Egremont born, the young Ken was a chorister at St Mary’s and St Michael’s Church in the town and was a pupil at Bookwell and Whitehaven County Secondary School.
He studied teaching at St Luke’s College, Exeter, where he excelled in athletics and cross-country running. He joined the Navy and served for a time on HMS Victorious before taking up his first teaching post near Hull. He then moved back to his home county to teach at Calderbridge and Seascale Primary Schools and later at Bransty School where he became headmaster, serving there until his retirement in 1983.
He was a very active member of the National Union of Teachers and held various positions including president, secretary and treasurer of the West Cumberland branch and was county president and served on the County Education Committee.
Mr Simpson, of Inkerman Terrace, Whitehaven, was passionate about rugby league and was an avid Whitehaven RL supporter. He also liked cricket and travelled to Lord’s, the Oval and Headingley.
Above all he was a family man and enjoyed life with his wife Elizabeth, children David and Ann, grandson Christopher and great grandaughter Ellie. Having met Elizabeth in 1955 when he first saw her singing on stage at Kells Welfare, the couple married in 1960, leaving Ken no choice but to be roped into the local music and drama scene. He was reluctant to go on stage, preferring to stay behind the scenes, but was coerced into appearing in various productions.
He held several positions in the Whitehaven Operatic Society, including president, chairman, secretary and treasurer and only gave up his presidency when his illness became too severe to continue. A keen gardener and fruit and vegetable grower he was also a successful wine maker.
At his funeral service at St Bees Priory a recording of Elizabeth’s singing was played. His daughter, Ann, gave the eulogy, son David said a poem and grandson Christopher gave the reading. The service was conducted by the Rev David Cox.
Mr Simpson who had latterly resided at Woodlands Home, Distington, was five years ago diagnosed with dementia (Lewy bodies disease) and Parkinson’s disease.
“Ken was a lovely man, a true gentleman. He had been my rock during my own illness. We shall all miss him greatly,’’ said Mrs Simpson.
