Richard Sumner Simpson (November 16, 1936 - July 10, 2018) — a.k.a. Rich, a.k.a Poppa-Doo — died peacefully on July 10, 2018. He is survived by his brother, Robert Simpson; his sister, Sherril Hibbard; his children Victoria (Simpson) Vasconi and Jennifer Simpson; his granddaughter, Gianna Vasconi; his sons-in-law Lou Vasconi and David Childers; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Julie Leffler Simpson; and his parents, Winchell and Evangeline Simpson.

Rich was a California boy, born and raised. After high school, he served in the US Navy in Japan, as a photographer. He attended UC Berkeley, where he studied Criminology, was a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and met Julie Leffler. Julie and Rich married on their graduation day, and soon settled in Oakland, where they raised their girls together until Julie’s death in 1983. Rich worked as a Criminal Investigator for the Alameda County Public Defender’s office, and simultaneously served as a photographer and photojournalist in the US Air Force Reserves. After his retirement he moved to Redmond, Oregon and lived there in the company of many good friends for 20+ years before returning to California in 2015 to live near his daughter Jenni in Eureka.

In 1985 Rich became friends with Bill W., and kept company with Bill and all of his friends until the day he died.

Rich had a zest for life and had many interests and talents, some of which were cribbage, stamp/cover collecting, gun and cartridge collecting, country, ragtime and marching band music, travel, hiking, stinky cheese, all food (except brussel sprouts), geology, dogs and cats, photography, camping, cooking, target shooting and so many more things.

Rich’s daughters are grateful for the lifelong love and support of their Poppa-Doo. Though he wasn’t much for sharing feelings, he showed his love with deep kindness, time spent together, lots of hugs and kisses, a listening ear, and so much laughter and fun.

A memorial will be held for Rich at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Arcata on August 11th, 2018 at 2 p.m. Donations can be made in Rich’s name to the American Cancer Society or the National Alzheimer’s Association.

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