My condolences to Simpson's family. He was a kind and gentle being, real, and always willing to help in any way he could. I recently thought of him and looked him up which brought me here. Rest in peace my friend.

Hi Laurel - So sad to hear today of the tragic loss of your beautiful son, Simpson. May happy remembrances and love help lessen your sorrow, and eventually overcome your grief. I admire your beautiful family, and the wonderful life that Simpson made for himself before his untimely end. My heart is with you and your girls this melancholy day. Sincerely, Peter Sloat

A tribute to our dear friend Simpson from Alex Parken and Zack Lister

To Leo, Laurel, Rob, Kara, Bretton and the van der Linden and Chad families.

We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to share our written tribute with you and to share in the grieving process, one which has been made more complicated by the circumstances and physical distancing requirements. Simpson leaves us mourning in his wake and feeling deeply sympathetic for the members of his family, each of whom has had their time with Simpson cut unfairly short.

A number of friends have reached out to us and expressed kind words; with general themes which won’t come as a surprise – stories and sentiments describing an enterprising, compassionate and interesting person. Our intention with this letter is to relay some of these sentiments and share our own memories, as a tribute to the Simpson we knew and loved, and in the hope that it gives the family some comfort during this time of mourning.

For background, Alex met Simpson at Rundle College Junior High, and Zack met him around roughly the same time. Both Alex and Zack remained close with Simpson thereafter; Zack worked with Simpson for several years and Alex and Simpson stayed close through fitness and video games. Both of them reconnected with Simpson in recent years, with weekly yoga and pho dates and the odd brunch here and there (and video games, of course). We are both extremely grateful for the time, precious time, we got to spend with our dear friend.

With that, we present to you, the many sides of Simpson (as we knew him):

Confident Simpson

Simpson had a remarkably confident nature – in a couple of ways. In one sense, this confidence would come and go, and when it was at its height he had serious charisma – he was a charmer and a true ladies’ man. More importantly however was another sense of confidence he always had, perhaps more aptly described as determination, “moral assuredness”, or perhaps more simply as “spirit”. If he didn’t believe or approve of something, he would remain immovable in his ideals and would not placate anyone. He had confidence in his intelligence and ability to rationalize, and truthfully, he wasn’t easily convinced to change his mind once it was made up. Wonderfully, however, he didn’t seem stubborn as he could disagree with someone wholeheartedly in a non-confrontational, non-judgement fashion – one of the many things which made it such a pleasure to engage in intellectual discourse with Simpson.

His confidence, or perhaps courage, would see him finding himself in some interesting situations too … such as the time he bought a new car (BMW of course) a day or two before driving it to California. The catch? The car had a standard transmission and he had no clue how to drive it. He stalled it so jarringly on 17th Avenue one would swear the tires lifted clean off the pavement. Anyway, if memory serves us correctly, the car made it California – surprisingly, but had to retire to the shop immediately and permanently on arrival.

Simpson the Entrepreneaur

Simpson got to see so much of the world at such a young age (through the lens of first-class airplane window seats, enroute to exotic diving destinations), but remained humble. Not that he wasn’t a fan of Hugo Boss, Lululemon and designer brands – but for him wasn’t about that. It was about being with his best friends and thinking about life in a free-flowing manner. In the latter half of our twenties and beyond, it was a pleasure connecting with Simpson and hearing about ideas and opportunities presenting themselves; from getting into the real estate industry, to TV/Film production to CBD and even his Yoga instructor certificate. In a professional sense, he was entrepreneurial and enterprising, with a penchant for connecting people. Well-suited for a sales and business development role, he worked extremely hard and in the last couple of years, would be at the grind well into the evening each day. We were both looking forward to seeing Simpson the entrepreneur flourish, as he had what it took to succeed, as well as the common sense to back it all up.

