Celebrating the life of Fred Simpson
Union Matters November 16 2017The widow of much-loved former CWU NEC and T&FS Executive member Fred Simpson has told of her profound gratitude for the love and support shown by the CWU family during and after Fred’s final illness.
Fred, who retired from national office in 2012, died on October 1 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Many of his friends and colleagues from the CWU gathered at Westerleigh Crematorium near Bristol on October 19 to pay their respects and, above all, to celebrate the life of a man who touched the hearts of many with his inherent decency, honesty, principled approach and exceptional good humour during more than 40 years of membership of the CWU and its predecessor unions.
Just weeks before his death Fred, who, had already been awarded National Honorary Membership for his many and varied contributions to the life of the union over four decades, was presented with the CWU’s prestigious Gold Badge honour at the special request of Capital Branch.
Despite the advanced stage of his illness, Fred thoroughly enjoyed the occasion, which was attended by long-time CWU comrades Andy Kerr, Davie Bowman and John East from headquarters, and South Yorkshire branch chair Malcolm Crapper.
Davie Bowman, who delivered a heartfelt yet celebratory and suitably humorous eulogy to Fred on October 19, explained how ‘Old Blokey’ – as Fred was affectionately known to some of his closest CWU friends – was especially chuffed to be presented with not just the CWU Gold Badge but also an NCU version that had been surreptitiously obtained in recognition of his work prior to merger with that union and, previously, the POEU.
Speaking directly to Fred’s wife, Penni, Davie spoke for the entire union when he thanked her and the rest of Fred’s family for “letting us ‘borrow’ Fred for so long as he carried out a role he loved on behalf of thousands of people who continue to benefit from his contribution.”
Davie concluded: “Wherever you are Fred, and none of us really know, we are all sure you will be making people smile and touching people’s hearts,”
Penni Simpson subsequently contacted the union requesting the opportunity to express her own thanks for the love and support shown to Fred, herself and all the family during an exceptionally difficult period.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the cards and letters we have received and are so grateful to all who came on October 19th to help us celebrate Fred’s life,” she explained.
“To us he was an amazing, much loved husband, father and grandad who would do anything for us. We have countless happy memories but we miss him so much.
“His union family was very important to him too and he was so proud to be awarded the Gold Badge for his service to the union. We are so proud of him and it has been a comfort to us knowing how many other people thought so highly of him and appreciated what a true and honest friend he was to so many.”
