Obituary of Effie Simpson

October 25, 1934 – Calgary, Alberta

March 18, 2023 – High River, Alberta

R.I.P. Rodeo Legend Miss Effie Simpson.

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Effie Simpson at the High River Hospital, on the evening of Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the age of 88 years.

Effie was born to David and Florence “Sis” Cullen Simpson. Sister to David Linton Simpson, she was predeceased by all three. She is survived by Andy Simpson (Margaret), Jane Martin (Doug), Jimmy (Bear) Simpson, and Sarah Simpson (Shayne Dillabough), as well as many great nephews, nieces, and cousins. She is also survived by her loving extended family Lori, Doug, Chad, Cody, Cyle, Cari (Munir) Lacey, Signe, Eric, Kelsey, Travis, and Zoe Tudor; and many friends all over the world.

Effie was born in Calgary, AB and learned to ride horses bareback while growing up on a farm west of the city, near Springbank. She started barrel racing in the early 1960s when she was 30-ish and became the driving force in the formation of the Canadian Girls Rodeo Association and the Canadian Senior Pro Rodeo Association. She travelled with Isobel Miller in the early years to gymkhanas and barrel racing. Effie held the record for steer undecorating at the Hythe Rode in 1977. Her regular rodeo events included team roping, goat tying, barrel racing, steer undecorating, and ribbon running. She was a member of the Foothills Cowboy Association and for 27 years was a BIG part of the High River Senior Rodeo Committee. Effie won her fair share of titles and buckles over the years, qualifying for the Senior National Rodeo every year. She was the Finals Champion in Ribbon Roping in 1994 and 2002, Canadian Cowgirls Association “Cowgirl of the Year” three times, and CSPRA Champ in Ribbon Running. In 2003, Effie was inducted into the National Senior Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame. During the Calgary Stampede, Effie was the top gate security for many years and nothing and nobody got by her. She was a force to be reckoned with. In 2019, the High River Senior Rodeo Committee honoured Effie by naming the Ladies High Point Award Buckle after her. Effie stopped competing in 2015, after her 80^th birthday in October 2014. In 2020, Alberta Theatre Projects produced a play, “Cowgirl Up” that featured a character loosely based on Effie.

She was a true character, funny, talented, down-to-earth, could swear like a trucker and didn’t care who heard. She took no bull and told you what she thought, whose shirt usually showed what she had for lunch. Effie “F-ing” Simpson was a true friend. She will be missed.

((Hugs))

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Effie Simpson’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Effie Simpson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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