Nicholas Brian Simpson

Nicholas Brian "Nick" Simpson died peacefully in his sleep Monday, January 23, 2017.
He was born Father's Day, June 20, 1993, in Morgantown, W.Va., a son of Brian Harry Simpson and Annette "Ann" Adkins Simpson of Naples, Fla.
Mr. Simpson attended elementary school in Mullens, W.Va., and Beckley, W.Va. He was a graduate of Beckley Stratton Junior High School and attended Woodrow Wilson High School until 11th grade. He spent his senior year of high school at New River Academy, a traveling, kayaking, college prep school. There, he traveled and kayaked world class whitewater in Africa, Chile, Canada and throughout the United States. He earned his diploma as a graduate with honors. He then attended West Virginia University in Morgantown.
Beginning in grade school, he was active in many activities, such as karate, football, baseball, soccer and basketball. When his family moved from Mullens to Beckley, he and his younger sister, Alexis Makenzi Simpson, became involved with Beckley Raleigh County YMCA and USA swim teams. He excelled in swimming, representing Woodrow Wilson High School at the state meet every season.
He was skillful at everything he did, but his true passion fell with whitewater kayaking. He was a true master of water arts. He was a video boater, raft guide and safety boater for Ace Adventure Resort in Fayetteville, W.Va., and Laurel Highlands in Ohiopyle. He was happiest when guiding or kayaking the New and Gauley, upper and lower Youghiogheny, the Cheat and the lower Big Sandy, as well as many other amazing creeks and rivers.
Mr. Simpson last resided in Asheville, N.C., where he was just beginning to master the Green River Narrows, as well as many other challenging whitewater in Western North Carolina. He was always looking for the next, hardest and most challenging creek to run. Growing up, he and his sister would watch every kayaking movie possible to see all of the beautiful and intense rapids all over the world. He shared his passion of kayaking, as well as a love for music, with his younger sister, Alexis. He could vibe to a beautiful mellow classic rock tune and, in the same instance, he loved the vibration of a strong bass drop. He had an infectious smile that shined all the time, especially when attending festivals with his beloved friends. Anyone who met him was bewildered by his incredible personality and overwhelming enthusiasm for life.
Surviving are his father, Brian, his mother, Ann, and his sister, Alexis, all of Naples. Also surviving are his maternal grandparents, Wayne and Brenda Compton of Mullens; his great-grandmother, Irene Adkins of Crab Orchard, W.Va.; numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins in Western Pennsylvania, Southern West Virginia and Virginia; and close friends, classmates and all of his numerous river families throughout the world.
Deceased are his paternal grandparents, Norman and Betty Jane Simpson of Houston; his maternal grandfather, Lynnie Adkins of Mullens; and his great-grandfather, the Rev. Ronald Adkins of Crab Orchard.
No immediate services are planned. A memorial celebration of life for Mr. Simpson will be held this summer at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23, in New River Gorge National Park at Cunard, Glen Jean, W.Va. Both paddlers and well-wishers are welcome as he is placed back into the river he loved so well. A remembrance paddle to Fayette Station will follow so all can experience what he loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring his memory may be made to American Whitewater at www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Membership/donate. In the comment block, indicate the contribution is "In Memory Of" and include Mr. Simpson's name. The person making the contribution will receive a thank you letter/tax receipt. If the donor would like his family to receive an acknowledgement of the contribution, include their name and address in the comment block.