Obituary of Deryl Jean Simpson

Obituary Deryl Jean Simpson was born March 26, 1942 in Edmonton, AB to Philip Rees Thomas and Olive Marjorie Thomas. Her father was a coal miner from Wales who fought with the British Navy in the first world war. He was a longshoreman, a grain farmer in Brownville, Alberta, a berry farmer and prize-winning flower grower on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island. Deryl's mother was a Spanish Scot, midwife, missionary, pastor, and nurse in Brownville, Alberta, then later, a nurse at Resthaven Hospital in Sidney, BC. Deryl moved to the Fort St. John area as a young woman and was a ranch wife. She reared and home-schooled 6 children, and also worked outside the home. She was loved and respected by all the people at the Halfway River First Nation, where she taught school and worked for 35 years. She loved and supported many; always helping them achieve their goals. Education was very important to Deryl, and she made sure all of her 6 kids were able to follow their dreams. Deryl loved animals, especially dogs, and even though housedogs weren't usually common on ranches, she let her kids have many over the years. Deryl was an avid gardener, always creating beautiful flower beds and growing enough vegetables for many people besides her family. Deryl passed away peacefully in Fort St. John on October 30, 2022, surrounded by her loved ones. Deryl will be missed by her husband, Jim; her children, Alicia (Wayne), Barb (Glen), Lorne (Lynnette), Shannon (Jack), Jade, and Cindy (Rolly; 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Deryl will also be missed by her brother, Dennis (Kathy); sisters-in-law, Gayle Thomas, Jessie Smith, Mary (Lee) Trimble, Denise Simpson, and Rhee Simpson; brother-in-law, David (Pam); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Deryl to Focus on The Family Canada HERE. A Memorial Tea will be held in Deryl's honour on November 1, 2022 at the Ramada Wyndham Northern Grande, 9830 100 Avenue, Fort St. John, BC, in the Plaza 2 room from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Services