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Richard"Dick" Simpson Obituary
Salem - June 3, 1936 - August 17, 2018
During the last several months Dick fought hard to overcome many health challenges. He often said, "I'm a fighter, not a quitter". His unwavering strength and perseverance was an inspiration to all who knew him. Sadly, surrounded by his loving family, he finally lost the battle.
Dick was born in Salem, Oregon on June 3, 1936 to parents Garlen "Spot" and Carolyn Simpson. He lived in Salem his entire life. He attended Richmond Elementary, Leslie Junior High, and in 1954 graduated from Salem High School. In high school Dick lettered as Manager for the swimming and track teams. At 15 years old, he was one of the youngest amateur radio operators to receive his license.
From 1954 to 1957, Dick studied Liberal Arts at Willamette University. While at Willamette he joined the ZAE fraternity and was proud to be a life-long member. From 1957 to 1959, he attended George Williams College in Chicago, IL and received his Bachelor of Science degree. From 1959 to 1961 he attended Northwestern University where he received his Master of Arts degree.
After completing his education in 1961, Dick went to work as a Counselor at MacLaren School for Boys, working there until 1964. In 1965 Dick was officially hired as Youth Director of the Salem YMCA (although his involvement with the "Y" started as a Camper and later as a Camp Counselor at Camp Silver Creek). As part of his role as Youth Director, he was Director of Camp Silver Creek. Dick left the "Y" in 1974, but he remained connected to the organization throughout his life, serving on the YMCA Board and the Camp Silver Creek Alumni Committee, receiving their prestigious "Heart and Soul" Award in 2014. In 1974 Dick started as a Counselor/Case Manager at Oregon State Correctional Institute, working there for 25 years until retiring in 1999.
It was clear to all who knew Dick that his true passion was volunteer and service work. He was dedicated to supporting children and families wherever the need presented itself. In the 70's and 80's he opened his home to become a foster parent to several young men. Dick became an active supporter of the Salvation Army and volunteered many hours with youth at the Kroc Center. He became a resource to immigrant Russian families and provided mentoring and support to them for many years. Dick's love of music was well known and from 1996 to 2009 he was a volunteer for the Salem Boys' Choir. Throughout these experiences Dick made a positive difference in many people's lives as well as developing life-long friendships.
At a young age, Dick discovered that his family had a rich background in the early history of Salem, Oregon. He traveled throughout the state collecting memorabilia, especially items relating to Salem's history. This became an interest that he shared with anyone who would listen.
Dick's faith was very important to him. He was a Christian and lived his life modeling Christian values. He was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, but it was not unusual for him to attend different churches. Through this spiritual curiosity he developed many meaningful relationships.
Dick is survived by his sister Toni (Greg) Simpson; nephews Josh (Noemi) Welborn and Jeremy (Bridget) Welborn; his great niece Lili and great nephews Sam and Parker; and his cousin Dan (Lee) Simpson.
Dick will be deeply missed by us all, but the essence of who he was; his open-hearted generosity; his "mischievous" sense of humor; his love of history and anything quirky or unique; his devotion to a higher power - all this will be with us forever.
Our Family would like to thank the care givers who so compassionately cared for Dick in his final months.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's name to the Salem YMCA Camp Alumni Association, P.O. Box 5625, Salem, OR 97304 or the Kroc Center, 1865 Bill Frey Drive NE, Salem, OR 97302 or the charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will take place at Salem Golf Club, 2025 Golf Course Rd. S. (off S. River Rd) from 2:00 to 4:00 on Friday, September 14, 2018. Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service is assisting the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard"Dick" Simpson
Sponsored by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
Marilyn Sutton
July 22, 2019
Dick was a remarkable young man. I knew Dick as a Willamette student and active in ZAE. He followed his dream which led to all of his accomplishments at the YMCA, juvenile corrections and OSCI. I lost track of him when I left Salem in 1990. I wish I had known of his demise and would have liked to attend his memorials.
Marilyn Smith-Dezsofi-Sutton
Hank Durkin
September 13, 2018
I grew up the son of a widow, and in Dick I found a mentor and male influence. After I left Salem for college and over the ensuing decades Dick was someone I always was sure to visit on trips to see Mom. He continued to be a teacher, a good example and always an all-round interesting person. We spoke twice year Christmas and his birthday and for a half-century he was, most of all, a good friend. I miss him.
Susan Bevington
September 12, 2018
Dick was an encourager and an avid supporter for 2 generations in my family. He helped sponsor my husband Mike's junior high Dixie Land band at the State fair over 50 years ago, and more recently with his work with the Salem Boys Choir where my son Joel was a member.
His enjoyment of people and ready assistance was his "calling card" . He often was assigned the duty of rounding up parent volunteers for the next big production Darrell James had created. Over the phone we would be invited with "I have an opportunity for you" .
Dick always wanted to lay on the floor under the pipes while the big organ played... must be glorious what he is hearing now.
Love you Dick,
Susan, Mike and Joel Bevington
September 11, 2018
Thank you for letting us get to know you and trusting us with your transportation these last few years, we were so glad to have met such a honorable man. We are going to miss you! - Willamette Valley Yellow Cab drivers and staff!
