Wallace Roger Simpson

Wallace Roger Simpson, aged 84, passed away peacefully with his family beside him on July 6th in Toronto. He was born July 23, 1939 to Minnie (Petersen) and Harry Simpson. He was a proud Torontonian who knew the city like the back of his hands. He grew up playing in the Don River, tobogganing Riverdale hills and played games of shinny wherever there was ice. At the bright age of 10 years old Wally was working for Cira Brothers delivering flowers and groceries. He eventually went on to have a career with Concord Cement, pouring concrete for the CN Tower and many other large city projects. He later retired after three decades with the Brewers Retail/The Beer Store doing what he loved best, driving the beer truck ensuring local establishments were well stocked. Wally carried a large personality that was loud and always ready for fun. He was known for his smooth dancing feet as a regular at Cabbagetown dances and reminisced of his time driving around in his 1947 Ford. An avid fan of horses, he loved being at the Greenwood Racetrack and his time as a member of the Canadian Legion where you could find him competing in dart leagues or playing billiards. He is wrapped in love by his surviving family. His five children Roger Darryl RD, James Neil (Lucie), Charlene Karen (Alan Royce), David Thomas and his baby girl, Laura Ann, the child of Donna and Wally. In typical Wally fashion he referred to his kids as The Big Guy, JJ, Poncho, Karen and Blondie. His ten beautiful grandchildren Andrew, Sarah, James, Jesse, Abigail, Marc, Joshua, Ian, Alexander and Johnathon. And, the love of his life Mary ‘Bridie’ Lane filled his last 30 years with blessings along with her children Cheryl, Tony (Rochelle), and Charlotte (Peter Sotirakos) and her grandchildren Austin, Micaela and Tommy. Wally’s boastful personality was captured on a sign he once hung at their East York home which read: Never mind the dog, beware of the owner! His door was always open for a cold beer, game of cards, or cup of tea with his music blasting. Backyard pool parties, fishing trips and shenanigans filled his years. During retirement he enjoyed traveling in his RV to visit his grandchildren in Ohio and trips to Florida along the open roads. He was fond of spending time downeast in Newfoundland enjoying fresh fish and good company. Wally was child #7 out of 13 children in his family. Smack in the middle of the birth order, his ornery self took on the role as the family protector or sometimes known as the enforcer. Fearless and always available to help anyone in distress. Waiting at the pearly gates are his parents, siblings Harry, Guy, Lily, Janette, Pauline and his angel Charlotte Ann Sotirakos. He is remembered for his opinionated views of Toronto sports and local politics as he never shied away from a good debate. Rather than a formal service, Wally’s wishes are for you to raise a cold one to the Leafs eventually winning the Cup. Please join us for his celebration of life honouring his 85th birthday at Canadian Legion Branch #345, 81 Peard Road Toronto on Friday July 26th for happy hour from 5:00-8:00pm. Please consider donating to Sunnybrook Foundation in Wally’s name using this link http://support.sunnybrook.ca/WallySimpson or to Providence Palliative care. And in Wally’s parting words, keep your stick on the ice ~ toot-a-loo!

Wallace Roger Simpson

July 6, 2024