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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jul '95
John Eldredge Simpson No.15596 Class of 1946
Died 20 February 1994 in Charlotte, North Carolina, aged 69 years.
Interment: Lakeview Memorial Park, Greensboro, North Carolina.
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Born 6 July 1924 in Buffalo, New York, John started
his scholastic career in a one room school in Red House, New
York. His brother Robert recalled: "While a teenager, John
was hired by dad as a time keeper on a construction site. Dad,
being the engineer in charge, instructed John to 'dock' anyone
who left the job site. Later dad had to leave the site and was
docked by John." John graduated from Williamsville, New
York, High School and attended Canisius College before receiving
his appointment to West Point.
Cadet life presented no problems for John. Roommate
Jack Grady remembered: "I do not think I ever saw John lose
his temper. He was always there, always ready to help and always
picked up his share of the load. Returning from plebe furlough,
I met him in the train station in Weehacken. His first words
were that he had met Yvonne in the train station and that he
intended to marry her after graduation. The Monday before the
Notre Dame game yearling year, he broke his collarbone in intramural
football. We knew the hospital would not release him to keep
his long planned date with Yvonne. On Friday afternoon, he strolled
into our room and announced he was going to the game and keep
his date."
Companymate, Dave Baker, recalled: "John was
a friend who helped a green, immature country boy like me get
through plebe year. My best memories were of him on F-2 intramural
teams. He played all the sports hard and well." John became
a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery at graduation.
John and Yvonne Hogrewe were married in Williamsville,
New York on 15 June1946. Following basic schooling at Fort Sill,
Oklahoma and Fort Bliss, Texas, John was assigned to the 11th
FA Bn, 24th Infantry Division at Camp Hakata, Japan. Yvonne later
joined him. John transferred to the Corps of Engineers in 1950
and commanded an Engineer Technical Intelligence Team during
the Korean War from November 1950 to April 1952. He returned
to the States to command a company at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
He received a master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University
of Illinois in 1954, and tours with the 13th Engineer Battalion,
Defense Atomic Support Agency and the Office, Chief of Engineers
followed until John retired in 1970 with the rank of colonel.
His 10 year second career started when he joined
Consolidated Edison Company of New York. John's unique ability
to boil down complex issues into simple concepts stood him in
good stead as Manager, Corporate Policy Manuals. Following his
success in that assignment, he became Director, Auditing. He
earned his excellent reputation the old fashioned way, through
quiet dignity and unparalleled respect for high standards. In
1981, John and Yvonne retired to North Carolina. John spent his
retirement helping others through church and other organizations.
In 1988, he began writing a column, Commentary, in his local
Seven Lakes Times. Some of the topics he covered were: Term Limitations,
Electoral College, Senator Inouye, Drug Legalization, Pete Rose,
Expense of NATO, Desecration of the Flag, Gulf War and Politicians--do
they lack candor and honesty. John died 20 February 1994 from
cardiac arrest. He is survived by Yvonne; son Paul; daughter,
Sharon; brother Robert; sister Olive, and five grandchildren.
John's family, friends and classmates remembered
him with touching comments. These include: Son Paul, "My
father was my hero, my role model and my best friend. For everything
he taught me, I'll always be thankful. For the gift of being
his son, I'm eternally grateful."
Daughter Sharon; "I can never thank Dad enough
for imparting his great love of family and mankind, which I hope
to pass along to my children. Dad's kind, gentle presence will
be part of our lives each and every day."
Grandson Todd; "I love to read my grandpa's
articles. His wit and intelligence on social and political matters
spawned my interest in politics. What will last forever is the
picture of his smile in my mind. It makes me happy and sad; but
it will always remain with me."
Calvin Haller; "John was not only my brother
in law for 45 years, but my friend who will be greatly missed."
Brother Robert; "John was truly a brother
I miss so much."
Friend, Colonel Stanley Duarte; "I know I
am not alone when I say that while Heaven has gained another
son, our walk through life will surely be more tedious because
he is gone.
Dave Baker; "John did his duty in life, and
we are all better off because of him."
Jack Grady; "He was one of the nicest men
I ever met, very humble and unpretentious, totally dedicated
to Yvonne and his family."
The Class of 1946 can only add: "Well Done,
John; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his wife, Yvonne
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