Tom's Obituary

SIMPSON, Walter Thomas (Tom), C.D.
Walter Thomas (Tom) Simpson, C.D. In Toronto, on August 26, 2008, surrounded by his family, Tom Simpson, a devoted husband, father and grandfather who served his country, died after a courageous fight with cancer, in his 69th year. Beloved husband of Rosemary; loving father to Diane (Anthony), Alan (Lisa) and Susan (Maurice); stepfather to Kim and Chris; cherished grandfather to Ava, Zara, Kyle, Brandon and Neil; predeceased by his wife of 26 years, Joan (nee Randles); survived by his sister Edna MacLennan (Ted) and many other members of his extended family and friends in Canada and the United Kingdom. Born on November 4, 1939 in Toronto to Alan and Althea (nee Thomas), Tom grew up in McKellar, Ontario. He joined the army in 1958 and served Canada for 12 years as a non-commissioned officer in The Canadian Guards. He was an accomplished marksman and served overseas, including a lengthy rotation in West Germany with the First Canadian Infantry Brigade Group. In recognition of his exemplary military service, Tom was awarded The Canadian Decoration (C.D.). After leaving the Canadian Army, he and his wife Joan moved to her birthplace of Liverpool where Tom served in the British Army with The King's Regiment. Tom, Joan and their children returned to Canada in 1978. He then enjoyed a very satisfying career at Upper Canada College in operations, where he instructed, coached and made many contributions to student life. He retired from UCC in 2004 as a member of the Quarter Century Club. The family wishes to express their thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff and social workers of 1st Floor, K Wing, Veterans/Palliative Care Unit, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. A Funeral Service will be held at the MORLEY BEDFORD FUNERAL HOME, 159 Eglinton Avenue West (2 stop lights west of Yonge St.), Toronto at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 29, 2008. Friends are invited to call one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Cancer Research or the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.  Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.