1939 ~ 2020
On Tuesday, November 10, 2020 Leonard Angus Simpson died peacefully at his home in Pinawa, surrounded by his family. Len is survived by his wife Judith and his three children, Jane (Brad), Andrew (Susan) and Richard (Kristen), his precious grandchildren Rhiannon, Josh, Alaina, Erik, Hayden, Niah and Nathan and his sisters-in-law Sian and June. He was predeceased by his parents, Wesley Simpson and Kathleen Simpson, and his brother David.
Len was born in Vancouver, B.C. and studied at the University of British Columbia. He graduated with a B.Sc. (Physics) followed by an M.Sc. in Metallurgy. While at university he joined the University Navy Training Division and enjoyed ocean-going adventures and made many life-long friends. Following graduation, he worked at the General Electric Labs in Schenectady, New York before moving to the U.K. to pursue a Ph.D. at the University of Wales, Swansea. It was there he met his future wife Judith. In 1968 the next big move was to the Whiteshell Laboratories in Pinawa to pursue research in material science. Len remained at the Whiteshell Labs, in various research and managing positions, including Director of the Reactor Safety Research Division, until his retirement in 1996. The highlight of his time at AECL was working with the scientists and technicians in his division. They were some of the most brilliant and innovative people he had ever come across.
Following his retirement, he became the mayor of Pinawa and spent eight years carefully guiding the town of Pinawa through the decommissioning negotiations with Atomic Energy of Canada.
His passion was sailing on Lake of the Woods, and he, Judith and Jane, Andrew and Richard spent many years enjoying the lake and the friendship of other sailors. In 1995 Len was diagnosed with prostate cancer and spent the next 25 years managing his illness but at the same time living life to the fullest. His strength has impressed many, especially his family. He loved opera, the Jets,
X-country skiing and living in Pinawa. Most of all he loved his wife, his children and his grandchildren. We will miss him so much.
Len was grateful for the compassionate care he received from Dr. Czaykowski, Dr. Bruneau, Dr. Papetti and the Pinawa Cancer Clinic. His favourite charity is CancerCare Manitoba. Celebrations of his life will be held when all is calm, and our lives can start again.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me
And may there be no moaning of the bar
As I put out to sea. (Tennison)
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Rebecca
My love and thanks for the life he lead him to Judith, their wonderful children and grandchildren. Thank you sharing your family and the years of travelling to the uk. You will be missed with fond memories, including a fantastic win by the Swans with Tim. All our love now and always, Rebecca, Tim and our girls.
Rachel Davies-Jones
To our lovely smiley Uncle Len, Cant believe this day has come. You will be greatly missed and loved in our memories for every. Always love from all of your family in Wales. Nos Da. xxxx
Michael Tomlinson
To Len’s Family: I salute Len, my outstanding colleague and community leader. Len will remain forever large in my remembrance of work at the Whiteshell Laboratories and family living in Pinawa town. Michael Tomlinson.
Clay Mc Murren
Sorry for your loss and Pinawa’s loss enjoyed talking hockey how proud he was of his Grandson and his hockey. Always upbeat and never complained just kept going. My Condolence to all the Family he will be missed.
Catherine and Greg Gowryluk
We are very sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Our sincerest condolences to Judith, Andrew, Jane, Richard… and families.
Karla and Shawn Elcock
He was a great Mayor of Pinawa. It was an honor to sit around his Council Table. A wonderful Leader. Our condolences to Judith and the rest of the family.
Susan Clarke
To Judith and family, may the Lord be with you all, through this sad time.
Jack and Sharon Turner
So sorry to learn of Lens passing. Always enjoyed his presence at morning coffee. He was always ready to show a picture of his grandkids.
Know that we are thinking about you.
Jan Robertson Mancey
Dear Judith, Jane, Andrew, Richard and families, we are so sad to hear of Mr. Simpson’s passing. He had the best smile, and a great sense of humour! It was so lovely to spend time with you when we were in Pinawa last year. Sending much love.
Diane Loesch
My sincere condolences in the passing of Len. He will be surely missed by his wife of over 50 years, and his children Andrew, Richard and Jane. He was lucky to have them all by his side. Diane
Larry Gauthier
My most sincere condolences to Judith and her family on the loss of Len. His devotion to his family and service to his community will not be forgotten. He will be missed by many.
Lesa Cafferty
My thoughts and condolences to the Simpson family.
Gary
Judith my sincere condolences to you Jane Andrew & Richard. Len was a remarkable person it was a joy working for him and enjoying personal time with him. Len was a great Mayor and well respected by all the neighbouring communities. Pinawa was fortunate to have his leadership during the early days of our transition away from AECL. Len will be missed by all that knew him well. All the best to you Judith and your family. Gary & Kathy
Connie Plunkett
My sincere condolences to Judith and family on the passing of Len. It was a privilege to work with Len and share his passion for Pinawa. Pinawa has lost a good man.
Norm and Vicki Randle
We were so sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Our sincere condolences.
Harry and Doreen Backer
We were so sad to hear of Len’s passing. We had so many hockey and life story discussions while enjoying
our coffee breaks at the Solo and Pinawa Club. Our thoughts with all the family.
Peter Siemens
Judith how can I ever thank you and Len for the wonderful friendship we had for so many years. Our hearts go out to you and your whole family as you bid farewell to the wonderful spirit of Len. Wishing you all the best and please remember to embrace life as your refrain of that well worn phrase served me well in 1996. Big virtual hugs from Carol-Ann and Peter
Bernice and Jay Hawton
We are sorry to hear of Len’s passing. Prayers of peace to the you and all the family.
Ben & Denise Rouben
We are so very sorry to read of Len’s passing. He was a dear colleague at AECL and also at the Canadian Nuclear Society. And Len was a friend. Sincere condolences to Len’s entire family.
Ray and Carol Wazney
Judith and family – we are so sorry to learn of Len’s passing. May the memories of times shared as a family bring you comfort and peace. Sincerest condolences to all of you.
Nancy Murphy/Strachan
Hi Judith,
It’s me Nancy. Vic sent me the news and I am sorry to hear it particularly with the complications of Covid present regarding the planning of the funeral. Not a good time.
I’m sorry for your loss and hope that you have a lifetime of good friends in Pinawa to support you now.
Dave & Ronnie Faulkner
It was with deep sadness that we learned the news of Len’s passing. It was always a pleasure working and spending leisure time with him through our years in Pinawa in the ’70’s. Our sincere condolences to Judith and family at this difficult time.
Dennis & Shirley Cann
Dear Judith and family,
We were very sorry to hear of Len’s passing. He was one of the first people I met in ’73 when I joined Materials Science Branch, then later sharing a carpool with him and then watching him in his sojourn as Mayor. He was bigger than life in a very positive way with a ready friendly smile. We send our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father.
Dennis and Shirley Cann
Roger Gripp
Dear Judith and family. I was very sorry to hear of Len’s passing. I worked with Len for many years as legal counsel while he was Mayor of Pinawa. He was such a man of integrity and had a wonderful breadth of knowledge concerning AECL and the entire Pinawa community. His legacy of leadership has had a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of working with him. My deepest condolences to you and your family as you grieve his loss and in time celebrate his life. Sincerely, Roger Gripp
Bruce Ellis
My sincere condolences to the Simpson family. I was fortunate to work with Len in the Materials Science Branch for many years. Len will be missed by all that knew him.