clark and Olive (nee Gilbert) Simpson.

Gilbert was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Fort Rouge, graduating from Kelvin High School. He then answered the call to serve, joining the Royal Navy in 1944, through 1945, training in Esquimalt, B.C., serving on the H.M.S.C Prince Rupert. Post war he was employed with Air Canada (TCA) as a Procurement Officer in Purchasing & Stores department for over 23 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed many a luncheon with the Air Canada Pionairs. After taking early retirement from Air Canada, he was employed with Sears Canada for 10 years.

A sports enthusiast, he played baseball and hockey in his youth and enjoyed golf well into his 70’s, attending golf tournaments with his Air Canada coworkers. Dad was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. A proud moment in his life was with his brother Gord, as they accepted the Hockey Hall of Fame Builder Award in 1993, on behalf of their father Clark Simpson’s team building contribution of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Gil and Edna (nee Craigie) married in June of 1949 and lived in Fort Rouge before their permanent residence in St. Vital, where he lived through to October 2016. Dad was a very independent man, with his greatest desire to live his life in his family home. He loved attending family gatherings, dinners at his daughters, and sports/school events of his granddaughters, camera always in hand.

Dad’s favorite past time was his time spent at Grand Beach, renting each year and then eventually purchasing a family cottage in 1999. Thereafter, Grand Beach became a summer residence for Dad. Many family memories were made there, again camera always in hand. We are so grateful for those photos today. There were many a card game played with friends Fran & Flo, a highlight of his time at the beach. Dad had a strong sense of community, recycling before it was customary, as well as donating blood of over 100 donations, being commemorated for this valued contribution.

We will forever miss you Dad.

“Young at Heart” – Frank Sinatra

“And if you should survive to a hundred and five

Look at all you'll derive out of bein' alive

And here is the best part, you have a head start

If you are among the very young at heart”

Cremation has taken place. No service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Circle of Compassionate Care program with St. Boniface Hospital. The family thanks the wonderful caregivers in the Palliative Care Ward of St. Boniface Hospital.