Leonard “Len” Verrill Simpson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. Born August 26 1932, to Marguerite and John Simpson, Len grew up in Sunnyside, Washington with 11 brothers and sisters. Len met and fell in love with his bride of 61 years, Lorraine, while visiting his brother’s in-laws. The two married November 3, 1951, and raised 5 children: Bobbi, Janet, Gloria, Lenny, and Kristi. They settled in a house that Len built in Sumner, Washington.
He worked hard to provide for his family, sometimes holding down 3 jobs at a time. He was most notably employed by Mt. Rainier Ordinance Depot, Dieringer School District and Puget Sound Energy. In 1974, he was offered a job as relief operator on the “Puget Power” Baker River Dam Project in Concrete, Washington. He moved and lived in Concrete until retiring at age 68. Three years later, he built another house in Pierce County where they moved back to be near more family.
Len will be remembered with love by all who knew him. He was a leader in his community, a long-time member of his church, volunteer of 2 fire departments, the American Legion, Lions club, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Concrete, Washington where he was a member for more than 35 years. Another gathering and potluck to celebrate Len’s life will be held Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at the Wilkeson Eagles Hall in Wilkeson, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations can be made in Len’s memory to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 567, Concrete, WA 98237.
Len was just the best guy..always a smile! Hospitable..kind, generous..all of these. We will miss our dear friend, but know that he is in the arms of our Lord, and hope this brings peace to Lorraine and the family. We will always miss him. Love to all of you, Vicki and Mike
Janet, so sorry to hear about your dad. Although I didn’t know him, I’m sure you need comfort at a time like this. It’s been over 20 years since we spoke and I lost track of you. E-mail me: royalt@wildblue.net or call sometime, 360 599 2550, would love to chat. Ted
Lorraine and the entire Simpson family, you are in our hearts, and prayers. Len was such a great friend, who always had a smile,a giving hand, a warm heart,and always a welcome to join the family in anything you did. We have so many wonderful memories of the years we lived down the street from you. He was so proud of his kids and gradchildren and esp. Tori who spent much of her younger years with grandpa and grandma. Len will be missed by all who knew him and will remain forever in our hearts. I pray you find peace knowing he is with our Heavenly Father and will never be far away.Let your family and friends help you through these difficult days and weeks ahead. Love to all of you.Les and Becki
I just met Leonard in the past few weeks when he came to Concrete to look at his rental house. He had to come see our garden and began conversation with a smile. (Our house is behind his rental house.)He offered me apples and plums from his trees. And he looked so healthy for being 80 years old. He had a twinkle in his eye and was very kind and friendly. Even though I just met him recently, I must say, he was a special person, and I wanted his remaining family to know that I am sorry of their loss and you are all in my prayers.