Athletic Simpson

Ok, maybe he didn’t have the best throwing arm, but he was exceptional at a number of sports and activities, including swimming, diving, and yoga. And he was a pretty good basketball player too. Alex can fondly recall Simpson’s inauguration to the Rundle College Cobras JV Basketball team. This particular season, Simpson took up the sport passionately after tryouts had passed (he had not participated). He somehow managed to find his way onto the roster mid-season, and his first shift was in the middle of a home game. He picked up a pass at half-court coming off the bench, and proceeded to run it down to his own team’s net for a layup, somehow shutting out the symphony of 15 or so teammates, the coach, and a handful of fans, each of whom were in their own way, advising him of his error. Thankfully, he managed to miss not once, not twice, but FOUR times before realizing his mistake, and the RC Cobras recovered and went on to win the game. Simpson laughed it off and played out the rest of the game and the rest of the season, with pretty good stats.

He approached his hot yoga practice with that same passion, and perhaps he sometimes took it a bit too seriously. Once he left class 7 times for water, which when inquired about following class he said that he was extremely dehydrated as it was his fourth class that day. For someone who can hardly handle one hot yoga class per week (both of us), this was impressive no doubt, but also, a little terrifying.

Simpson’s sense of humour

While he approached many things in life with intensity and seriousness, one thing he did not take to seriously was himself. Perhaps fittingly, he was born on April 1st (April fools), and for the sake of humour wouldn’t let himself stand in the way of a good joke. Upon returning from a family vacations, a friend of Simpson’s (who shall remain anonymous) approached Simpson with the proposition that if Simpson went along and verified an absurd rumour about himself and no fewer than ten people bought it, he would pay Simpson $50 richer. But while he could take it, he could also dish it – he was sharp and witty and quick. He was also an easy guy to laugh with and he had an eye for satire and the often subtle absurdities which accompany our culture, society and day-to-day life. As well, our friend, Patrick Evans share the words “comical” and “mischievous” to describe his sense of humour, we think these described him well too.

Fashionable Simpson

Simpson was always fairly stylish, aside maybe from the FUBU/Timberlands stage (but we’ll let that one lie, as “those who live in glass houses should not throw stones” …) His style remained consistent for the last 15 years or so – khaki/chinos (shorts in any remotely appropriate setting or climate), a fresh single-toned polo t-shirt, occasionally a vest, clean casual shoes and throughout the years, and an abundance of well-maintained BMWs from the 90s. He also had the same haircut for as long as can be remembered, and it was maintained meticulously. Come to think of it, I don’t think we ever saw a hair out of place. He had the fitness regiment to match the look, and was aging handsomely and seemingly in reverse.

Simpson the Line Painter

When Simon Stuart and Zack decided to forgo graduating University to start a line painting business along with Ryan Brown who headed the “Lethbridge divisions”, Simpson was along with them every step of the way. He was one of the guys who could be counted on to show up for work no matter the time even though it sometimes meant peeling him out of bed at 1 am when all the parking lots finally cleared out. He was the least selfish person the crew have ever worked with, to the point where he would often be behind the push sweeper in a 600 stall parking lot because we knew he was a team player. When he wasn’t on the job, the energy just wasn’t the same. While Zack would love to go into the story about the time Simpson was awarded with a trip to New York for being “Line King employee of the month” (he might have been the only employee at the time), we’ll leave that one up to imagination.

Simpson and music

We are in agreement that Simpson was probably the largest influence for our knowledge of underground gangster rap – and we aren’t alone; Wharran Blahey recalls Simpson teaching him the full history of Death Row Records early in junior high, within their first few days of meeting. There aren’t many guys in the world who could rattle out full song lyrics to the likes of Mac Dre and Cormega but while most of us shifted our speakers to DJ Tiesto and Above and Beyond throughout our early 20’s, Simpson continued to live his life with rap music in the background.

Inquisitive Simpson (Conspiracy Simpson)

Simpson had an incredible wealth of factual and we’ll call it, “factual” knowledge – the former being informative, conventional and relevant information, and the latter being an archive of knowledge relation to both well-known and obscure conspiracy theories. Although he grew out of the “conspiracy theory” phase we look back with some guilt, as getting him worked up over the scientific analysis about whether jet fuel could melt steel beams, or so forth, never got old. In all seriousness, his expansive and broad interests helped make him the interesting person that he was – he had a cosmic consciousness and unceasing curiosity.

