Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Allan set out on his final voyage on February 1st, 2024 after a well lived, eventful, and adventuresome life that began in 1943 in Hamilton.
Predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Blanche Simpson, he will be remembered by his best friend and partner, Diana, his daughter Daphne (Mike Neerhof), and his son Neil (Angela Vanderholst), his brother Brian (Kathy) Simpson, and sister-in-law Judy (Ian) Brown. A doting grandfather, always interested in the education and adventures of his six grandchildren, Allan is thankful for the gift of Desmond, Cecilia and Beatrice Neerhof of Fergus, and Ava, Grace and Olivia Simpson of Hanover.
Having been active in the Boy Scout movement in Aldershot, after completing his studies at Waterdown DHS, he pursued studies in modern history, French, and Russian at University of Toronto. Seeking further language development and adventures, he spent six months hitch-hiking and hosteling in Europe and North Africa, taught French one year in Thessalon, and returned to earn a post-grad degree in Paris at the Sorbonne in 1967.
The decision to pursue life in a small town led to his teaching French in 1968 at what would become John Diefenbaker Secondary School. Thirty years at JDSS would be interrupted for a one year teacher exchange when he, Diana and young Daphne spent a year in Nantes, France where he taught English. The urge to travel and forge friendships within our nation led to his organizing JDSS student exchanges with schools in Quebec,ski trips to the Laurentians, and later three student exchanges with France.
Allan was active also on the Board of Managers at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian in Hanover. In his retirement years, he volunteered time on the Ontario Trillium Foundation. He was on the steering committee which founded the PROBUS club for Hanover area, and played an active role in the club. Reading, creating stained glass works, and painting in acrylics and oils filled his leisure hours. Ever grateful to his students and to the town of Hanover for a full life, Allan leaves behind many memories.
Friends are invited to join the family for a memorial service at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (378 10th St, Hanover) on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 11:00am. A celebration of life will follow at 12:30pm -3:30pm at the Hanover Legion (493 8th Ave, Hanover).
As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Hanover & District Hospital Foundation or to the Sports & Arts Programs of John Diefenbaker Secondary School.(Please make cheques payable to JDSS) Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home. Condolences may be made by visiting www.mightonfuneralhome.ca
Sending our heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time. Goldie & Sharon.
- Sharon TilkerDear Diana, Neil, Daphne. My heartfelt condolences for your/my loss. I have know Alan since 1979. Over these many years, he has been my teacher, my chaperone, my advisor, my neighbour … but most importantly, my trusted friend. I would like to be remembered by all who read this message as the person who told him about the FaceBook Page “Hanover Remembers!” His many posts on this site, subsequently, have been wonderful to read, and have enriched the collective memory of those of us still connected to the Town. Alan was thoughtful, generous, endlessly artistic, insightful, incisive (when I needed it) and so supportive and uplifting. I will truly miss him.
- Dr Rob BallaghDeepest condolences to Diana, Daphne and Neil. A man who was so proud of his family.
- Chuck & Viv NiesenAlan was one of my all-time favourite teachers!
I actually babysat Daphne and Neil when they were young. Alan was an amazing artist and brought to life so many landscapes and garden scenes over the years. I made a New Years Resolution years ago to go back and talk to the people who made the biggest impact on my life. Not surprising, Alan was on that list.
He inspired me to go into teaching French, organize exchanges for my own students, and be a part of exchanges during high school as well as university.
He was a gentle, kind man and will be missed by so many different generations,
Allan was a wonderful man!! He was also a brilliant teacher. I am so sorry for your loss. Eleanor
- Eleanor LamontOur deepest deepest sympathies to Mr Simpson family
- Randy and Vicki dickertWonderful neighbour. Our deepest sympathy. Hugs and love during this difficult time
- Kathy Becker and Jeff YatesMy sincere sympathy to Diana, Daphne, and Neil. Allan touched so many lives in the very best way. I'm grateful I got the chance to know him as both a colleague and a friend.
Dale Traversy
We were very saddened to hear of Allan's passing. He was a regular contributor to the "Hanover Remembers" history blog. We also shared a love of painting and frequently talked about our passion for art. Our children, too, were well acquainted when they were growing up. The measure of a successful life is often the number of good memories a person leaves behind. Allan left many and will continue to be fondly remembered by all of us who knew him. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Lorraine and Al Morrow and Family
My sincere condolences to the whole family. I have many fond memories of learning French and experiencing the culture on an exchange to Quebec with Allan. I had the pleasure of having him as a colleague when I first started teaching as well.
- Kevin ChittickMy sincere condolences to Daphne, Neil and your family. I have nothing but fond memories of your dad.
- Anne WilkenDear Diana, Daphne, Neil and families,
Please accept my sincere sympathies for your recent loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Allan was a very respected and valued member of our community and he will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known him. May all of your treasured memories help to ease your sorrow and bring you comfort during this difficult time. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers as you face the days ahead.
In sympathy,
Jeannette Wilken
Diana and family
Ed and I would like to send you our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Allan was a very lovely man. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Thinking of you
Karen and Ed Ruetz
