Gerry Simpson, 87, died peacefully on Saturday, April 20, 2019 surrounded by his loving children.
Born Feb. 3, 1932 in Long Beach, Calif. he attended Polytechnic High School then went on to serve in the U. S. Marines and Air Force during the Korean War. He then returned to Los Angeles to attend The Art Center School, where he met Nancy, the love of his life.
They were married for 58 years and raised twin daughters, Judy and Jodi, and son, Bradley. The young family moved from Southern California to the Tri-Cities, Wash., in 1966 until 1981. During those years, he worked at McDonnell Douglas, Westinghouse Hanford, and later partnered with his wife at the advertising agency Nancy founded, Simpson Advertising and Design. In 2000, Gerry and Nancy settled on beautiful Whidbey Island.
Writer, innovator, painter, cartoonist, teacher, Gerry was a true renaissance man. One of his favorite jobs during his career was as a technical illustrator at Atomics International in Southern California. He worked with scientists bringing their vision to life through detailed illustrations. Oftentimes, his eternally curious mind enhanced the project’s scope and brought it to a deeper level. He continued to use this unique gift throughout his life. He delighted in teaching art with Nancy at their home studio or through evening classes at a local college. He truly brought out the best in his students.
Gerry had many passions in his life, and being a husband and father was one of them. He was always ready to share his terrific sense of humor, quick wit, kindness and love.
He was supportive of anything his children and grandchildren wanted to strive for and encouraged them always. His compassion to help others is a gift he has passed down to his family as well as those he met along the way.
Gerry was a longtime member and Past Board President of Unity of Whidbey Island, where he also taught Children’s Sunday program for many years. He led study groups in “A Course in Miracles” and truly lived by The Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” His heart was full of love.
Survivors include his loving children, Judy Simpson, of Seattle, Jodi Sacco (Tom), of Huntington Beach, Calif., and Bradley Simpson, (Su), of Beijing, China; his beloved grandchildren, John Sacco, Michael Sacco, and Cailin Simpson, and nine nieces and nephews.
A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island, 20103 WA-525, Freeland, WA 98249.
Memorial donations are welcome and can be sent to Unity of Whidbey, P.O. Box 1194, Freeland, WA 98249, please reference: Gerry Simpson Peace Garden Bench Fund.
