Edwin Ray Simpson

Edwin Ray (Ted) Simpson, a very dear and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, died Sunday, November 29th, 2009 at his home in Springville.



Ted was born in Provo, Utah on July 19, 1932 to Edwin Simpson and Louise Webb. His early childhood days were spent in Mammoth, Utah. He was orphaned at the age of eleven and went to live with loving relatives in Spanish Fork and Benjamin, Utah. When his sister Elaine married George Bliss, young Teddy came to Springville to live with them.



He contracted rheumatic fever at age 11, and was put on bed rest for 2 years until his heart became stronger. He was able to start back to school in his junior high years. There he made many friendships that have lasted through the years. He graduated from Springville High in 1952. Ted later served in the military and received an honorable discharge from the United States Army. He worked at Ironton until it closed, then went to work for Provo Steel and Browning Arms for 30 years, until he retired.



Ted married his greatest love, Joyce Bjarnson on February 10, 1954 in the Salt Lake LDS temple. Together they raised 7 children. Throughout the years, Ted served in many positions in the LDS church, including 3 Bishoprics and High Priest Quorums. He found great joy in coaching little league baseball and basketball. His favorite past times were fishing, hunting, and sports. He was an avid BYU fan, and never missed a grandchild's ball game. He has always been a very dependable, honest and humble man. Ted was known as a hard worker and always willing to help others.



Ted is survived by his devoted wife Joyce Bjarnson Simpson, and children; Gary (Kelly), David (Barbara), Meri Lyn Metcalf (Milan), Lori Swenson (Dann), Craig (Shelly), Brent (Brooke) and Gordon (Angela).; 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters Elaine Bliss and Irene Broderick. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ted, until we meet again... We love you!



A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South Springville, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 2nd, 2009 at 11 a.m. at the Springville West Stake Center, 996 West Center Street Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.



The family would like to give a special thanks to the Doctors, Hospice Nurses and caregivers for providing loving care for our dad.