David Lloyd Simpson

"The truest acts of selflessness often go unnoticed, their impact felt only in the quiet corners of the hearts they touch." - anonymous
Selfless, compassionate, humorous, giving, wise, present, and humble. These are but a few of the many words to describe the light, the life, and the heart of David Lloyd Simpson. Devoted husband, loving son, supportive brother, fun-loving and adventurous uncle, and an always dependable friend, Dave passed away after a courageous battle with cholangiocarcinoma.
Our world was forever changed for the better with Dave's arrival on December 16, 1979, in Warren, Michigan. Lloyd and Vicki welcomed their second of three children. Younger brother to Bill and older brother to Marybeth, Dave proudly accepted his role in the never coveted spot of the "middle child." Family was always most important. His actions and words made it abundantly clear that Dave had an immense love for his family.
Dave had no greater love than for his soulmate, best friend and wife, Laura. On July 24, 2015, Dave and Laura began their beautiful adventure when they were married. Together, Dave and Laura enjoyed hosting gatherings, traveling, and exploring new places. Anyone who spoke with Dave or witnessed Dave and Laura's life together knew immediately that their love story was filled with love, light, and laughter.
After Laura, his family, his faith in God, and his friends, Dave's next great passion was for the performing arts. An actor and theater lover since junior high, Dave was known by all as "Saint Dave," in the Eisenhower High School Theatre Program. He went on to attend and graduate from Oakland University with a degree in Theatre Production and Design. Dave's talent and hard work led him to the East China School District, where he served as manager. Dave was central to the opening of the beautiful East China Performing Arts Center in 2004. For over twenty-one years, Dave, or "PAC Man," made thousands of students look and sound great with his impeccable attention to detail in sound, light, and stage design. All were safe and cared for because Dave was there. Over the course of that time, Dave hosted and managed several hundred theater performances, choir concerts, band concerts, choir clinics, band clinics, community band and theater performances, dance recitals, awards ceremonies, and summer theater camps. His unmatched impact as a kind and caring role model and mentor saw him work with over 1500 students in the scene shop. Those that worked with Dave knew that he cared MOST about the student and their growth over building a perfect set.
Beyond his professional achievements and family life, Dave was deeply involved in his local community and beyond. His expertise in sound and light made him highly sought after for recording sessions, concert tours, and professional advice. Dave even won two Grammy awards and toured with many internationally-known artists. Believing in the need to serve, Dave served on Marine City's planning and city commission and chaired countless other boards for the community and the school district. Dave was one of the founding members of the Marine City Music Festival. All of his service showed his commitment to giving back to others.
Dave is survived by his wife Laura (Hansen) devoted parents, Lloyd and Vicki (Nall) Simpson; his siblings, Bill Simpson, Marybeth (Simpson) and Jon Brickman, and Rachel (Simpson) and Tony Lownds; and his adoring nieces and nephews, Landon, Kennedy, Austin, Logan, Ryan, Maile, Kailoa, Walker, Adia, Sedona, Brynn, Ash, Dade, Erica, Robert, Jacob, and Nathan. Each of them held a special place in his heart, and he was a role model, listening ear, and constant cheerleader in their lives. Dave was preceded in death by his grandparents Franklin and Mary Simpson, grandparents William and Mary Nall, nephew Liam, and Boston Terrier Jackson.
Even as he devoted so much of his life to making others look and sound great on stage, Dave never sought the spotlight. This was our Dave. Always present, always giving, always encouraging. Every life is better from the humble presence of Dave. And now, as he has entered into heaven, he has finally received the overdue standing ovation for a life well-lived.
To honor the selfless life of Dave Simpson, the family has established a memorial fund through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to help positively impact the performing arts community Dave so loved. To make a donation visit: https://stclairfoundation.org/2025-memorials/
A celebration of David's life will be held on March 8, 2025, at East China Performing Arts Center, 1585 Meisner Rd, East China Twp, MI 48054. Visitiation will begin at 2:00 p.m. and services will start at 4:00 p.m. Jay McCulloch the Mariner Drama Director and Pastor Dave Parker of King of King Lutheran Church will co-officiate.
Those who wish to watch a livestream of the service may do so by visiting the following link: http://www.watchctv.org