Basil John Simpson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Basil John Simpson at the Weyburn Special Care Home, on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024, at the age of 88 years.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Mary Simpson (née: Winter); brothers: William, Edwin, and Allan; a sister in infancy, Mary Elizabeth; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wesley and Mary Benson (née: Bruvold); sisters-in-law, Velma Veeder and Esther Rempfer; and granddaughters, Rochelle Simpson and Jennifer Corey.  Basil is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Yvonne; children: Bev Corey (Chad Altenhofen), Randy Simpson (Cindy), Judy Watson (Shane), and Kevin Simpson (Shyla Latham-Blaine).  He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Donya Corey, Shianne Crichlow, Krystal Watson, Chantal Chiu, Janelle Simpson, Michael Simpson, Joel Simpson, Leah Watson, Brett Watson, Zachary Watson, Christan Barker, Demara Dueck, C.J. Thomas Simpson, Dakota Latham-Bell, Kayla Bell, and their respective spouses.  He was blessed with 37 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Eileen Elliot and Eleanor Fennuik; brothers-in- law, Ronald Benson and Robert Benson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  

Basil was born on his mother’s birthday at the family farm near Eyebrow, Saskatchewan, on September 27th, 1935.  He married Yvonne Benson on May 31st, 1957, at Eyebrow.  A year later, they were blessed with the birth of their first daughter, Bev, followed by 3 more children, Randy, Judy, and Kevin.  

Basil loved working on the family farm but quickly learned that he needed to supplement his income.  In 1964, he learned to operate heavy equipment when he took a job constructing the Qu’Appelle Dam.  Between working on heavy equipment in various municipalities and a brief stint as a truck driver, he moved his family from Eyebrow to Avonlea, to Assiniboia, SK before settling in the Weyburn, SK area in 1971.  

Basil worked for the City of Weyburn until his retirement in 1995.  Upon retirement, Basil returned to Eyebrow with the goal of farming full time but soon found himself working for the Village of Eyebrow for nearly 20 years.  Shortly after his retirement from the Village of Eyebrow, Basil and Yvonne moved to Griffin, SK to be closer to family.  

Although he worked hard, Basil always had time for family and friends.  He particularly loved spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his many pets, including his beloved dog, Buddy.  

Basil’s calming influence and quiet humour will be missed by all who knew him.  

A Celebration of Basil’s Life will be held on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Interment will take place in Eyebrow Cemetery.  Those not able to attend may view the service by going to www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/webcast/.  Donations in memory of Basil may be made to Weyburn Special Care Home, 704 – 5th Street NE, Weyburn, SK S4H 1A3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Cara Ashworth Funeral Director 306-693-4550