ROBERT (ROB) ALLAN SIMPSON

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ROBERT (ROB) ALLAN SIMPSON

December 12, 1948 -

January 25, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert A. Simpson. Rob, also known as "Bass" or "Basil", died at the age of 76, peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Rob was predeceased by his wife of over 50 years, Jane, his parents, Leslie and Muriel Simpson and brother John. He is survived by his children, Gillian (Steven), David (Shereese), and Ange (Rhys), his wonderful grandchildren, Ben, Laura, Henna, Campbell, Kenz, Briony, Cooper, and Tal, his sisters, Jane (Gerry) and Betty, brothers-in-law, Colin (Alison) and David "Murph" (Joy) and his nieces and nephews.

Rob grew up in Winnipeg, on Carpathia Road, attending Carpathia Elementary, JB Mitchell, and graduating from Kelvin High School. He excelled in his academics, played the accordion (to humour his mother), and enjoyed roaming the streets of River Heights with the neighbourhood kids, often hitting up the outdoor rink for games of shinny at T.R. Hodgson Park.

A graduate of the University of Manitoba, Rob went on to a very successful legal career practicing law for over 50 years. While always considered a strong advocate for his clients, Rob earned the respect of his colleagues and adversaries alike and was regularly appointed as a neutral arbitrator to adjudicate labour disputes. Throughout his working career, Rob was consistently relied upon by his partners for his practical and common sense approach to addressing all matters of the legal profession. Rob was well known for dry wit and sarcastic quips that were a staple at all Fillmore Riley meetings and events.

Rob loved the outdoors and enjoyed every opportunity to set off on fishing and hunting trips. His love of hunting began from a young age, heading up to Delta Marsh with his dad and older brother. After a brief stint as a mediocre competitive bass fisherman, Basil spent a good portion of his leisure time hunting various animals; antelope in Wyoming, elk in Riding Mountain, and red stag in Argentina and Spain. But the trip he most looked forward to was his annual caribou hunt to the Lodge at Little Duck. His enjoyment of the hunt was always dependent on the successes of others, before his own.

Rob spent his winters in Winnipeg, where he was often seen at the rink supporting his kids and then grandkids as a dedicated hockey and ringette fan or walking the Assiniboine park and forest (regardless of the temperature) to hit his "kms" target for the day. He liked to escape the cold with a unique trip each winter. As an adventurous traveller, he visited scenic destinations across Europe, Africa, New Zealand, Central America, South America and much of Canada and the US. With Jane by his side, they experienced wildlife safaris, white water rafting, riding on horseback, and finding that next Red Stag to fulfill his love of hunting abroad.

Rob's favourite place was the Lake! As a young boy, he would frequent Lac Lu, where he enjoyed spending time with his family and childhood friends and picked up his love of fishing, boating, and overall lake life. It was after meeting Jane, that he became a Lake of the Woods lifer! Always the first boat launched in the Spring, he relished every moment. It was at the lake that he connected with lifelong friends and spent so much time with his beloved family.

For the last two decades, Rob was affectionately labelled "Bumpa"; a name given to him by his first grandson, which was quickly adopted by his seven other grandkids. Bumpa fiercely loved this role and was a loving grandfather; holding a special relationship with each and every one of his grandkids.

We will miss your smile, generosity, sage advice, sarcasm, sense of humour and all the love you had for us. You led by example and raised the bar for us to follow.

As per Rob's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, wherever you are, find a moment to enjoy the outdoors and a glass of "rouge" in his honour.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fort Whyte Alive (www.fortwhyte.org) or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2025