David George Simpson

David George Simpson

David George Simpson was born on October 13, 1938 and died in his home, in Iroquois Falls, on March 20, 2024.

With his wife Laurette by his side, he moved his young family from Ontario to Northern Saskatchewan to manage Hudson Bay stores in Green Lake and Cumberland House. In 1978 they moved to Pickle Lake, ON where he managed the Hudson Bay Store that then became the Northern Store. During these transfers, which included Iroquois Falls, Smooth Rock and Long Lac, he left an indelible trail of good-humoured companionship in his wake. In more recent times, winters under the Arizona sun with his partner, Laurette Paradis, paired with summers loafing on Cameron’s Beach with his grandchildren, made his head and arms leather-tanned and freckled. He had ruddy cheeks (that got redder as he drank around a campfire), bright sea-blue eyes, and a booming laugh that bounced across the walls. He was a green thumb and a voracious reader of romance, mystery, and crime novels. Though he was tender and affectionate to many, he was particularly so with his grandchildren and dogs. Sensitive but unserious, open and inviting, Dave was inclined toward connection and fun; he knew that pleasure could be multiplied by being shared with others. He wanted to be included and part of the world; to sing, dance, and laugh; and to let good things happen to him. 

His most treasured accomplishments were his three remarkable daughters and the lives and families they created; their successes were his and are reflective of the great joy and love he brought to life. He reveled in the talents of his loved ones and sought every opportunity to celebrate them. Dave’s was a life of satisfaction and pleasure, and he did not, in the end, suffer at all. He knew a good time and surely went in pursuit of one elsewhere, alongside his late family. Dave was “awesome, awesome!”

Dave was predeceased by his wife Laurette (nee Lacroix), his parents David and Maebelle Simpson, his stepmother Helen Simpson, sisters Cathy Liznick and Molly Biglow and brother Rick Simpson.

He leaves behind his daughters Donna (Rene) Lavoie of Welland, Connie (Denis) Labreche of Iroquois Falls and Shelley (Arthur) Lacelle of Sudbury, his grandchildren Amy (Ryan) Mahler, Taylor (Jenna) Labreche, Meghan (Joanna) Lavoie, Mandy Labreche, Jenna (Paul) Latawiec, Jordan (Alisha) Lacelle, Abby (Aidan) Lacelle. His great grandchildren Riley, Finn, Olive, Scottie, Eli and Madelyn will miss Poppa as will his sisters Beverly Cassel, Dale Greatorex, Carrie Lehoux, and Helen Simpson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Legion Hall in Iroquois Falls on April 13 starting at 2pm. Friends and family are welcome to come and spend the afternoon reminiscing and celebrating in Dave’s fashion.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Northern Ontario Animal Welfare Society (for rescue dogs) would be appreciated.

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