Del Simpson

My name is Heather, and this is for my mom to try to help her with the medical and funeral expenses from my dad’s passing. I’m setting a fund up in lieu of flowers, gifts and food. We appreciate the love and support we’ve been offered, but we ask that everyone please be respectful of our wishes. My dad has always been a very private man and in his own words, “never wanted much of a fuss over his passing.” 

Here is the link to the GoFundMe page if you do wish to donate to the family:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/del-simpson-memorial?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

I loved him very much and I always enjoyed our time together and he would always tell me he wanted to go living his life to the fullest. He lived as he spoke. When I was born, he gave up cigarettes and started on the journey to good health and happiness. He used to say the motivation was to see me grow up. When I was in school, we started walking on the treadmill together. Walking went on to running which then went to running outside and even half marathons! He found quite the passion for running, and this fueled his interest in changing his diet and eating healthier as well.

Aside from health, one of my favorite things about him was how much he loved riding his motorcycle. He would have me passenger on his bike and take me on rides around the house when I was younger. Some of my favorite memories are even of us chasing each other around the backyard, me on my go-cart and him on his bike. He always made sure I had a full and happy childhood. So many memories driving around Knightdale come to mind. Sunday was always his errand day, and I would always come along just because I loved spending time with him. I was his little helper, and he always enjoyed having me come on his adventures. He showed me so much music that I still love and cherish to this day on those car rides. He was such a fun and loving father. Recently he even went after his dream for learning the guitar again. He really had found his happy place in these last few years.  I have always been so proud of him for turning his life and health around for the better. 

My mom and dad have been married for 23 years. They were each other’s partner and best friend. My parents taught me that the best relationships start in a strong friendship. That which can last through the toughest of times. Through unemployment, job relocation and the recession they still put my needs first and I will always appreciate that. I want to show my mom the care and support that she and my dad gave me. 

 His death this week was very sudden and unexpected. We are trying to understand what this means for us next, thus we ask for privacy during our grieving. I know my father touched many lives, whether it be his quiet understanding, rallying a fellow runner, or making you laugh with his dry humor. Please feel free to leave your favorite memories and share a part of my dad with us and this community. Thank you for all your support these last few days, and please continue to be with us. I don’t know what the future will hold, but I know my mom will need all the love and continued support. I know my dad was loved. 

 Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell  www.stricklandfuneral.com