Frederick William “Fred” Simpson

Frederick William “Fred” Simpson was a gifted teacher, singer, choral director, craftsman, and devoted husband whose curiosity and creativity allowed science, music, and the natural world to flourish together throughout his life.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, Fred attended Angus McKay, John Henderson, and Miles Macdonell schools in East Kildonan. He later studied at the University of Manitoba, earning a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Earth Sciences and a master’s degree in mineralogy.

Fred originally intended to become a high-school science teacher. During his teacher training, however, a supervisor learned that he was taking singing lessons and performing as a soloist at First Presbyterian Church. Recognizing his musical ability, the supervisor encouraged him to pursue elementary music education instead—a decision that would shape the lives of generations of students.

Fred began teaching in the St. Vital School Division in 1974. He taught music at Victor Mager, St. George, Varennes, and Mountbatten schools before joining George McDowell School when it opened in 1983. He remained there for 23 years, sharing his love of music with young people until his retirement in 2006.

Music was not simply Fred’s profession; it was one of the central joys of his life. For more than 40 years, he served as bass soloist with the choir of Westminster United Church. He also appeared in the choruses of 13 Rainbow Stage productions, numerous Gilbert and Sullivan performances, and several Manitoba Opera productions.

Fred’s love of Scottish song led him to perform with the Caledonian Singers, a men’s choir closely associated with Folklorama’s Pavilion of Scotland. When that group disbanded, he was asked to create and direct a new Scottish men’s choir, Brochan Lom.

Under Fred’s direction, Brochan Lom shared traditional and contemporary Scottish music, including the songs of Robert Burns, with audiences at the Pavilion of Scotland and throughout the community. His leadership helped carry forward the Pavilion’s choral tradition and gave its singers a lasting musical home.

Fred also directed the women’s choir Fair Warning, guiding its members through an eclectic repertoire ranging from folk and popular music to jazz. He continued directing both choirs until his death, bringing patience, musicianship, humour, and dedication to every rehearsal and performance.

After retiring from teaching, Fred returned to his lifelong fascination with the earth. As a member of the Rock of Ages Lapidary Club, he transformed stones and dichroic glass into jewellery, selling his creations at farmers’ markets and craft sales. His work brought together the mineralogist’s eye and the artist’s imagination.

His many other interests included archery, gardening, tropical fish, and showing Shetland Sheepdogs with his wife, Edith. Their basement once held 22 aquariums, a fitting reflection of Fred’s enthusiasm for learning, collecting, creating, and caring for living things.

Fred and Edith shared 51 years of marriage and were not only husband and wife but best friends. Their partnership was marked by loyalty, encouragement, music, humour, and a lifetime of shared interests.

Fred passed away suddenly on January 28, 2025.