Steven Simpson

Steven Neal Simpson
BLACKFOOT - Steven Neal Simpson, 60, of Blackfoot, died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on September 8, 2007, just north of Preston, Idaho.
Steven came into this world on October 24, 1946, born to Shirley Peterson Simpson and Keith Boothe Simpson. He was born in Burley, Idaho, and made his debut at a whopping 10 pounds. He spent his early childhood in Burley, St. Louis, Mo., and San Diego, Calif., while his father pursued his dental degree and completed his Navy service.
The family located to Blackfoot in 1954, when Keith opened his dental practice. Steve quickly made Blackfoot his own, making friends along the way. Steve was a gifted athlete in his younger days. He played first-string football, basketball, and baseball throughout his high school career. He graduated from Blackfoot High School in 1965.
After a year at Utah State, he joined the Navy in 1966, during the Vietnam conflict. He served mainly as a radioman on the USS Constellation and at the naval base in the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1969.
Steve, encouraged by his dad, decided to attend dental laboratory school at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon. He graduated in 1974, with an associate's degree in dental laboratory technology.
While in Portland he met and married the love of his life, Jan Merre King, who was also attending PCC. Their were married in Beaverton, Ore., on September 1, 1973. After completing school, Steve packed up his new bride and returned to his beloved Idaho.
Steve started his career with Treasure Dental Lab in Idaho Falls, learning the trade from Barry Treasure. Always a quick study, Steve decided to start his own lab in Blackfoot in 1975. He first worked out of his basement and then in 1976, moved his lab to the Simpson Dental Clinic and named it Parkway Dental Laboratory.
In 1983, he and his longtime friend, John Buzzard, combined their two labs to create Parkway Dental Lab Inc. That partnership remains to this day. Steve excelled at his profession and many dentists recognized his artistic talent. There are countless dental prosthetics in place up and down the valley that his hand has touched.
Steve and Jan were blessed with identical twin daughters on July 22, 1982. Brooke Merre was the first born, with Brandi Jean following five minutes later. Steve's daughters were the light of his life, and he provided them with constant love and support. In 2002, Brooke married Cleve Colson and Steve quickly adopted him as his own. Steve's love for his family was his crowning achievement and its strength will sustain them forever.
Steve had a passion for photography and loved everything outdoors. His younger years were spent hunting, shooting and fishing. As the years progressed he enjoyed many different sporting activities, such as boating, bow hunting, golfing, ATVs and finally motorcycling. Cleaning, polishing, and then hopping on his Yamaha seemed to bring him the most satisfaction. He was always planning the "next trip."
Steve is survived by is wife of 34 years, Jan; his daughter, Brooke and son-in-law, Cleve Colson; daughter, Brandi; mother, Shirley; and mother-in-law, Gene King. He is also survived by is brother, Mike and his wife, Kathy; sister, Susan Heyer and her husband, Chris. He has one niece, Melissa (Nate) May; and two nephews, Caleb and Holden. He has many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well. Steve was preceded in death by his dad, Keith, and his grandparents.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 13, 2007, at the Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Gay Jeffery officiating. The family will meet with friends and relatives from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2007, at Hawker Funeral Home and again for one hour prior to services at the church Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Jason Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 168 S. University Ave., Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.
Military honors will be presented by the Stewart Hoover American Legion Post No. 23.