Richard Simpson

He was one Hell of a good guy. I worked for him and Sally in the early '80's-and this is a very late comment as I had no idea he'd moved on. He was a true gentleman, and a gentle soul...I am so very sorry for the loss. My very late condolences to Sally and others he knew.

We were fortunate enough to get to know Richard when he entered Becky’s life. Marc is Becky’s brother. While we did not spend as much time with Richard as we would have liked over the years, we thoroughly enjoyed each minute we spent with him whenever we were lucky enough to visit Carbondale.

Richard was a cool customer…the epitome of the saying, “Still waters run deep.” Engaging the man in conversation was always an amazing experience. Thoughtful and intelligent, Richard’s...

So Sorry to hear the news about Poo's early exit! I had the pleasure of playing in a band with him called Stryder back in the late 70's. Quick witted, funny, sarcastic and a great guy. I will pray for peace for all of his close friends and family members.

I've had the pleasure of knowing Richard since I was a little boy at Midland Hills. He was always a great guy and a class act. He will be sorely missed by all of us. I'm sure he and Rick Carlock are already making a tee time at their favorite track. God bless, Richard, you will be missed!! And to Becky, all my prayers are with you in your time of grief. All the best, Jay Batson.

I received a phone call yesterday from Becky, Richard’s long time life partner, telling me of his passing. After we shared some tears and I heard of their difficult journey this past year (the first I’d heard of it), we said goodbye and I began reflecting on my lifelong relationship with ‘Dick T’. Richard was my cousin, my ‘big’ cousin, he being 6 years my senior- not a big deal now, but as kids, he was sooooo much older- and cooler!



My big brother and I grew up in...

God bless you Poo Bear. Make a joyful noise!

Richard and I played in 'The Buster Boy Band' together circa 1976. He had a Hammond B-3 organ--that's a heavy sucker!--and cool Oberheim keyboards. We would drive to shows behind the van in his Lancia Beta Coupe--if you knew Richard, cars were one of his THINGS. I last saw him 'round Tres Hombres in his Porsche Cayman S. As a certified California sports car nut myself, we always talked about rides. He was REALLY knowledgeable.

He was my friend. We laughed all the time...he...

I remember when Richard Toomey Simpson came to Carbondale, back in the middle sixties. He was driving a Ford Cobra Convertible. Rumor had it that he had just received a ticket for driving at 160 MPH on the one section of Interstate 57 that was just completed up North of Marion.
He started up Shawnee Sound Company. We musicians rented equipment from him for years. He bought the former Old Folks Home just south of the S.I.U. Arena in Carbondale on Rt. 51. It had bunches of extra...

Jules and I were roomates with Richard at Shawnee Sound when I was in college. Over the years we had lost contact and never knew of his condition. We send our our sincere condolences to family and friends.

Joe and Jules McNichols
Quepos, Costa Rica