Mr & Mrs Simpson

Hello There,

Some sad news unfortunately.

I managed a scheme in Heywood near Rochdale a couple of years ago - with A&M Insulation - to provide insulation measures to private sector homes in the renewal area.

The scheme was a success and over 300 homes received measures and a number were also referred to Warm Front. One older couple who live on Green Lane in Heywood had loft insulation which unfortunately needed attention later as part of the fitting wasnt quite to spec. To their credit, A&M Insulation resolved the matter efficiently and the householders Mr & Mrs Joe Simpson were very happy.

I visited them with some flowers and chocolates by way of an apology for the inconvenience. From that visit, we became good friends, with Mr & Mrs Simpson entertaining me (literally sometimes!) with tales of their life together when they were singing and dancing for a living around the world. Mrs Marjorie Simpson (yes that really is her name but she doesnt have blue hair) won the karaoke competition on the QE2 when she was 80 !

I helped them to get a new heating system and a new fire. Joe Simpson loved his home and especially his garden which was always immaculate and I will always remember fondly the pink climbing roses around the door of the house in the summer.

Unfortunately Joe became ill late last year and was a bit weak when I visited them just before Christmas last year with a fabulous food hamper donated by Warmer Heating in Liverpool.

Joe and Marjorie were over the moon and it was fantastic to share this with them. Joe was a smart gentleman, with a neat moustache and haircut perfectly Brylcreamed into place. He had a wicked sense of humour and a cheeky twinkle in his eye - I can imagine he was quite the ladies' man when he was younger! Indeed the photos that they showed to me of their many trips and adventures were brilliant - they were a very handsome couple. They returned to England during the 1970's and Marjorie started a hairdressing business in the front room of their home. They still have the loud doorbell which always makes you jump!

Joe had a heart valve inserted around 10 years ago and this helped him to lead a more active and comfortable life. However he was susceptible to the cold and became poorly last year with flu. This led to a collection of fluid in his body which he couldnt disperse and eventually after a year of being ill the fluid reached his lungs and on Friday last week the GP confirmed that Joe was dying.

Mr Joe Simpson passed away at 11pm on Sunday 10th December 2006. He was 90 years young and died peacefully at home with Marjorie at his bedside to the end.

Joe's funeral service will take place on Thursday this week at the Rochdale Crematorium/Cemetery on Bury Old Road, Rochdale OL11 4DG at 11.50 am. He loved flowers so I hope that there will be many tributes to this kind and generous character.

Marjorie is devastated - they have been together for over 60 years. I cannot imagine how she feels but take comfort in the fact that there are lots of friends and family that are supporting her through this very difficult time. The Simpsons didnt have any children together, they preferred to breed Staffordshire Bull Terriers, but have local friends who help with shopping and care for Marjorie.

So my friends I hope that Thursday will be a celebration of Joe Simpson's fabulous life and I am so grateful that the Simpsons came into my life. Anyone who wishes to send flowers please contact the Rochdale Cemetery on the link provided.

Take care and please come back soon.

From Your Friend The Energy Angel