

January 25, 1926 - August 15, 2020
Signed and framed, Bob Simpich’s ninety-four years might well be expressed by
his stunning five-panel oil painting hanging in a hospital waiting room. Displayed
is a Colorado mountain stream—transcendent, yet so lovingly detailed you’re
hearing water. It’s injured, yet refined by time; searching, deliberate, yet
extravagant. Lifegiving.
This achievement, dedicated in 2008 for display at the St. Francis Medical
Center, Colorado Springs, was thumbnailed by young “Phil Bob” as he delighted in
the impressions of light and color, form and texture dancing across a Missouri farm
near Rocheport. Born in Maryville, MO, the three-year-old and his family found
refuge here during the Great Depression.
A one-room schoolhouse began the sketching process, an opportunity to draw
“as much as you want—hotdog! As long as the assignment’s done.” Elementary
and secondary schooling in Columbia, MO (where the Simpiches settled in the
mid-‘30s) brought encouragement and valuable exercises in spontaneity—even as
parents, Phil and Susie, and sister, Tancy, stood by puzzled, yet beaming with pride
at Bob’s artistry splashed across numerous mediums and styles.
The discipline, focus, and concentration this mountain stream masterwork
would require were certainly honed at the University of Missouri where he
received his MA. But it was his sixty-two year marriage to an artist his equal,
Janice Nickson, that stretched the canvas and steadied the easel. A job teaching art
in the District Eleven schools moved the newlyweds from Missouri to Colorado
Springs in ‘52. Here his energy and rapport with students caught the eye of district
leaders. Positions as district art director and supervisor soon followed. All the
while, a growing family—four beloved children: Ragan, Gretchen, David, and
Brenda Sue, and an endless list of hobbies (camping, fishing, miniature trains,
sailboats, photography, calligraphy, pottery, archery) all laid drop cloths and adjusted the
lighting; set things in place to really get going... For at the end of the day, it was all
about the painting. His efforts were prolific: oil, some acrylic, portfolios busting
with watercolors (Bob and Jan’s first dates were watercolor excursions, afternoons
by a Colorado stream). Finished framed works were sold and given to his beloved
family and friends.
Oh, but there was this distraction—this unstoppable little “character doll”
enterprise thing—fueled by Jan and HER unquenchable artistry. It tended to take a
lot of Bob’s time, and best energy, and innovation. How he loved and supported
his wife. This “sideline” eventually became a business employing over one
hundred people, busting the seams of three commercial properties, and carrying
Bob and Jan’s artwork to homes around the world. “But Janny, there’s this
mountain stream waiting! The paint’s squeezed out… The lighting’s good!”
The exquisite work of art did get painted. And it seemed the raw talent, the
years of prep, the skill, opportunities, even the distractions had gotten everything
ready. But Bob, mysteriously, through decades and by design, was in truth being
chiseled, smoothed, and refined by the very Source of this mountain stream. The
Life Giver, this relentless Hound of Heaven, was forging, demanding this artist’s
very soul… and threatening to grab the brush and place His own signature on the
canvas. Bob—with bowed knee, bruised pride, with an ever-growing passion for
this greater Artist’s instruction manual; for this Sovereign Who commands the roar
of seas, as well as the rush of mountain streams—relinquished his brush, over and
over. And from this act, LIGHT was—and IS—given to Bob’s art. (It’s even in
the faces and spirit of all those character dolls, go figure.)
And an example of a cherished man “in Christ” was rendered and lived out over
nine decades. Thirst-quenching refreshment was and is offered to all who are
anxiously alert, weary, and seeking—in the waiting room—to observe and receive
Living Water. Thank you, Mr. Simpich, for displaying this work for us. And, just
as you truly wanted, we can’t take our eyes off the signature.
A memorial service, including live stream, will be held at First Presbyterian
Church, Thursday, September 3rd at 10:30am. www.firstprescos.org
PORTEURS
Joe SimpichPallbearer
Charlie SimpichPallbearer
Kemper SimpichPallbearer
Toby SimpichPallbearer
Chase CorneliusPallbearer
Jack DevinePallbearer
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