Simpson’s Pride (Simpson’s Values)

Above and beyond most everything else, including (possibly) his appearance, Simpson was proud of his sisters Bretton and Kara and their achievements, particularly their significant equestrian accomplishments. It wasn’t the normal type of pride you would see from an older sibling, it was respect – and it’s the way he always spoke of them. When Alex’s mom passed away in 2011, Simpson said that he didn’t know how he would be able to go on if he lost one of his parents, and that he knew he sometimes put them through more than their fair share. It’s been said many times before but it is worth repeating, among his best qualities were his compassion, honesty, loyalty, and kindness. And these may be the best qualities a person can possess.

A final word from Zack:

The world has become such a transient place and the more you go out and explore you begin to realize how precious and valuable true friends are. At the end of the day I think true friendship all comes down to trust. If we can’t trust someone, then we are left questioning whether or not the investment of time into that relationship is/was really worth it. You begin to see that not everyone has the fortune of remaining so closely aligned with friends from the past or “back in the day”. Not everyone has the fortune of having a friend or group of friends that share such similar values without them being somewhat artificial on the surface. With Simpson we got that trust. He was the definition of a true friend. Not in the sense of playing sports (which he was not great at), or sharing certain hobbies, but in someone who had the best interests of the people who he trusted.

I was truly looking forward to entering new chapters in our lives and finding, opportunities to build on our long-lasting friendship. Simpson’s personality will live on with everyone and I am eager to take that positive energy with me everywhere I go.

Love you Simps.

A final word from Alex:

If I could have the opportunity to have one last conversation with Simpson, I would like to have shown my appreciation for his friendship, to have thanked him for being there for me during my difficult time and that I would have done anything to help, as he would have done for me. I would have also told him that it is his soul that will leave its everlasting impression on this world, and will live on within all of us who love him.

As well, I wanted to share two things which I find fitting. The first is one of my favourite quotes of all time, which suits Simpson well. It’s a quote from Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.:

“Hello babies. Welcome to Earth. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It’s round and

wet and crowded. On the outside, babies, you’ve got a hundred years here. There’s only

one rule that I know of, babies … god damn it, you’ve got to be kind.”

The second is Johnny Cash’s verse from Highwayman, a song we shared and which brings me back to the summer of 2007, when Simpson and I were closest:

I’ll fly a starship, across the Universe divide

And when I reach the other side

I’ll find a place to rest my spirit if I can

Perhaps I may become a highwayman again

Or I may simply be a single drop of rain

But I still remain.

And I’ll be back again, and again and again and again and again.

Goodbye for now my friend.

…….

To the van der Lindens, and Chads, again we thank you for allowing us to share with you in mourning the loss of Simpson. You will miss him on many, if not most days, while on others we hope you can eventually both miss and remember him. And through this process, you will learn to live with him, while living without him. There will be difficult days, and should you ever need someone to help memorialize Simpson’s memory, we are each forever at your service.

Alex Parken Zack Lister

Laurel, we are thinking of you and sending lots of love. We are here if there is anything we can do – please let us know. From Bruce and Nancy Newberg, Los Angeles, CA. They left a beautiful voicemail as well.

I know there are no words. Just know how much I care about you. I’ll never forget the day I met Simpson. That beautiful day at Spruce and I was so happy to see you. He couldn’t sit still and I was so captivated with him. He left a lasting impression on me I’ve never forgotten. Reach out when you feel up to it and know I would do anything for you. From Dale Harvey, California

From the bottom of my heart I am so so sorry. I will try calling tomorrow if you’re up for it, but no pressure. Know that he is at peace now, and that is it’s own blessing, despite all the terrible pain you have to face. We all love you and are holding space for you in our hearts and for Simpson. From Saree Kayne

Hi Laurel, I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking of you and that I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love, Tiffany Foster, Canadian Equestrian Team

