It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Angela Mary Simpson early Sunday April 16, 2023. Surrounded by family, Angela died peacefully after a quiet, courageous battle with a lengthy illness. Wife, mother, and grandmother, she leaves a legacy of passion, caring and goodness. She is survived by her husband Doug, son Scott (Heather), daughter Michelle (Owen) and three beloved grandchildren, Clara, Annie and Leo.
A Celebration of Life will be held in England. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be considered to BC Cancer or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Robin Palin
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Choleena DiTullio Dear Doug, Scott, Michelle, and family,
Angela was one of the most compassionate and talented people that I have ever known. I was honoured to be paired with her in the studio on Rectory Lane as Simpson Gilbert’s first Production Artist, way back in 1994. She was a mentor and a friend. We shared a lot of laughs and many beautiful moments that made me feel as though I didn’t have a boss, but rather a team. And, every time the studio expanded, she took them under her wing, too. Protected us. Taught us. Laughed with us. Cried with us. We were a team with a creative and caring figure at the helm. These words come to mind… “We win together, we lose together. We celebrate and we mourn together. And defeats are softened and victories sweeter because we did them together… You’re my guys and I’m yours… and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”
Reading all the beautiful messages here tells me that she never stopped being that for coworkers, friends, and family. Her tender and charming heart touched everyone around her. We are all the better for knowing her, and I hope that your mourning is softened by knowing this.
Condolences with all my heart,
~Choleena
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Darlyne Whalen Doug, Michelle, Scott and families
I am so sad to hear this news. Angela was such a joy to be around both professionally and personally during our 15 plus years at SGCI. I valued our friendship for so many years. Always smiling and kind to everyone she met. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, she loved you all so much.
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Sheila Blagrave Angela was one of the kindest women I have known. She was always ready with a smile or words of encouragement to colleagues and others. She was an incredibly talented designer but remained humble and approachable, always. I am so very sorry for your loss Doug, Scott, and Michelle (and of course Norma). Big hugs to all of you from both of us,
Sheila (and Mark) Blagrave
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Bayne MacMillan Heather would be heartbroken, as am I, at this news. We always considered it our very great fortune to have been befriended by the Simpson family. Moments with Angela brightened any day. Wishing strength to Doug, Scott and Michelle at this very difficult time.
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Denise et Lester Hicks Doug, Scott and Michelle,
So sorry to hear the news that Angela has passed. She was such a lovely person. Keeping you all in our prayers at this difficult time. Treasure all the precious memories.
Sending hugs, Denise and Lester Hicks
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Michelle Leard Doug and family, my sincerest condolences. What a woman.
Always smiling and quick to share a giggle. I’ll always remember her comical stories and memories from days past.
When I made the jump from designer to art director she was nothing short of eagerly supportive and was always there yo share some advice.
Sparky, supportive and energized she was a force of kindness.
I was extremely fortunate to have worked along side her for nearly 8 years at SGCI. I’ll celebrate her today in my heart.
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Christine Elischer Dearest Angela,
We met in Pointe Claire at Scott and Bernie’s playschool more than 40 years ago; you were pregnant with Michelle. Your friendship meant so much to me in my first years in Canada. You became my best and most loyal friend. I remember spending time together watching our boys play hockey on the ice rink behind our house, meeting for tea in your lovely garden. We had a joined love for food and flowers.
You welcomed Alex, Leora and Leila with baby showers and were always there to lend a hand. Even as we moved to opposite sides of this big country we kept in touch. And every time we met it felt like we had never been apart. I am so glad we met last November to say our final good byes. We miss you.
Till we meet again, my friend.
Sending our love and deepest condolences to Doug, Scott, Michelle and families
Christine, Ralph and families
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Jocelyne Saulnier I am so sorry to hear about this news. I believe that Angela was my one and only female senior art director – I looked up to her as a mentor as her work was so beautiful and I enjoyed her sense of humour and gentle nature. My sincerest sympathies to Doug, her family and all those who loved her.
