Bob Simpson

May 5, 1936 - April 9, 2025

Bob passed away peacefully at age 88 in Scottsdale, Arizona, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, faith, and humor that touched the lives of all who knew him. Born in in Pasadena, Bob was the son of Robert Nathan Simpson Sr. and Helen Bradburn Simpson. He was raised in San Marino, California, and graduated from South Pasadena – San Marino High School in 1954. He went on to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, where he was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

After college, Bob began working for his father at Simpson Industries, a company contracted to build launchpads and missile sites for the U.S. government. His work took him to places like Vandenberg Air Force Base and Okinawa, Japan. Later, Bob transitioned into the insurance industry and spent many years working for several established companies before founding Bob Simpson & Associates. He built a successful and respected career helping others navigate health and life insurance - a passion he carried into his final years. On August 17, 1963, Bob married the love of his life, Diane Fennell ‘50, in San Marino. Together, they built a life filled with family, adventure, and enduring love. Their love story was truly extraordinary - built on faith, strengthened by their walk with the Lord, and leaving a lasting legacy of love that lives on through Diane.

Bob's passions were many. An avid golfer from an early age, he joined Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena at 27. He loved weekends at the beach with his family, spending time at the Balboa Bay Club and Jonathan Beach Club. He also loved spending holidays and spring breaks in La Quinta California with his family at his dad's home. He wouldn't miss a Bob Hope classic and enjoyed that tournament annually. Bob, a lifelong Dodgers fan, began attending games on Opening Day in 1962 and rarely missed a season - he and Diane attended over 40 games a year and were present for iconic moments like Kirk Gibson's 1988 World Series home run. Bob and Diane also loved to travel, especially to Europe and took annual trips to Paris, France. Bob even learned French so he could order gelato at their favorite spot during each visit. In 2001, they moved to Montana, where Bob embraced fly fishing, hiking, target shooting, and more golf. Summers were filled with laughter and joy as he played in the yard with his grandchildren, took them to feed ducks, and explored the Bitterroot River.

In 2006, they settled in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Bob became his grandchildren's biggest fan - especially at their volleyball games. Bob was a gifted storyteller whose charm, wit, and warmth left a lasting impression. His smile was contagious, his kindness unmatched, and his humor a gift to all. A lover of history, Bob had an encyclopedic knowledge of U.S. and world events, especially military history. Among his most meaningful travels were visits to Omaha Beach, Mont-Saint-Michel, Sainte-Mère-Église, and Verdun.

 Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Nathan Simpson Sr. and Helen Bradburn Simpson, as well as his son-in-law, Rob Knight. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Diane; his sisters Judy Vail (Jan) of Concord, North Carolina, and Kathy Hubbard of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also survived by his daughters: – Susan (Rob) Meldrum Sun Valley, Idaho – Sandy Jordan of San Luis Obispo, California – Wendy Knight of Scottsdale, Arizona, and five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

KNXV, April 18, 2025