William Simpson

William Evan Simpson III, age 85 died December 19, 2020 following a long journey with Alzheimer’s Dementia, with complications from the Covid-19 Pandemic.  He was born August 19, 1935 in Galesburg, Illinois, and was adopted by William E. Simpson and Elizabeth Canfield.  His family fondly referred to William as Graypa and/or Grampa.  Graypa attended Northrop University, Inglewood, CA and graduated somewhere around ’63-’64, this information is from stories passed down.  He had a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering.  Graypa went on to obtain his Masters in Divinity and practiced in the Episcopal Church, then received his doctorate at UC Davis.  He was beloved by the family and staff of La Villa Grande and Hope West in Grand Junction, Colorado.  Graypa was preceded in death by his wife Sharon (Nana) Rae Weber (passed away in 2012).  He is survived by his son William Evan Simpson IV (Billy), Billy’s spouse Lisa Knapp Simpson and their daughters Evan Cole Simpson and Emily Grace Simpson, and Graypa’s daughter Kelly Simpson Rich and her husband John Rich. Memorial will be in the Springtime when Pandemic restrictions allow.  Graypa and Nana will be reunited again and taken to Nana’s favorite spot.  Services have been entrusted to Browns Cremation and Funeral Services