Steven Lawrence Simpson

Steven Lawrence Simpson of Manhattan Beach passed away October 20, 2009 after a five-year battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Russell, Kansas November 21, 1957. As an infant he attended classes at the University of Kansas with his parents, sitting in lectures and art classes. He lived in Wichita, Kansas until 1970 when he moved to Hermosa Beach.

He enjoyed playing many sports including baseball, basketball and karate. He reached Eagle Scout at fourteen years of age, and received the Voice of Democracy Award as a seventh grade student in Hermosa.

He received his Bachelor's Degree in English from UCLA. After a fifteen year career In real estate in South Bay, he returned to classes at California State University Long Beach receiving his Master's Degree in English, was a member of Phi Kappa Phi, which is an honorary society and taught at El Camino and Cerritos Community College, as well as a student teacher at CSLUB while working on his degree.

His love of great literature includes favorites John Updike, Truman Capote and T. C. Boyle. His favorite musical influence was Paul Simon.

Steve was a composer, lyricist, pianist and guitar player, playing original compositions at many local "open mic" events. He completed his first music CD in 2000, following with a second in collaboration with his son Beau Simpson, completed in May 2009.

His philosophy revolved around hope, benevolence and beauty. Steve lived his life with strength and compassion for others, especially for his younger sister, Laura, who has cerebral palsy and is deaf. He encouraged his son, Beau, to "do what you love." Steve was greatly influenced by the example of courage his Grandfather, Ivan Holt, gave him.

He is survived by his mother: Barbra Holt Simpson, father: Jay Simpson, sister: Laura Kay Simpson, son: Beau Stephen Simpson, ex-wife: Jeri Aragon Simpson, and his girlfriend, Carmen Malouf, with whom he developed a loving relationship in 2007.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations are to be made to IMBCR (Institute for Myeloma and Bone Cancer Research) 9201 West Sunset Blvd, Ste. 300, West Hollywood , CA 90069, MMRF (Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) 383 Main Avenue, Fifth Floor, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851 or charity of your choice in Steven Lawrence Simpson's name.

The Funeral Mass will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2009 at American Martyrs Church in Manhattan Beach.

Please use this website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services.