Obituary of Simpson Jan VAN DER LINDEN

April 1, 1986 – Calgary, Alberta

May 12, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Simpson Jan van der Linden, loving son and brother, passed away at the age of 34. He was residing in Calgary, Alberta.

Simpson was born on April 1, 1986 in Calgary, AB, to Laurel Chad and Leo van der Linden. He attended University of the Pacific in Stockton, California after graduating grade school, junior and senior high schools in Calgary, with some credits earned at a boarding program in Running Springs, California.

Simpson was a kind, honest and compassionate soul who loved his family and friends dearly. He valued spending time with his family, and would rarely miss an opportunity to attend events or gatherings. He also was a friend one could count on in a time of need. Due to his lively personality and unique sense of humour, Simpson was well-liked throughout the many communities he was a part of. He approached everyone he met without judgement and with incredible understanding. Fundamentally, Simpson had an extraordinary way of bringing people together.

Simpson was a certified yoga and scuba-dive instructor. He was athletic and had a passion for snowboarding, skateboarding and wakeboarding. He took pride in maintaining his fitness at the Glencoe Club and other athletic facilities in Calgary. Simpson enjoyed the outdoors and was a world traveller. He recently returned from a retreat in Peru. He was an avid reader of non-fiction, a podcast “super listener” and loved to engage in intellectual discussions about politics, philosophy, religion and world affairs. For those close to him, Simpson was renowned for his quick wit and ability to express facts on just about any subject.

Those who knew Simpson will mourn his passing with an intensely heavy heart. Although far too short, his life touched many and will continue to have a positive and lasting effect. 

Simpson is survived by his parents, Leo and Laurel; his two sisters, Bretton and Kara Chad; his grandparents, Carmen and Jan van der Linden; his stepfather Rob Chad, and Kathy Johnson. Simpson is also survived by a large and wonderful extended family.

A Celebration of Simpson’s Life will take place at a later date. In the meantime, condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Simpson’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region, Suite #400, 105 – 12^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A1 Telephone: (403) 297–1700, www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca, or The Robb Nash Project at www.robbnash.com.

In living memory of Simpson van der Linden, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.