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James FERACE JR
James Ferace Jr
January 06, 2022
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Bruce Simpson
Traverse City, Michigan
About
LOCATION
Traverse City, Michigan
Obituary
Send FlowersLEELANAU COUNTY — Bruce Simpson was a man of endearing love and kindness who possessed an amazing ability to affect all around him with his gentle and comforting manner.
Born and raised in Indianapolis until his grade school years, Bruce moved to northern Michigan, where he spent summers working on his family's cherry farms. His mother, Mildred Bone Simpson and father, John Worth Simpson instilled a lifelong work ethic in him at a very young age.
Upon graduation from Leelanau Schools in Glen Arbor, Bruce attended and graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in food sciences in 1977.
He married the love of his life, Debbie, after attending UC Davis, where he studied Viticulture and Enology. They broke ground for Good Harbor Vineyards in 1979, opening the doors in 1980. Soon after, his daughter, Joanna Taylor Simpson was born and son, Samuel Taylor Simpson followed in 1986.
Bruce, a pioneer in the Michigan wine industry, was a founder of the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners Association, Leland Wine Festival and the Leland Business Association. Good Harbor Vineyards was one of the founding wineries of the now rapidly growing industry. Bruce always had a great appreciation for the potential growth of the Michigan Wine Industry and made top-notch affordable wines for 30 years.
Those close to him knew him first and foremost as a family man who had a curious and agile mind, believing in a lifelong education. This led him to a 10-year seat on the Leland School Board until Sam and Joanna had completed the vast majority of their schooling in Leelanau County.
Aside from his career accomplishments, his close friends credit him to being a tiger at the card table who rarely lost.
A service will be held at the Leland Methodist Church, Saturday, April 4, at 2 p.m.
Contribution to the John Worth Simpson scholarship fund at the Leelanau Children's Center would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Guest Book
Debbie,
I cannot tell you how sorry I was to hear about your loss. I will always remember the crazy wine tastings from back in the "old days", and how you and Bruce built this industry with strength and grace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Blue
March 29, 2009 | Suttons Bay, MI
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Dear Mrs. Simpson, Taylor, and Sam,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. What a great man, he will be remembered always.
With love, Emily Roubal Homberger
March 29, 2009
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Dear Debbie and family:
May fond memories of your husband and father comfort you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Regards,
Debbie Smith
March 24, 2009 | Lake Leelanau, MI
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Dear Debbie:
Bruce was a true friend to my brother Guy and a lifelong friend of our whole family. We all admired and trusted his gentleness.
We'll think of him every time we lift a glass of his great Fishtown White.
Hugs to you.
Trudy (Gordon) Carpenter
Trudy Carpenter
March 21, 2009 | Northport, MI
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Debbie, Taylor & Sam,
Just to let you know Bruce passed on the full moon and I know he took the brightest moonbeam straight to heaven. I will miss his hugs. He was such a great man and I feel blessed that he was in my life.
Diann Heming
March 21, 2009 | Interlochen, MI
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To Bruce’s family:
Bruce was my son Guy’s best friend in grade school. Even after we moved to Lansing when Guy was 11, they continued their friendship. Bruce stood up with Guy at his wedding.
In Sunday school at the Leland Methodist Church, when asked to choose a hymn, Bruce always drawled that he would like number 77. The predictability and sweet soft nature of his response made everyone smile.
If there is an afterlife, two great friends are together once...
Maxine Gordon
March 21, 2009 | Northport, MI
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Dear Simpson's,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you during this time.
Sara Simpson Alexander
March 20, 2009 | Seneca, SC
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Debbie and family:
Bruce was on my call list the day he left. You know that no one was more helpful to our wine business in the early days. A handshake meant integrity, humble competence and practical results.
I am out of the country on the 4th, but wish to publicly endorse this good man and thank you for supporting his leadership. There was always the 'next' task,job or vision on his calendar. He has earned the right to the fullness of life. May the Father who offered his...
Bob Begin
March 20, 2009
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