Wallace Leon Simpson was born in Wendall, ID on December 5, 1933, and passed peacefully in his home in Meridian, December 13, 2024. Wally was born to Will Wallace Simpson (Lefty) and Mary Elizabeth Simpson. Wally grew up in Idaho. He graduated from Hailey High School while living in Ketchum. He was a star football player and spent many days skiing at Baldy Mountain. He had many jobs in high school including working in his dad’s grocery store but also spending his winters shoveling snow and summers picking various crops. Each job includes entertaining stories about his crazy antics during the job.
His higher education started at the University of Idaho where he played football for a season. He then joined the Air Force where he served in the Korean War for four years. Finally, Wally ended up in Colorado where he received his Bachelors in Art Education, at Denver University. This is where he met his beautiful wife, Ann Lygrisse. The happy couple lived in Denver for four years and had two daughters. Wally had the opportunity to be a principal at an elementary school in American Samoa. He loved living by the beach and learning about the culture. Wally and Ann also had their third daughter in Samoa. South Carolina was the next stop in the couple’s adventure. Here, Wally began a career in School Psychology and Special Education and the couple had their only son.
After living in Wyoming and Kansas, the family of six finally made it back to Idaho where they lived in Council. Wally shared his love of skiing with his family, and it became a weekly family outing. Other activities included fishing with his son, shooting practice and a little coaching at the school. Wally also joined the Air National Guard where he retired as a Master Sargeant.
Wally and Ann had a fabulous retirement. They spent 25 years as snowbirds heading to Arizona during the winter where they eventually bought property in Bouse, AZ. Wally loved exploring the acreage finding treasures including pieces of cactus to create beautiful art. The summers were spent at their cabin in Cascade amongst the trees and the occasional visit from the local wildlife. Again, Wally loved working in the yard and walking the landscape. He liked to hike to his favorite boulder, and he shared that climb with his kids. Wally and Ann would go to the local pool to swim, hot tub, and even work out.
Because of the military and his wife who loved to travel, Wally traveled extensively seeing much of the world.
Mostly, Wally was a family man. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Many family memories were made in his beloved Idaho skiing the slopes at Brundage Mountain and enjoying the great outdoors at family camp. In his last few months, he enjoyed going to the Indian Creek Winery and watching his son play music. It was so beautiful and peaceful there.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Lynn Crofts. He is survived by his wife Ann Simpson and four children, Deloy Lance, Susan Welker (Jim), Sarah Bollig (Nathan Manimtim), and John Simpson (Tammy Tanaka). He also leaves seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Per his request, there will not be a service, however a viewing will be held at Bowman Funeral Home located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Garden City, Idaho on December 26, 2024 from 11:30-12:30 for friends and family, followed by a Committal Service at The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery located at 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Road at 1:00 pm. Condolences may be left at www.bowmanfuneral.com