Daniel Simpson

AUGUSTA – Daniel Robert Simpson, "Danny," passed away suddenly on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at home in Augusta. He was 78 years old.

He was born in Augusta on December 2, 1947, to Robert Walworth Simpson and Marjorie "Midge" Lang Simpson. He attended Augusta schools, graduating from Cony High School in 1966. He was a natural athlete and dedicated sports lover. He played on the highly regarded Cony basketball team and the Cony football team. His love of basketball was such that he continued to play during lunchtime at the Kennebec Valley YMCA until well into his 60s. He took up golf in his retirement, playing as often as possible when Maine's weather would permit it and uttering colorful new curse words immediately after his golf swings!

Dan earned his degree in public relations from Boston University, graduating cum laude in 1970. After college he returned to Augusta and soon began his career as a reporter for the Kennebec Journal. He subsequently advanced as the state house reporter for the chain of newspapers for Augusta, Portland, and Waterville until 1982.

He landed the coveted position of Public Information Officer for Maine State Housing Authority, earning countless national awards for the marketing materials he produced, all while delighting his colleagues with his quick wit and humorous poems. He worked there for almost 30 years until his retirement in 2011. During that time, he managed media relations and served a succession of seven appointed Maine Housing Directors, both Democrat and Republican.

He was predeceased by his parents and first wife, Bobbie Kasporwitz Jolda. He is survived by wife, Jean Grigsby of Augusta; son, Shane Simpson of Randolph; daughter, Libby Hooker and husband, Mike Hooker of Harrison; two brothers, Tom Simpson and wife, Andrea Lord of The Villages, Florida, and Bill Simpson of Portland; two granddaughters and three grandsons, Cora Striegel and husband, Jacob Striegel of South Paris, Sadie Hooker and partner, Corbyn Hatch of Bridgton, Cyrus Hooker of Harrison, Brody Simpson of Castine, and Cole Simpson of Auburn; and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Mae Striegel of South Paris.

Dan was fiercely proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and brothers. A gentle and kind man, he was renowned for his dry sense of humor. He was quite handsome and seemed to only get better looking with age. He was obsessed with the weather. He cheered up many people by reporting how much longer the days were getting. He frequently bemoaned the poor predictions of local prognosticators.

Dan loved to watch the New England sports teams, although he would swear them off after each loss. He was thrilled that the Patriots made it to Superbowl LX and was an avid follower of Cooper Flagg's career.

Always a man of his word, he was caring, funny, knowledgeable, intelligent, prompt, and sensitive. As a lifelong resident of Augusta, he enjoyed the company of his many colleagues, family members, and friends. He is remembered by all with heartfelt affection.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. The family would like to extend their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from extended family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom of the Press Foundation: https://freedom.press/donate/.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, www.khrfuneralhomes.com.