David Andrew Simpson

1944 - 2024

David Andrew Simpson, a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully at home in Elk Grove on Jan. 7, 2024. He was born on Nov. 27, 1944, in Sacramento, California to Perry J. and Claudia Simpson. He served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Charles F. Adams and earned a business degree from Sacramento City College. In 1968 he started his career with the State of California where he met Ginger, his wife of 55 years. In 1975 he moved to Elk Grove with Ginger and 3 year old son, Jason, where they had their second son, Mark. David worked for the State until he owned and operated the Elk Grove Baskin-Robbins for 5 years. In order to spend more time with his growing boys, he sold the store and returned to the State and retired in 2001 to make it easier to deal with the advancing symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis diagnosed in 1996. For forty plus years David volunteered his time and efforts to the Elk Grove Community through the activities of many non-profit organizations including: EG Lions, EG VFW Post 2079; Project R.I.D.E.; Meals-on-Wheels; EG Teen Center and EG Rotary. He also held positions on several community Boards including the EG Food Bank, EG Planning Advisory Council, EG Western Festival, and EG Senior Center. He wrote the weekly "Once Around the Barber Pole" column for the Elk Grove Citizen for 32 years. To quote Roy Herburger, former owner/publisher of the Citizen, "He saw the need for a 'What's Happening' column. He never missed a week and was never paid." David saw it as an opportunity to serve the business community and to publicize the area's fund raising activities, especially for local schools/kids. He encouraged all ages to do something to make the community better. He worked diligently with Home Field Advantage to improve youth facilities. Before MS curtailed his bike riding, he enjoyed riding his replica "Penny Farthing" aka "Bone Crusher" at local events. He was awarded the "Elk Grove Citizen of the Year" award in 1995 and admitted one of the reasons he had been involved in the community for all those years, and would continue to be involved, was that he was a little selfish. It made him feel good inside. He tried to make what he did not only good for himself, but also good for Elk Grove. David was an Olympic Torchbearer in the 2002 Olympic Torchbearer Relay. In 2003 the David A. Simpson Park was dedicated. At David's request a permanently lit flag pole was installed with the U.S. and POW/MIA flags to be maintained to honor all Veterans. He always wanted our vets to be honored, respected and appreciated for their service. David is survived by his wife, Ginger, their sons Jason (Noelle) and Mark, grandchildren JJ, Azariah, Faith and Joshua, granddogs Maddy and Mister, and his last remaining sibling Cherie Heran (John) of Idaho. Arrangements will be made by Herberger Funeral Home in Elk Grove and a service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan 22 at the Point Pleasant United Methodist Church, 3329 Pt. Pleasant Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95757. Burial will follow immediately at the church cemetery. Please, instead of flowers – Find someone who needs help and provide it. It doesn't have to be monetary. Maybe give somebody a little of your time or just listen.