WEDNESDAY, July 11, 2018

SIMPSON, Maurice Francis

December 28, 1938 – Lethbridge, Alberta to June 29, 2018 – Lethbridge, Alberta

Dr. Maurice Simpson (Maurie) loving husband of Marlene, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 29, 2018, at the age of 79 years.

Besides his loving wife, Marlene, Maurie is survived by his children, Sean (Terri) Simpson, Kevin (Eunhee) Simpson, Brian (Sanja) Simpson and Shannon (Dwight) Watts, grandchildren, Brendan, Monica, Amy, Jonathan, Thane and Ariana, and a loving niece and 5 nephews. He is also survived by two step-children, Kerri (Joel) Weaver and Craig Praskach (Renee Johnson), four step-grandchildren, Devon, Jordan, Ethan and Bowen, and friend, Maureen Troman.

Maurie was predeceased by his parents, James and Kathleen Simpson and brothers, David, Kevin and Brian.

Maurie was born and raised in Lethbridge. He began his career in medicine at a young age as the delivery boy for Kitson Pharmacy. He made deliveries on his bike throughout the City of Lethbridge. That experience and his interest in chemistry led him to school where he pursued a degree in Pharmacy, graduating in 1960. He was a pharmacist for several years and then decided it was time to go back to school to pursue his Doctor of Medicine. He graduated in 1967 from the University of Alberta and then earned his General Practice Internship in 1968 from the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, AB. He began private practice in 1968 providing years of competent and compassionate care to his patients. He retired from private practice in 1997. In addition to his role as Family Physician, he was an Emergency Physician and Physician Surgical Assistant. He found great enjoyment assisting his fellow physicians in the operating room. He was a Regional Health Authority Medical Director, founding Medical Director for the student health services at the Lethbridge Community College, and was the first Medical Director for the Lethbridge Fire Department. He was recognized for his contribution in editing and compiling the initial Provincial Medical Control Guidelines for the EMS. Throughout his career, he held various appointments and positions with the Alberta Medical Association and devoted countless hours to Alberta Transportation Safety in the Driver Fitness and Monitoring Branch. He was very much involved in administration with the Continuing Care program in Lethbridge and surrounding area.

He had a keen interest in sports and was the team physician for the Lethbridge Broncos, the Lethbridge Hurricanes and the Lethbridge Pioneer Baseball League entries, the Lethbridge Expos and Lethbridge Dodgers. He was also a physician to the University of Lethbridge Pronghorn Athletic Program. In addition, he accompanied a Canadian Junior Hockey team as the team physician in Europe.

Maurie was dedicated to the health care profession and constantly educated himself. He was always involved in one committee or another aimed at bettering the profession to which he contributed a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. He most recently held a position on the Criminal Injuries Review Board. He was proud to be involved in the practice of Primary Care in his community and throughout the province.

Later in life, Maurie put his hand to writing and is the author of two published books. His third book is complete and is awaiting publication.

Maurie was not one to sit around. He played hockey with the Lethbridge Bone Crushers, hiked the West Coast Trail and also enjoyed camping and making wine. He was always busy and willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to help friends and family with carpentry renovations, work in his garage, work on his next novel, listen to music and play his guitars and the piano, and meet the guys for coffee.

Maurie loved his family. We will miss him dearly. His wisdom and wit will live in our hearts forever.

The family would like to thank all the staff on floor 4C at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital for their care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.

A Celebration of Maurie’s Life will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 2:00 to 4:30 at Paradise Canyon, 185 Canyon Blvd., Lethbridge, AB T1K 6V1.