Thomas Lynn Simpson
1940 ~ 2021
“Forever happy with his darling”
Our father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend Thomas (Lynn) Simpson, 81, died on October 20, 2021 with his family by his side as a result of Covid. He was born on October 16, 1940 to Thomas and Darlene Simpson and was the eldest of four children, Ronnie, Rena and Linda. He grew up in Garfield and then moved to Salt Lake City, where he met his lover, Wilma Roberts. They were married in Salt Lake City on October 15, 1959, and were later sealed for time and all eternity on February 14, 1966 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Papa had a wonderful career in the Salt Lake City water division and retired after 39 years of service. He barely missed a day at work. He loved hunting deer, fishing, camping and golf with his family. He even made a hole-in-one on the Mountain Dell Golf Course. Many memories have been collected and stories told over the years. He loved shooting his guns, taking the family on horseback rides, and earlier in his life he raised pigeons which he competed in the Utah State Fair for several years and won many ribbons. Our family lived in various locations in Salt Lake City and then moved to Murray, where our father and mother lived for 43 years. Dad was a hard worker and taught his children to be responsible and to have integrity in everything they do.
Dad loved listening to Patsy Cline and many other western favorites from the 50s and 60s. He loved all classic cars and enjoyed going to car shows. He also loved reading the Book of Mormon and other inspirational books. Dad loved serving and had various church callings throughout his life and had a firm testimony of His Savior, Jesus Christ.
Papa may not have said much in the last few years, but he had a strong presence in our lives. Over the years he was the life of a party, he teased and embellished stories about which we had to seek the truth from most of them. He has touched so many lives, given many blessings of comfort, healing, and sadness. He loved his Diet Coke, which he called “The Nectar of the Gods,” and a good Chinese dinner.
One year after retirement, dad was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver due to the alpha-1 gene inherited from both parents. After 10 months of hospitalization, Dad received a donor liver. What a blessing for him to live another 14 years to see his family grow and to start a family of his own.
Thereafter, the father and mother ministered to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 6 years at IMC Hospital in Murray, which they enjoyed and made many wonderful friends.
In recent years, Dad survived quadruple cardiac bypass, bravely battled diabetes, kidney failure, and emphysema.
Dad and mom were blessed with six children: Debbie (Steven Reed), Cindy, Scott (Jodie), Brian (Lois), Tammy and Duane (Mistie). 13 grandchildren: Jerel, Deven, Drew, Sarah, Tiffanie, Miranda, Bryce, MaKenna, Lillian, Chelsea, Morgan, Clara and Avery and 12 great-grandchildren: Sammy, Ezequiel, Zoey, Lexy, Jericho, Reagan, Oaklie, Chase, Carter, Brody, Emmitt and Greyson. Lots of cousins, nieces, nephews and aunts. Dad’s beloved sweetheart died 17 months ago. His two angels Cindy and Tammy, his son-in-law Steven Reed and his sister Rena King and his parents also died.
Dad, you are the first Simpson in your family to turn 81 and we are so proud of you. You are now free to live your life without pain or worry. We know mom, Cindy, Tammy and many family members and ancestors have welcomed you lovingly with open arms, what a reunion it must have been! May you celebrate with these loved ones in peace until we meet again. We love you so much
In the intensive care unit of the LDS Hospital, our family would like to thank them for the professionalism and care they showed dad while he was in the hospital until his last breath.
A tour is held to celebrate the father’s life. We’d like you to take this opportunity to share memories and stories with family and friends on Wednesday October 27 at the Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 1007 South Jordan Parkway, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The following day, Thursday, October 28, services will be held at the Redwood Memorial Estates at 1:00 p.m.
Published by The Salt Lake Tribune October 22-26, 2021.
Comments are closed.