Obituary of Simpson, Douglas "Claude"

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Claude Simpson "The Man In Black" on Thursday, June 30th, 2022 at his late residence. Predeceased by his parents: Hillard MacInnis Simpson and Ettie Wanda Simpson and spouse Judy Simpson (Doucette). Survived by: Spouse, Susan Ann Simpson (Hemmings) (Hartson). Step children and grandchildren: Martin (Jamie) Hemmings and Liam, Winnipeg. Mathew Hemmings, and Bailey, Ava, Ethan, Evan, in Fort MacMurray, Amanda Hemmings (Shawn) in Toronto, ON. Brother: Kent Simpson and Joanne, Niece Crystal Simpson and Nephew Josh Simpson and their families. Sisters In Law: Donna Yantha, Nephews Troy Sproule (Angie) and their family, Shawn Sproule and his family, Carol (David) Parker, Nephew Dougie Parker. Elaine Miouse and her family. Sisters and Brother In Law: Cindy (Wayne) Hartson, Marg (Joe) MacKinnon, Bill (Trish) Hartson and their families. Claude was employed as a machine operator for the Department of Highways, in Summerside for 39 years. You'd see him on the sides of the roads throughout PEI operating the grass cutter. Claude did much volunteer work. Founding Member and Past President of local Chapter of Good Sam RV Club. Earning a Lifetime Membership while building the membership to 40 to 50 RV's. Past President of "REACT", this group assisted local law enforcement with emergency calls. Searching for lost individuals, accident scenes, etc. Claude enjoyed his music and is known as "The Man In Black". He organized and performed at benefits and fundraisers. Helping those with cancer, illnesses or those recovering from accidents. Crime Stoppers, Prince County Hospital Equipment Fund, St John's Anglican Church. He loved to entertain at seniors homes, local halls, campgrounds and open Mics at Music Festivals. Claude would never turn down an opportunity to help others especially in their time of need. After the death of his spouse he met and married Susan Hemmings of Caribou NS. On June 6th 2015. He thought of her as his soulmate and formed a special bond with each of her children, Martin, Mathew and Amanda and was known as Papa Claude to his step-grandchildren, Bailey, Liam, Ava, Ethan, Evan. Claude felt very blessed to have close friends and relatives who helped him through before his passing and whenever he was in need. In his last months he lost the ability to do the things he loved the most: Singing and playing guitar. He especially missed playing with his band, Fred Arsenault and Jack Darrach, known as "The Long Black Train". He won many ribbons with his carvings and woodworking and building canoes. What can be said for Claude's last days were the deepening relationships he formed with his family, nephews, and others. It was a special time to have visitors and laughs about the "old days", wondering how they survived. Claude made an impression on everyone who met him or who had the pleasure of listening to his CD's or seeing him perform. Claude will be missed. "Love You Forever" my Bad Ass Bear. Resting at the East Prince Funeral Home, 245 Pope Road, Summerside, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, July 4th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Claude's memory to the Funeral Expense Fund would be greatly appreciated. Interment will take place in St. John Anglican Church Cemetery, Summerside. Visiting hours on Sunday from 2 - 4 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to the East Prince Funeral Home, Summerside, P.E.I If you would like to send a condolence to his family, please click Online Condolence below or send an email directly to epfuneral@eastlink.ca