Robert “Bob” G. Simpson of Portland, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the age of 83. Born in Seattle to Harold “Hal” Vernon and Anna Rondeau McCabe Simpson, Bob and his sister, Eleanor “Janie” Jane (Simpson) O’Donnell moved frequently with their father’s career as young children before settling with their grandparents in Ashland.

Elected “outstanding senior man,” Bob graduated from Ashland High School in 1950 and attended the University of Oregon where he continued his student government involvement. In 1954, he received his B.S. degree in General Social Sciences. After two years’ service in Europe in the U.S. Army, Bob attended Willamette University’s College of Law. On the day that he received his law degree, he married fellow Willamette graduate Josephine Anne Heald of Milton-Freewater. They were married for 52 years. Bob and Jo settled in Portland where Bob entered the practice of law. They had three children, Jenifer Simpson Morrissey, Thomas Glenn Simpson and Mary Simpson Martin.

Bob became a partner first in the law firm Adams, McLoughlin & Simpson in 1965 and later joining Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt as associate and eventually partner. His civic engagement included being an original member of the Portland Metropolitan Study Commission and serving as chair from 1965 until its termination in 1971. He later served on the boards of Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Medical Center and the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon where he also served as chancellor. He was one of the organizers of the first Dorchester Conference which just celebrated its 50th year. In addition to Bobs civic interests and dedication to his family, Bob enjoyed yard work, vegetable gardening, visiting his beach house at Pacific City, setting up car rallies for friends and occasionally indulging his talents in painting and drawing.

Bob was predeceased by his wife, Jo in 2011.

He is survived by his sister, three children and four grandchildren.

Remembrances may be sent to the H.V. Hal Simpson Memorial Endowment Fund (#5134) at the University of Oregon Foundation or for the benefit of the Glenn E. Simpson Collection at Southern Oregon Historical Society.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2016, at Christ Episcopal Church in Lake Oswego.

Memorial Service

2:00pm ,Thursday, April 21, 2016
Christ Episcopal Church
Lake Oswego