Dear Laurel, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Losing a child is the worst kind of loss there is, and I can imagine how devastated you must feel at this time. I met Simpson twice. Once at the party you had at your breathtaking home outside of Calgary when I was there for Spruce Meadows and then once again, ringside at the show. I can you you and he now, as we chatted by Meadows on the Green next to the riders stand. You made sure to introduce him again and I distinctly remember my feeling of what a polite, well mannered many he was, who clearly adored and looked to you. May he rest in peace. My brother passed away nine years ago and a piece of my mum’s heart went with him. When the new normal settles into your life, I truly hope that you are able to find peace and to remember the things that bring a smile to your face whenever you think of Simpson. I’m still down in Wellington. As I write this we are having a tremendous rain storm that has already been upon us for hours and shows no sign of letting up. I think Wellington is one of the best places to be during this time of COVID. We are currently planning on going back up to Boston in another four weeks. I’ll be thinking of you, fondly, Paul xo, Paul Butterfield, horse friend, Wellington FL.

I just want to tell you that I and this family share in your sadness. Such a wonderful, very young many – it is a mother’s worst fear. I hope you and your girls are able to be some comfort to each other. This terrible COVID time robs us even of the arms of those we love and of sharing a ceremony of remembrance. Words are so weak at a time like this. I wish you well in this difficult time. Louise/Loesje Van der Linden, Leo’s sister.

It’s William Grieve here. Words cannot describe how hard it was to learn of Simpson’s passing. I was fortunate enough to run into Simpson a few months ago and I had a great chat with him after not seeing him for many years. He was still the vibrant, hilarious guy that I remembered having a blast with when we were kids. It was always a good time when we got the opportunity to hang out, whether we were curling at the Glencoe, chasing Dustin around the yards or just playing some video games. Thank you so much for having me in your home over the years, I’m sure we made you shake your head once or twice. I hope you and the girls are doing alright during this trying time. Thanks again for everything you did for me growing up. Sincerely, William, Simpson’s childhood friend, Calgary AB

Dear Laurel, we were heart-broken to hear your news. What a beautiful tribute to Simpson. The love shines through in all the photos. I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult this is for all of you. He will always be with you Laurel. It is strange, I told Per that you have been on my mind recently. If one day you feel up for a walk, I am here. Our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family. With love, Dorothy and Per, Vancouver BC, Graphic Designers for Stone Ridge

I AM

I am the wind in the trees

and the song of a bird.

I am moonbeams in a midnight sky

and a glorious rainbow after

the storm.

I am morning dew

and freshly fallen snow.

I am a butterfly flying

overhead

and a puppy happily at play.

I am a gentle touch,

a warm embrace.

Open your heart to know …

I am not gone.

Reach deep into your soul …

You will find me.

I am here.

Have no fear, I am with you.

Always. Sent by Dororthy and Per

My deepest deepest sympathy and all my love to you and the family. Brian Lehodey, florist and gardener, Calgary AB

Tracy, I am so sorry for the loss of your nephew, Simpson. Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by the loss of another person gone way too soon. We certainly don’t have all the answers to life’s questions and when something happens that we don’t understand, we tend to cherish even more than usual, the things that matter the most. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. Love and hugs, Laur and Tim, Tracy’s friends, North Bay ON

Hi Laurel, just want to say I’m thinking of you and the family. I know Brett wishes she was there with you right now. I am here for Brett and Kara and if you need anything. Love, Dennis, Bretton’s boyfriend.

Hi Laurel, I heard about your son. Stay strong. Praying for you. From Javi, a horse friend in Spain.

That video is beautiful. Sending so much love to you Laurel. From Saree Kayne, Los Angeles CA

It was kind of you to have Tracy call me. My deepest sympathy dear Laurel. Simpson knew you loved him and he tried. You were so good to him. Not all people are created strong. Today’s world requires so much strength and so much faith. It is the most challenging of times and more than a little unfair. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending all my love. Will talk soon. Take care of yourself. From Laurel’s friend, Robin Parsky, Florida

Hey Laurel, I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. This is a beautiful tribute. I’m lucky I was able to enjoy Simpson’s witty ways and spend time with all of you guys in Calgary. I’m sending my love from California and I hope to see you soon. From Alec Lawler

Hi Laurel, I’m so sorry and hope your you’re ok. I just want you to know I’m looking after Kara and if there’s anything else I can do at all please just let me know. Sending all my love, Matt xx, Kara’s boyfriend

