Neil James Simpson of Cascade, ID, passed away on July 6, 2015 at the age of 73 after a valiant battle with cancer. Neil was born in Cheyenne, WY to James Corwin and Thelma Irene Anderson Simpson. He had three younger brothers: Norm, Gil, and Gord. Shortly after Neil graduated from Boise High School he joined the Idaho Air National Guard and was introduced to what became his lifelong hobby of photography. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Stuttgart, Germany where he learned to speak German fluently. He never lost this talent and looked forward to finding someone he could speak German with, including his Oncologist, Dr. Schultheiss. Upon completion of his thirty month mission, he completed a degree at Boise Junior College, then enrolled at BYU where he graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Neil married Theresa Renee Russell of Boise on June 6, 1966 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They lived in Soda Springs, Idaho where he worked for The Monsanto Corporation. In 1970, they moved their young family to Ponca City, Oklahoma where he worked as a chemical engineer for Conoco Petroleum. After retiring, he taught Chemistry and Computer Programming at Ponca City High School. Neil and Renee had ten children: Allen (Carolyn), American Fork, UT; Eric (Sonja), Harper's Ferry, WV; Theresa (Michael) Jenks, Oakley, ID; Brian (Amy), Smithfield, Utah; Cindy (Casey) Cullings, Chandler, AZ; Kevin, Provo, UT; Dale, Austin, TX; Sarah (Matt) Heiner, Kemmerer, WY; Glen (Rachelle), Bloomington, IL; and Maria (Tuan) Le, Boise, ID. Neil was an avid scouter for over forty years and was the recipient of one of the BSA's highest honor, the Silver Beaver award. When Neil's father became ill, he moved to Mesa, AZ to care for him. After his father passed away, Neil moved to Cascade, ID to care for his mother for the next eleven years. After her passing, he remained a resident of the community where he was active in the Senior Center, the American Legion, the LDS Church, the McCall Hiking Club, and of course scouting. Neil loved photography and always had at least one camera with him. He took thousands of pictures, some of which won awards at the Valley County Fair. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoyed all activities especially skiing, backpacking and whitewater rafting. During the past few years he traveled to many countries including China, New Zealand, Nepal and Easter Island, always up for adventures beyond the typical tourist attractions. Above all of these, he loved the mountains and rivers of Idaho. He truly lived by the motto "It's just good to be out!" Neil loved doing any activity involving not only his grandchildren but all children. Not only was he "Grandpa Simpson" to his 25 grandkids and their countless friends, he was affectionately called "Grandpa Neil" by his nieces and nephews along with children everywhere. The title "Professional Grandpa" perfectly described him, and he enjoyed that title, collecting tubs full of activities and games that he carted everywhere to entertain. Neil had a keen sense of humor and had a joke for every occasion. He gregariously greeted everyone he met and was soon talking to them like they had been friends for years. He is survived by his three brothers, ten children and twenty-three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren and his ex-wife. The family extends their deep appreciation to Lloyd and Linda Hess, devoted friends who opened their home to Neil during his cancer struggle, as well as to all of his children as they came to be with him in his final days. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday July 11 with a viewing from 1-1:45 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints located at 560 Hwy 55, Cascade, Idaho. Please view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at zeyerfuneralchapel.com Service: Saturday, July 11, 2015 2:00 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 5690 Hwy 55 Cascade, Idaho Visitation: Saturday, July 11, 2015 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. Prior to the Services
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