KENNETH (GABBY) SIMPKINS

September 14th, 1921 – March 17th, 2016

The world has lost a true hero.  Gabby was a part of the 19th field regiment from Kitchener, ON and was one of the members of the first troops to land on Normandy Beach during the D-Day invasion.  His efforts continued as he served with the Canadian Forces, who liberated Holland before arriving home to Moose Jaw.  Gabby married the love of his life, Laurine, in 1956 and they had three children together.  He retired from CPR in 1983 after 42 years of service.  Gabby loved life.  He enjoyed his morning coffee with friends, walking his dogs, telling a story and making anyone smile.  He would share the time of day with friends and strangers alike.  He loved his sports and was rarely seen without the sports channel on or the sports section in his hand.  He is greeted in Heaven by his loving wife of 47 years, Laurine; mother, Rosie and father, Frank; brothers, Frank “Red” (Doris) and George (Helen); mother and father-in-law, Sally and George Langdon; and four great-grandchildren.  Gabby will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Kelly; sons, Scott (Sherry) and Mike (Carla); grandchildren: Justin (Danae), Michael, Taya, Jesslyn (JJ), Josh (Raquel), Jayden and Jenalyn; great-grandchildren: Moniqua, Michael, Jaxon, Olivia and Winter; and all those who knew him.  The family would like to say a special thanks to Doctors O. Rodwan, J. Vermaak, and the incredible staff at Pioneer Lodge/Memory Lane for their above-and-beyond compassionate care of Gabby.  You made this difficult journey so much easier for all of us.  The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Sunset Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pioneers Lodge “Memory Lane”, 1000 Albert St, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2Y2.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550