Hi Laurel, Dirk and I are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Simpson. We’re thinking of you and your family during this truly difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to support you. Love, Adam, the family hairstylist, Vancouver BC

Dear Laurel, we just got back from Bowen Island and I was going to message you when I ran into your sister at the elevator. I’m soooo sorry about the sad news of your beautiful son. My words cannot begin to comfort the grief you must be feeling. I’m so glad your sister is here with you. I am here until tomorrow evening so I can be your legs if you need anything at all. If you feel like a coffee, a walk of just someone to sit with, I am here for you. Sending you so much love at such a sad time. Laurel’s friend and neighbour Laura Lee, Vancouver BC

Laurel, the slide show was incredibly moving, very beautiful. What a dear soul he was (and still is). From Maureen Kitchur, a therapist Simpson had worked with, Calgary AB

“Sharing your sorrow at your sad time. Love, Don Guthrie” A donation has been made to Covenant House Vancouver. May you be blessed with the knowledge that this gift will provide youth experiencing homelessness warmth, love and hope.

Dear Kathy, I was sorry to her about your nephew, Simpson. I feel the pain his parents and the whole family are going through. His obituary described a kind and caring and loving young man and the photographs in the video spoke volumes for the person he was. Losing a child is devastating. I was blessed with our son Jeremy’s laughter, wit and love for 36 years. My heart and dreams hold our love and joy. There are no words of comfort. It’s a journey. I wish you and your family peace in the memories. With love, Nadine Wong & Owen Palette, Ladysmith BC

Kathy & John; After we die our energy is still part of the universe, none of it is gone; we are just less orderly. Very sad news about Simpson. Our sincere condolences to you, Laurel and family. You are in our thoughts. Pam & Bill Webster (Pam is on the board of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Penticton BC).

Sincere condolences on the sad news about Simpson. I think of you often and wish you peace and calm as you travel this path. “Grief never ends … but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith … it is the price of love.” Author unknown. Liz Wells, Victoria BC, she lost a daughter to cancer.

Beautiful memories shared in this tribute (video) for a well-loved young man. Sending you love and our deepest condolences. Jill Ehlert & Paul Peters Cobble Hill BC

More messages from my friends, some of whom know Laurel:

There will now be a big hole in the family dynamics but memories are all that's left. Looks kike there are lots of good ones. Thinking of you in these hard times. Donna Clement, Calgary artist. She lost her husband suddenly last year.

"Forever Young; Forever Loved" Our deepest sympathy. Cherish your memories. Sherry who lost two nephews in a tragic accident.

Kathy, I was sorry to hear of your nephew's passing. It's an enormous loss during these challenging days. Terry, Victoria BC artist

My heart feels so heavy for you and your family, big hugs. Cara of Victoria BC

Kathy, that's an absolutely beautiful tribute (video) Lots of love in those images. I never met Simpson, but now I have (and so many others in your family). Thank you for sharing this. Peggy Hunter, Victoria BC

Kathy, and all your family, I am sorry to learn about Simpson. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold tight to your fond loving memories of him. Joann Hope-Smith, artist in Victoria

Simpson was always there for me and supported me the whole 6 years I had the pleasure of knowing him. He was my best friend and someone who I loved very much. He will forever be in my heart ❤️

The video was beautiful evidence that Simpson was well loved. Sending wishes that happy memories will make you smile and bring you comfort. My deepest condolences to you all ........

I have received many heartwarming messages to the family from old friends in memory of Simpson that I'd like to share here. I have received many more kind words by others as well. Kathy Guthrie (Laurel's sister)

Just so sad news. Wish I had the words to provide some comfort to you and your family. My deepest condolences.

Ross Woolford, Toronto ON, former college friend

Sorry for your loss, Kathy.

Johnny Fong, works with our brother, Chris, North Bay ON

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. Such a very sad thing.

Laurie McEwen, family friend from childhood, Lillowet, BC

Our condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you comfort during this time of sorrow. Much love, Ira, Matthias, Lara & Luca Hoffecker, Kathy's friend in Victoria BC

I am sorry, bless you. The tribute was beautiful. God bless your family xoxo

Carol Gooding, former employee of Warren Equipment, North Bay ON

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. All of you are in our prayers.

