Richard L. Simpson

Richard Simpson Richard L. Simpson, 92, of Grand Island was away on Friday, December 1, 2023 with his loving wife and daughter by his side. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 13th at 10:30 AM at the United Veterans Club. Dan Naranjo will officiate. Honoring Richard’s service to our country and his devoted patriotic leadership with honor guards, military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Veterans Honor Guard. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Richard was born on July 11, 1931, at his family home, to Harley and Helen (Lyle) Simpson. He attended school in Grand Island and attained the rank of Eagle Scout with BSA Troop #157. He was a starting lineman on Grand Island High School’s undefeated 1947-48 football team. He graduated with the class of 1949. After graduating, he joined the Grand Island Fire Department. In 1951, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served in Korea in 1952-53. Upon separation from active duty, he resumed his career with the fire department. He married Janet Hallberg in 1956 and they had three children, Patrick Joseph, Sandra Marie, and Steven Scott. He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 1960 and to the position of Fire Chief in 1961 for which he served until his retirement in 1974 when he was asked to establish the City’s Human Resources Department. After completing this assignment, he accepted he accepted the Fire Chief position in Richfield, MN. In 1980, Richard became the Fire Chief for Morrison-Knudsen Construction in Saudi Arabia where they were building a military city. At the completion of his contract, he was hired by Bendix Field Engineering as Life Support Manager. This contract was for four years and covered seven different sites in the Kingdom. Due to his background in the fire field, he accepted position as a fire investigator for a Minneapolis Law Firm. He later went into the investigation consulting business on his own. At this time, he met his wife, Sonja, and together they did consulting work for hospitals seeking accreditation. He and Sonja moved to Grand Island where he worked for Saint Francis Hospital as a Safety Officer. He also became active in the Veterans Club and reactivated the Veterans Honor Guard which he led for 18 years. He is survived by his wife, Sonja, and children, Joseph, Sandra, and Steven.

Richard L. Simpson

July 11, 1931 - December 1, 2023

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Richard L. Simpson

July 11, 1931 - December 1, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support