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Susan Robertson Heartbreaking news. Angela was a true mentor to women, breaking barriers in advertising with her beautiful designs and smart ideas, an amazing nurturer to family and friends who were lucky enough to be part of a superb Sunday night roast dinner, and one of the sweetest yet feistiest souls could you could ever meet. I know she loved her family dearly, doted on her kids and grandkids and was one of the kindest friends you could ever have. I can still hear her lovely voice. “Oh Doug!” she would often say, a term of endearment when he was playfully teasing her. So thankful to have had many work adventures together and a chance to see the wonderful life they have built on the west coast. She will be missed muchly. Thoughts are with you all.
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Leslie Van Patter Doug, I’m so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
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Jennifer Kenny Thinking of you and your family, Doug. I was so very sorry to hear this news this evening. I have fond memories of our time together.
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Merrill Fullerton So very, very sorry Doug and family. My time working with Angela was such a joy. She was a spark in every way. And always so hospitable when I visited. She will indeed be missed by many. Sending you condolences, hugs and prayers.
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Elizabeth Braid Such sad news … so very sorry Doug and family, including Norma. Angela’s name comes up at book club – she was admired for her quirky British book choices. Our sincere condolences to all who loved her.
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Joy Rayner Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Cannot believe my lovely cousin Angela is no longer with us.
Such a loving and caring person who will be missed by many.
Joy and Les xx
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Amanda Downing Beautiful, dearest Angie, the Big Sister Bob has loved and looked up to all his life, sister-in-law to Mandy, her loss has hit us very hard. With a bit soft heart, kind and gentle nature, but with a strong inner core which has stood her in good stead in times of difficulty; loving and caring, entirely family orientated, always putting others before herself. Her culinary prowess was unequalled, apparently effortlessly putting together wonderful meals for the family en masse, catering for wide ranging tastes in all areas of the family. Fun-loving and an expert event organiser. Angie exuded at all times a calm and serene strength of spirit, loving and warm-hearted to the last. Over the years, the decades, and in spite of the many miles between us, on both sides of The Pond, we’ve had very many wonderful holidays together, shared so many happy times. A focal pivotal member of the family who will be deeply missed. We will be there with the family in spirit tomorrow, thinking of Angie an of you all.
Bob and Mandy Downing
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Linda Parker We are with you at this sad time.
You are in our hearts and thoughts.
I wish my amazing sister peace.
May we all be comforted by the love she has given us.
Today and always.Linda, Andrew, Jonathan & Natasha xxx
I learned of Angela’s untimely passing four days ago when a response to my birthday wishes to Doug brought this terrible news. It’s taken me this long to digest this news and put my thoughts to paper. It will not do her justice. Mere words couldn’t.
I’ve known Angela for almost half a century, back to her days at McKim and before I knew she was married to my high school friend Doug. I obviously didn’t know her well at the time but to work at McKim, you had to be good. It was some time before I came to know that ‘good’ was not a word one used to describe Angela.
Several years passed before Doug came back into my life. It was after I had opened my public affairs firm in 1980. Just after returning to the office, my phone rang. “Stay away from my clients” the voice warned, adding, “I want you in my office in 20 minutes.”
To say that Simpson can be cryptic at times is an understatement. But the ensuing meeting reestablished a high school friendship and launched me onto the most exciting and challenging assignment of my career. It also launched a professional relationship that lasted until our respective retirements and deepened our personal relationship. It was during this time that I came to know and appreciate the Angela that everyone loves.
Professionally she was an Art Director, a mentor and a magician. In real life she was a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, a hostess and a friend to many people. In all of these roles, she was the consummate pro.
From a distance, it was hard to evaluate her as an Art Director. Virtually every Art Director I worked with had an ego and was quick to expound upon their talent. Angela just listened until she understood the target audience, the communications objectives and other details required. Then she returned with creative that told the story perfectly. She would present the creative concept without fanfare. She would simply lay it out for all to see. No defense. No explanations. No justification.
I initially mistook her quiet approach as a lack of confidence. But it was exactly the opposite. She had a quiet confidence in her abilities. Her work was exquisite.
It was the way she approached everything in her life. As a guest in her home on many occasions, I learned that she kept the Simpson household immaculate and, as can be expected, graceful, charming and warm. As a hostess she was accomplished, welcoming and an excellent chef. As a person, she was wise, caring, understanding and courageous.
While William Shakespeare correctly stated, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all”, dealing with the loss of such a profound love must present indescribable grief.
Doug, Scott, Michelle and family, you have my deepest sympathies.
Robin Palin