Barb & Scott Nicholson, North Bay ON

I am so so sorry, how tragic. Sending lots of ove to you all.

Sarah (Lynch) German, Revelstoke, BC, formerly Calgary

Another angel to look after your family .... with his grandparents ...

Karen Etches, Kathy's friend, Victoria BC

Beautiful tribute (Kara's video).

Sue Love, North Bay ON

So so sorry that you all have to suffer through this loss, Kathy. I was hoping for a very different outcome. Such a tragic loss.

Jan Redford, Squamish BC, formerly of Banff AB

So sorry Kathy. Please give my best to Laurel.

Dave Heron, Penetanguishene, ON, formerly of North Bay ON

What a beautiful soul he was.

Shannon Stange, friend of Kathy & John's, Priddis AB

My deepest condolences to you, Laurel and your families in the loss of Simpson.

Brian Schumacher, long-time family friend, Victoria BC, formerly of North Bay ON

Messages also came in from:

Terry Lucenti, North Bay On

Robin McLeod, Calgary AB

Chrissy Parks, North Bay ON

Sharon Langley, North Bay ON

Really lovely words by others:

Simpson sounded like an amazing young man, so vibrant and loved. Dawn

Truly a large loss for your entire family. Sending love. Deborah

Sending you a huge heartfelt hug. Pauline

I'm so deeply saddened by the loss of your nephew. It's heartbreaking to lose one so young. My sincere condolences to you and your whole family for your loss. Kate

Sending big hugs to you and your family. Catherine

My deepest condolences to you and your family. He is found. May he now rest in peace. Melanie

I am so sorry to hear this news. I am sending much love your way. Heather

Heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of Simpson. Regan

Sincere condolences to you and your sister and her daughters. Trish

I am so sorry for this news. Love to you and your family. Joanne

So sorry Kathy. Too young for sure. Fran

My condolences on losing a very special member of your family. Jaquie

Partings come and hearts are broken, Loved ones go with words unspoken.

Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you Laurel, Bretton, Kara and family.

Belinda Grootveld

Sophia, Simone and Jerel Jarvis

Dodi,

I'm deeply touched to learn of this event. My heart goes out to you and your family.

It seems as though your son lived his life, in all of its aspects, intensely, as we should.

With kind regards.

Barry Stillar

Laurel,

With deepest sympathy...love leaves behind cherished memories that live on forever.

Warmest regards,

Karen (Victoria, BC)

Leo and family; We send our sincere condolences to you on the loss of Simpson. Take care of each other. Sending virtual hugs to you.

Mark and Tanya (Stanley) Henderson

Dear Leo & Families

We send you all our Deepest Sympathy & prayers for you all to be surrounded by many Earth Angels to hold you close

as you grieve and mourn the loss of your amazing son, Simpson. We are so sorry for your loss. Your old friend, Greg& Maureen

Ramage.

To Leo and family , my condolences to all for your loss.

May your memories and love for Simpson give you comfort and strength.

My heart goes out to you . Take care my friend .

Jill (Harvey)Rathwell

Leo and all of the family and extended family and friends , We are thinking of you all with love during this sad,sad time, and hope that you can find some comfort in memories. X Sue Luckett ( Longthorp).

Extending our Most Sincere Heartfelt Sympathy, during this Difficult time. May the love you shared help you transform your Sadness into Precious Memories of the Fine Upstanding Young Man Simpson was and the Cherished times you had together. Our Prayers are Wrapped around each one of your Hearts. In Friendship and Caring.

Leo and Susan Kelly

Leo and family, I am sincerely sorry to hear about Simpson. I can tell that he was a wonderful young man and I hope your fond memories help you through this sad time. Dale (Bettle) Foster

Leo and family. I am deeply saddened on the loss of your son Simpson. You can tell from reading about him what an amazing person he was and lived life to the fullest. My heart goes out to all of you. My deepest condolences from me and the many Hampton friends you know Leo, as many have posted their condolences on the news articles I shared on Facebook. Martha Ruddick, Hampton, NB