Contributions to the tribute of Ric Simpson

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Mark Mindorff posted a condolence

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Fond memories of calculus mixed with Gilbert and Sullivan

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Sunday, January 2, 2022

Sorry to hear of Rics passing. We sure did have a great time at FESS. His unique character will be missed greatly. Rest easy Joyce Halliday

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Steve LaManna posted a condolence

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

I first met Ric when he pulled up to the Shea's Buffalo Theatre, which we had just saved, in the mid 1970's. He was in on of his antique Rolls Royces and we became instant friends. We had many dinners together, and he was part of the Shea's crowd as an original Friends of the Buffalo member. His wit, intelligence and all around terrific personality was truly valuable to us when we were only in our 20's. He taught me about Chinese food, as we regularly frequented the May Wah in Ft. Erie. Even brought celebrities there. And, Ric squired around many of those celebs for us in his Rolls. I talked with Ric regularly for many years after I left the city, but not as much as I would have liked. Very few "Renaissance Men" still exist today. When I did get back to Buffalo, we would always get together, and it was if the years melted away for both of us. My heartfelt wishes for the family are easy to say, but, I am really going to miss talking to him. Enjoy the Universe, Ric. They're going to love you!!!!! Steve LaManna usadmc@gmail.com

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Laura Arseneau posted a condolence

Sunday, November 22, 2020

He will be deeply missed. My condolences to Ric's family. Laura Arseneau

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Gino DiCiocco & Family posted a condolence

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

Sorry to hear of Ric's passing. A good friend with a wonderful sense of humour.

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Randy Paura posted a condolence

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

My heartfelt condolences and prayers for God's comfort and care go out to Sondra and family. Always a fan of Ric, whom I got to know late in life, but first was aware of his strong presence through my brother whom was a student of his in Fort Erie High School. Most enjoyable were his wit, sense of humour about human life on this planet, and the various discussions I have with him over the years, ranging from faith, to his beloved Cords, to just amusing anecdotes. His turns of phrase illustrated a mind constantly at work with always a positive turn. Forever and fondly remembered with a smile.

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Joan Hurren posted a condolence

Sunday, November 15, 2020

My condolences. Mr. Simpson was the reason I have an appreciation for musicals to this day. He will be missed.

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Mike Brady posted a condolence

Saturday, November 14, 2020

An impressive man with an outstanding memory.....for Cord's, at least. Ric was one of a few who knew what was important to others and would go out of his way to bring special memory's or stories to his friends. He was talented, courageous, energetic, interested and far from shy. I am very grateful that he was my friend. Mike Brady

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Denise Bythell posted a condolence

Saturday, November 14, 2020

Hi Kirbi, hope you remember me from school. So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Sending you lots of prayers, hugs and love. Keep the memories close to your heart. All my love Denise

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Ken Samarra uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, November 14, 2020

My main interactions with Ric were at my Uncle's annual Medieval and Christmas parties. Mostly we talked about Freemasonry, as we are both members of The Craft. It is unfortunate that, because of high COVID rates in the United States, I am not able to enter Canada for Ric's Masonic funeral. So, instead, I'll send a virtual wreath and my condolences to Sondra, Kirbi and the grand kids, along with this message: Ric, you were the life of the party. Alas, my Brother! -Ken Samarra

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Pat Rose posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

Operetta in high school was the best part of those years and Sir Ric was the central figure. Not just the performances but the road trips. He took us to Toronto to see the Doyle Carte Opera Company perform Patience. We even got to greet the cast. Imagine my delight to hear their Lady Jane say "Oh you're going to be Lady Jane, are you?" It was thrilling. We saw G&S groups in Brantford and Toronto perform. The fun and friendships are unforgettable. How lucky we were to know someone who truly lived life to the fullest. I heard from Ric a few weeks ago. A message thanking me for my friendship. He said his time was short. I was able to say goodbye and tell him he had a profound impact on my life and I am forever grateful to have known him. Patricia Near Petschow

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Joan Hurren Posted Nov 15, 2020 at 10:59 AM

Those were the best times Pat. Seems like yesterday. He will be missed. Hope you are well.

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Jayne Trafford posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

Ric, (as I grew old enough to call him) will always be, for me, the introduction to the bigger, more entertaining world. He mesmerized me with his flamboyant ways, his acceptance, his wonderful(and sometimes acerbic) vocabulary. Sure I was only 11 when we first met, but those things linger. A standout story amongst others, is going to A & W in the Rolls! The same Rolls and driver that made my wedding special years later. So many memories with Kathi, going to the house in Fort Erie, learning about the ducks that wore argyle socks to keep their feet warm, the piano recitals, the player piano... Even if it seems trite: Gone but never forgotten. Jayne(Trafford)

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Paul Simpson posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

From somewhat afar....Stratford Ontario..... Learned through Ric's brother (Peter) of his passing. Ric/Peter would be my second cousins. I am the son of Ronald Raymond Simpson (d. 1977) and Irene (D. 1998). My grandfather was Raymond Simpson, brother of Sylvester who was father to Ric/Peter. My younger siblings are Barry and sister Roni Maureen ( Warren). Barry and wife Dawn live in Stratford also. Roni lives in Worcester, England with husband Chris. Remembrances are that "Dickie"...the name he was known by....was an eccentric fellow, an avid collector, of cars particularly, and who you'd never miss in a crowd. i recall him at my mother's funeral..wild hair and a cape. Quite the dude.

Lee Ann Grace posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

We shall very much miss seeing Ric at Buffalo Opera Unlimited performances and engaging in those wonderful wide-ranging conversations during intermission.

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Kathleen Carr posted a condolence

Friday, November 13, 2020

Ric Simpson was so much more than my teacher. After high school he became a very dear friend. I spent many good times with him and his family......trips to Myrtle Beach with him, Pat, Kathi and Naomi, day trips to O'Keefe Centre, where I learned to appreciate Opera, and dinner parties in his beautiful home. I learned how to drive a standard car (thanks to Pat) on one of his MG's. I attended some old car show rallies with him and his family. So even though I considered him a dear friend, he was also a very special teacher to me, even after high school. To all his family and dear friends, I am so sorry for your loss and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my condolences and sincere sympathy. Take comfort knowing how much Ric was loved, admired and respected. R.I.P. Richard James Simpson...…….you have a special place in my heart. Kathie (Krieger) Carr

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The family of Ric Simpson uploaded a photo

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Ric Simpson

1934 - 2020