Thomas B. Simpson Jr.

Thomas B Simpson Jr of Vero Beach, Fla, a former longtime New Canaan resident, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Dec 13 He was 91 years old

He was born March 12, 1921, in White Plains, NY, and was the son of the late Thomas B Simpson and Gladys Holmes Simpson He graduated from the Trinity-Pawling School and Babson College

During World War II he served in the US Army in the Adjutant General's Corps in Panama On Oct 12, 1946, he married Barbara Dinsmore of Brooklyn, NY Their first home was in Hartsdale, NY, followed by 50 years in New Canaan After his retirement in 1979 he and his wife wintered in Vero Beach and in 2008 they moved to Oak Harbor

Tom was president of R Simpson & Co in New York City, a family business founded by relatives from England in 1827

Tom enjoyed outdoor activities As a teenager he sailed and raced on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut and Long Island Sound He also loved the West and riding and worked on a ranch in Montana Tom loved flowers and gardening with Barbara Many of their dahlias were planted year after year and won numerous awards

Tom was a member of the Camp Fire Club of America and participated in their skeet programs, fishing events and camping trips He was involved in the New Canaan YMCA and enjoyed the Indian Guide Program with his son He was a member of the Norwalk Yacht Club, the New Canaan Field Club, the Country Club of New Canaan and the Oak Harbor Club of Vero Beach

Tom had been an active member of the New Canaan Congregational Church where he served on all standing committees and chaired the Board of Trustees twice After moving to Vero Beach he joined the Community Church

Tom's happiest times were with his family For years he hosted family reunions at the Basin Harbor Club in Vermont

In addition to his wife Barbara of 66 years, he is survived by his children, Margaret (Peg) S Salmon and husband Bob, Thomas B Simpson III and wife Betsy, and Anne S Castelline and husband Dave; five grandchildren, Matthew D Salmon and wife Andrea, Robert H Salmon and wife Kelly, Mary H Simpson, Daniel J Castelline, Jessica A Castelline; and two great-grandchildren, Ava G Salmon and Grant H Salmon Tom was predeceased by his brother George H Simpson and his sister Grace S Joralemon

A service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will be held in the Chapel at the Community Church in Vero Beach on Friday, Dec 28, at 11 o'clock

Contributions in memory of Mr Simpson may be sent to the Thomas Simpson Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Trinity-Pawling School, 700 Route 22, Pawling, NY 12564