Joseph Kenneth (Ken) Arthur Simpson

Ken, 81, beloved husband of 58 years to Shirley Simpson (née Hill), father to Janet Simpson and Melissa Blanchard (Steve), grandfather to Ethan and Caleb, uncle, cousin, and friend to many, passed away on February 15th, 2026, at Providence Healthcare in Scarborough, ON. His family will be forever grateful for the gentle care provided by the hospice staff.

The youngest of ten children, Ken was born to Phillip Joseph and Florida Marie Simpson (née Seguin) on November 22nd, 1944, in Mattawa, ON. He enjoyed an active childhood surrounded by friends and relatives in their small town and had many stories to share about the (sometimes mischievous) adventures they got into together.

After moving to Toronto, Ken joined Toronto Police Services in January 1964, working in the telecommunications division. He remained on the force for 32 years, retiring on March 31st, 1996.

In 1965, a mutual friend introduced Ken to Shirley Hill, and they married three years later, on June 25th, 1968.

In 1974, while expecting their first daughter, Ken and Shirley travelled west, towing a Taylor Coach and living on beef and barley soup and tuna sandwiches. After reaching BC, they took the ferry to Vancouver Island and camped on the beach, where Shirley’s feet became so sunburnt they “swelled up like hams.”

By the end of that year, they welcomed their first daughter, Janet. In 1975, they moved to Scarborough into what would become their permanent home. Four years later, their family grew again with the arrival of their second daughter, Melissa.

The family spent summers at rented cottages around Frontenac County until 1989, when they purchased a frame-only cottage on Long Lake. Ken finished it with the help of Shirley and the girls. He installed the plumbing, wired the cottage, and completed all the finishing work himself. It was a favourite family spot for many years.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman, and a member of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Oshawa Skeet and Gun Club. He was happiest when sharing his hobbies with family and friends, whether hunting, ATVing, fishing, or woodworking. His daughters will always fondly remember fishing trips with their dad and spending hours with him in his workshop. His youngest grandson Caleb credits his 2024 CEC Kub Kar Rally win to Gramp’s help. He decided not to participate this year because he thought it wouldn’t be right to build a Kub Kar without his Gramp.

Always willing to help and always ready with advice, Ken leaves behind a legacy of generosity, craftsmanship, and quiet strength.

Ken is predeceased by his parents and his nine siblings: Isabelle Bangs (late Fred), Clarence Simpson (late Edna), Gladys Richardson, Margaret Dickey (late James), Leonard Simpson (late Evelyn), Muriel Belanger (late Ron), Reginald Simpson (Teresa), Lawrence Simpson (Cecile) and Dorothy Evans (Peter).

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society in Ken’s name.