Alice Flora
September 1, 2018
A very special Christian man- that always had a good word and a smile for everyone he incountered. He will be greatly missed!!
Vena McCoy
September 1, 2018
I was so sad to hear of Richard Simpson's death. Richard was one of the most unselfish men I've known. He was a part of so many special events in my family's life, as well as making himself available to help under some pretty ordinary circumstances. When I was taking night classes at Portland State he would take my son home from Boys Choir practice and often picked up my daughters as well and take all three to Dairy Queen for ice cream, making an ordinary evening special and giving an overworked mom confidence that her kids were OK while she was driving home from Portland at 10:00pm. Some of my very best memories are of working with Darrel James and Dick Simpson on Boys Choir events. Though I can't attend Richard's September Service my thoughts and prayers will be with you. His bravery and good humor will go on being an inspiration.
Craig Smith
August 30, 2018
On rare occasions a community welcomes a leader into its fold that makes a positive difference to so many, yet asks for little, to nothing, in return.
Such was the case with Mr Simpson.
During the turbulent times of the late 1960s--early 1970s Dick lead the YMCA's Youth Center---not an easy assignment.
Countless area lonely and troubled youth benefited from Dick's time, warm heart, and his wisdom.
I'll never forget the time in July of 1969 when Dick was instrumental in suspending YMCA Camp Sliver Creek activities and transported its staff and campers to an offsite location, miles away. We curiously gathered outside, in the open air, and surrounded a few black and white TVs. It seemed like a complete waste of camp time!
We didn't understand --but Dick knew.
Years later we were grateful that we left our camp cabins, leather work and fishing poles to witness ghostly figures fulfill our country's promiss to land astronauts on the surface of the moon.
it wasn't until later that we came to understand that by so doing we witnessed in real time one of the most important events of human history.
Nor will I ever forget the help he provided me, and my family, during a time of family crisis ---some 35-40 years later.
I will forever be in his debt.
Dick was fond of introducing his friends to others as "tough as nails", and would often close out the day with a hearty "Goodnight men!"
Dick was a man that helped many, and left the world better than he found it.
---a life worth living.
Until we meet again... I'll see you down the trail.....
Jon kraemer
August 30, 2018
I am sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Simpson I was one of his transport drivers to and from dialysis for the last yr with Willamette valley taxi he was a very kind man and always enjoyed picking him up. He will be deeply missed my condolences to his family
Craig Smith
August 30, 2018
On rare occasions a community welcomes a leader into its fold that makes a positive difference to so many, yet asks for little, to nothing, in return.
Such was the case with Mr Simpson.
During the turbulent times of the late 1960s--early 1970s Dick lead the YMCA's Youth Center---not an easy assignment.
Countless area lonely and troubled youth benefited from Dick's time, warm heart, and his wisdom.
I'll never forget the time in July of 1969 when Dick was instrumental in suspending YMCA Camp Sliver Creek activities and transported its staff and campers to an offsite location, miles away. We curiously gathered outside, in the open air, and surrounded a few black and white TVs. It seemed like a complete waste of camp time!
We didn't understand --but Dick knew.
Years later we were grateful that we left our camp cabins, leather work and fishing poles to witness ghostly figures fulfill our country's promiss to land astronauts on the surface of the moon.
it wasn't until later that we came to understand that by so doing we witnessed in real time one of the most important events of human history.
Nor will I ever forget the help he provided me, and my family, during a time of family crisis ---some 35-40 years later.
I will forever be in his debt.
Dick was fond of introducing his friends to others as "tough as nails", and would often close out the day with a hearty "Goodnight men!"
Dick was a man that helped many, and left the world better than he found it.
---a life worth living.
Until we meet again... I'll see you down the trail.....
Lori Buchheit
August 30, 2018
Dick has left a tremendous impact on the Salem area. He was a thoughtful and caring man and his presence will be missed. Dick was a big part of our families life, and everything he has done will always be appreciated an remembered.
Rest in Peace Dick.
Bradley Sund
August 29, 2018
Dick was one of a kind. He was instrumental in my development with the Salem boys choir at a young age. You was always so funny and looked after us. I remember his jokes and playing tricks on him but he always won. As I read his obituary I realize just how involved he was in the community and with lots of passion. Loved being able to have lunch with him when I visited Oregon several times over the last few years. He leaves a lasting Legacy and joins mr. James in Heaven. I find it ironic in some ways that they both passed away at around the same age and the same time. They were United on so many fronts. I'll miss you dick. It was good to get one final hug a few months back.
Cindy Cook (Fosdick)
August 29, 2018
Dick was a wonderful friend to our family for over forty years. He was always present for all of my children's important events, providing guidance and advice. He will be missed by our family, but not forgotten.
Cindy Cook (Fosdick)
Shirley Beutler
August 29, 2018
Dick was a great person and friend. May he rest in peace.
Daniel Santos
August 29, 2018
Dick was a wonderful colleague, helping me and other members of the Parole Board on numerous occasions. He was always trying to help people. I so appreciated his professionalism and friendly personality.
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