Angela Mary Simpson

17 Responses

1. I learned of Angela’s untimely passing four days ago when a response to my birthday wishes to Doug brought this terrible news. It’s taken me this long to digest this news and put my thoughts to paper. It will not do her justice. Mere words couldn’t.

   I’ve known Angela for almost half a century, back to her days at McKim and before I knew she was married to my high school friend Doug. I obviously didn’t know her well at the time but to work at McKim, you had to be good. It was some time before I came to know that ‘good’ was not a word one used to describe Angela.

   Several years passed before Doug came back into my life. It was after I had opened my public affairs firm in 1980. Just after returning to the office, my phone rang. “Stay away from my clients” the voice warned, adding, “I want you in my office in 20 minutes.”

   To say that Simpson can be cryptic at times is an understatement. But the ensuing meeting reestablished a high school friendship and launched me onto the most exciting and challenging assignment of my career. It also launched a professional relationship that lasted until our respective retirements and deepened our personal relationship. It was during this time that I came to know and appreciate the Angela that everyone loves.

   Professionally she was an Art Director, a mentor and a magician. In real life she was a mother, a wife, a housekeeper, a hostess and a friend to many people. In all of these roles, she was the consummate pro.

   From a distance, it was hard to evaluate her as an Art Director. Virtually every Art Director I worked with had an ego and was quick to expound upon their talent. Angela just listened until she understood the target audience, the communications objectives and other details required. Then she returned with creative that told the story perfectly. She would present the creative concept without fanfare. She would simply lay it out for all to see. No defense. No explanations. No justification.

   I initially mistook her quiet approach as a lack of confidence. But it was exactly the opposite. She had a quiet confidence in her abilities. Her work was exquisite.

   It was the way she approached everything in her life. As a guest in her home on many occasions, I learned that she kept the Simpson household immaculate and, as can be expected, graceful, charming and warm. As a hostess she was accomplished, welcoming and an excellent chef. As a person, she was wise, caring, understanding and courageous.

   While William Shakespeare correctly stated, “Tis better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all”, dealing with the loss of such a profound love must present indescribable grief.

   Doug, Scott, Michelle and family, you have my deepest sympathies.

   Robin Palin

2. Dear Doug, Scott, Michelle, and family,

   Angela was one of the most compassionate and talented people that I have ever known. I was honoured to be paired with her in the studio on Rectory Lane as Simpson Gilbert’s first Production Artist, way back in 1994. She was a mentor and a friend. We shared a lot of laughs and many beautiful moments that made me feel as though I didn’t have a boss, but rather a team. And, every time the studio expanded, she took them under her wing, too. Protected us. Taught us. Laughed with us. Cried with us. We were a team with a creative and caring figure at the helm. These words come to mind… “We win together, we lose together. We celebrate and we mourn together. And defeats are softened and victories sweeter because we did them together… You’re my guys and I’m yours… and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

   Reading all the beautiful messages here tells me that she never stopped being that for coworkers, friends, and family. Her tender and charming heart touched everyone around her. We are all the better for knowing her, and I hope that your mourning is softened by knowing this.

   Condolences with all my heart,
   ~Choleena

3. Doug, Michelle, Scott and families
   I am so sad to hear this news. Angela was such a joy to be around both professionally and personally during our 15 plus years at SGCI. I valued our friendship for so many years. Always smiling and kind to everyone she met. Thinking of you all during this difficult time, she loved you all so much.

4. Angela was one of the kindest women I have known. She was always ready with a smile or words of encouragement to colleagues and others. She was an incredibly talented designer but remained humble and approachable, always. I am so very sorry for your loss Doug, Scott, and Michelle (and of course Norma). Big hugs to all of you from both of us,

   Sheila (and Mark) Blagrave

5. Heather would be heartbroken, as am I, at this news. We always considered it our very great fortune to have been befriended by the Simpson family. Moments with Angela brightened any day. Wishing strength to Doug, Scott and Michelle at this very difficult time.

6. Doug, Scott and Michelle,

   So sorry to hear the news that Angela has passed. She was such a lovely person. Keeping you all in our prayers at this difficult time. Treasure all the precious memories.

   Sending hugs, Denise and Lester Hicks

7. Doug and family, my sincerest condolences. What a woman.
   Always smiling and quick to share a giggle. I’ll always remember her comical stories and memories from days past.
   When I made the jump from designer to art director she was nothing short of eagerly supportive and was always there yo share some advice.
   Sparky, supportive and energized she was a force of kindness.
   I was extremely fortunate to have worked along side her for nearly 8 years at SGCI. I’ll celebrate her today in my heart.