Roger Simpson

Anyone who knew Roger Simpson knew that if he wasn’t out on the open road on his motorcycle, he was most surely fishing somewhere. Although motorcycles were his passion, his heart belonged to his family. Roger was a genuine man, the real deal, and someone who deeply cared for those around him. He loved life and made the most of each and every moment he was given. Roger treasured the companionship of his dog, Happy, and never could resist a great piece of fried chicken. Although Roger’s friends and family will miss him dearly, they will forever consider themselves blessed for having known and loved such a remarkable man.

The 1950s was a colorful decade in American history. It was during this vibrant decade that the cultural fabric of our nation was forever changed with advancements in the civil rights movement, the beginning of national airline service, and the first successful American satellite that orbited the earth. This was a time for great celebration in the family of Carl and Mattie (Stigal) Simpson as they welcomed the birth of their son, Roger Wayne, on February 5, 1951. Roger was born in Somerset, Kentucky, located in the southern region of the state and was the youngest of nine children in his family. When he was just one year old, his family relocated to Holland, Michigan, and it would be the area he called home throughout the rest of his life. Roger attended local schools including Zeeland High School where he was on both the football and track and field teams. He was skilled at the shot-put, even holding the record for 40 years until it was finally broken just this year.

After graduating from high school in 1970, Roger was ready to take in all that life had to offer. He found a secure job at Haworth where he remained for 36 years until he retired in 2009. Roger’s life was forever changed when he met the woman with whom he would share so many years. Her name was Patricia, and they met while he was racing cars around Holland. After falling deeply in love, they married on August 16, 1980, at Third Reformed Church. Not only did he gain a wife, but also Patricia’s daughter, Monica. Roger and Patricia then enjoyed a trip around Lake Michigan for their honeymoon.

There were so many things that Roger enjoyed throughout his life. Motorcycles were not only his hobby, they were his passion as well. Roger loved riding his bike, especially with his wife. Each year, Roger and Patricia rode up to the Baldwin Airport for the Blessing of the Bikes, and their favorite destination was the Mackinac Bridge. They loved to make midnight runs, leaving Grand Rapids at midnight and heading up north, often picking up bikers from all over along the way. His son-in-law, Chris, knew he was truly accepted when Roger threw him the keys to his beloved motorcycle and told him to drive it home. Roger’s most treasured possession was his first motorcycle, a 1986 Honda Shadow. When he wasn’t on his motorcycles, Roger was almost always fishing. He invited Patricia fishing on one occasion but since she caught the biggest fish that day, she was never asked to go again!

Many of Roger’s interests were also regular parts of his home life. He loved all types of music, and his favorite song was “What a Wonderful World” by Louie Armstrong. Roger had a rather extensive collection of records, tapes, and compact discs. He enjoyed watching Big Time Wrestling and when it came to football, there was only the New York Jets as far as he was concerned. Roger loved to eat just about anything, but his favorite was fried chicken. He even had his own “special recipe” that consisted of fried chicken he brought home from the deli and smothered with barbeque sauce before heating it in the microwave for 45 seconds. When he was in the mood for something different, it was usually from Fat Man’s Fish Fry in Grand Rapids.

Family always played the most important role in Roger’s life, and he considered any day spent with them to be a great day. He was thrilled to become a grandfather to four grandchildren and even one great-grandson later in life. Roger’s dog, Happy, was like a member of the family, too, and another one of the great loves in Roger’s life.

Roger Simpson was a fun-loving man who had a heart that was as big as they come. He was funny and caring, friendly and kind. Roger was a motorcycle enthusiast who loved sharing his passion with others, especially his wife. His absence will be greatly felt by the many people whose lives he touched while his memory is forever cherished.

Roger Simpson of Allegan died on Monday, October 11, 2010 at his home. Roger’s family included his wife, Patricia; daughter, Monica (Chris) Grimm; 4 grandchildren, Michael, Mischa, Jordan, and Christie Jo; great-grandson, Landon Lacombe; brothers and sisters, Carl (Lucy) Simpson, Tommy (Lee) Simpson, Eulis (Diane) Simpson, Elizabeth (Walter) Pitchford, Mary Hunt and Ken Sabin, and Patricia Simpson; parents-in-law, Aaron and Zana Shuck; several in-laws, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mattie Simpson, brother, Kenneth Simpson, and a sister, Bobbie Johnson. Private family services will be held Saturday. Visit with Roger’s family and friends on Friday, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., at the Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes - Mulder Chapel – Holland, MI, 188 West 32nd Street. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.