On Monday, February 22, 2016, Stewart Simpson of Glencoe passed away at the age of 94 years. Son of the late Fred and Jemima (McEachren) Simpson. Brother to Frances McCallum, late Doug Simpson, Dorothy Parker (Harvey) and Ina Nelms. Survived by his children Mary Simpson (Ross Snider), Margaret Mueller (Michael Sr.) and the late Peter Simpson (Vicky) and their mother Betty Simpson, his grandchildren Michael Mueller Jr., Matthew Mueller (Lyndsey), Nik Mueller, Paige Mueller, Eric Simpson (Sarah) and Owen Simpson and his great grandchildren Peter James and Carter Simpson. Stew started farming full time with his Dad and brother Doug at the age of 13 and continued farming actively until his death. He was the first president of Glencoe Junior Farmers and threw himself into the poultry business, being one of the early farmers to specialize in egg layers. Stew grew all the grain for his hens and made his own feed. He was the first farmer in Ontario to roast soybeans for poultry feed. He learned to fly in the late 1950s and was a founding member of the Ontario Flying Farmers, serving as president for both the local Ontario chapter as well as the International Flying Farmers. In his late 70s, he transitioned from eggs to cattle, moving to the Old River Farm, an original Simpson settler farm on the Thames River across from where he grew up. He involved himself with many creative projects. He was very proud to introduce the pure North Devon cattle breed into Canada, a breed with the ability to thrive on grass, with superior gains in harsh climates. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a celebration of life held at his Old River Farm, 21654 Simpson Road, Glencoe on Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 2 – 5 p.m. All are welcome. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice in his memory.
“Innovative, creative, flying farmer, always a leader in his field. A capitalist with a keen sense of fairness for his fellow man. I will miss his visits, always interesting.” – Bill Gray, L.H. Gray & Son, Gray Ridge Eggs.
