Buford Sid Simmons, 80, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at Country Meadows Retirement Center in Sedro-Woolley, Washington after a short battle with cancer, with his companion, Alice McFalls, daughter’s, Patty Brotzel and Barb Carpenter, grandson, Rick Brotzel, and close friend Stephani Metcalf at his side.
He was born on November 7, 1928 in White Pass, Georgia, the son of Samuel and Mary Etta Jones Simmons. Sid moved to Washington in 1943 with his sister Bonnie. He owned and operated a shake mill in Lake Stevens for many years. He later resided in Sedro-Woolley and for the past 12 years has resided in Darrington.
He was united in marriage to Roberta Baxter and became the father to two sons, Terry and Steve Simmons. In 1991, he came in contact with a past love of his life, Donna Jones and they were married in 1996. He then became the proud father of six girls, Karen, Barb, Martha, Crystal, Deb and Patty and grandfather to 13 grandchildren.
After many years playing music, he became a member of Ernie Queens Blue Grass Band playing lead guitar and singing bass. He traveled from Canada to California playing in many venues.
Sid also enjoyed fishing and always had a smile on his face. He had a positive attitude and was telling jokes even in his last days of life. Sid was a very generous man. Everyone he knew looked up to him and he had special relationships with many friends and family especially his grandson, Rick. He was a man that any one who knew him would be proud to know and be brought a smile to thousands of faces.
Sid is survived by his companion, Alice McFalls of Marysville. Two sons, Terry Simmons, and Steve Simmons and his wife, Beth of Bellingham. Six step-daughters, Patricia Brotzel of Burlington, Deb Carpenter of Sedro-Woolley, Martha Gribble of Sedro-Woolley, Fay Gingell of Forks, Barb Carpenter of Forks, and Crystal Carpenter of Mount Vernon. 13 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and his close friend, Jim Philips. Four sisters, Betty Arrington of Darrington, Bonnie Evans, Beulah Arrington and Mabel Ber Heul all of Everett.
Sid was preceded in death by his parents, his wives Roberta and Donna, his partner Emma Schrock and his brother, Cephus.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 11:00AM at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Jim Cannon officiating. Interment will follow at the GAR Cemetery in Snohomish. A fellowship gathering will follow at the home of Rita Sateren, 5215 S. Machias Road, Snohomish and at the home of Patricia Brotzel, 10791 Jordan Road, Burlington. Memorials are suggested to North Puget Oncology at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley.
