Denny James Simpson

Denny J. Simpson died unexpectedly at his ranch in Burton, Arizona Wednesday afternoon, October 20, 2010. He was 67 years old. Denny was born on April 19, 1943 in Snowflake, Navajo County, Arizona to the late Louie and Opal Vera May (Henderson) Simpson. He was always an active person and loved to be outside. He was an avid outdoorsman and truly appreciated the beauty he found there. He appreciated life and loved all types of animals and never took for granted his relationships with others. Denny had an incredible sense of humor. Everyone always enjoyed listening to him speak and tell a good story. There was never a dull moment when in his company as he, frequently, was the life of the party. Denny was so proud of his Arizona heritage. He was considered the "go-to-guy" if ever there was a question that had to do with Arizona's history. He could recite thousands of facts with reference to people and places in Arizona. Denny was taught, as a young man, the value of hard work. He literally worked by the sweat of his brow and was an excellent provider for his family. He retired from Perkins Cinders as a heavy equipment operator after 17 years of dedicated service. However, even after his retirement, he still continued working for them with the various jobs that he was asked to do. In fact, he completed his last assignment with them just last week. Denny also worked as a logger and timber faller throughout his life, working for various logging companies over the years. He was considered expert in the logging industry and was able to train others on how to do the job right. Naturally a skilled craftsman, he was a gifted woodman. With his carpentry skills, Denny was able to build his own barn at his Burton ranch. He thoroughly enjoyed working with barn wood for countless other projects as well. Denny married his wife, Doris (Damaske) in 1992 in Pinetop/Lakeside and most recently celebrated 18 years of marriage together. He loved her so much and, she him. Denny was a devout Christian and truly loved The Lord. He was an active and faithful member of the Burton Baptist Church and was ever-willing to help others in need. This good man will be greatly missed by everyone whomever had the privilege to call him friend but, none will miss him more than his own family. He was a loving husband, dependable brother, devoted father and doting grandfather. Denny is survived by: his wife, Doris Simpson of Burton, Arizona; 5 children: Montie Simpson of New Cambria, Kansas, De Ann (James) Stone of Abiline, Kansas, Kimberly (Jeffrey) Lowe of Olympia, Washington, Ricky Lee (Julie) Roberts of Flagstaff, Arizona, Cynthia Sullivan of Kingman, Arizona; 3 siblings: Velta Leanna (Bill) Swindle of Avondale, Arizona, Eugene (Paula) Simpson of Burton, Arizona, Vera Louise (Marvin) Davis of Pie Town, New Mexico; 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, Denny was preceded in death by 2 brothers: Elvin Chester Simpson, Wendell Simpson and by a sister, Vinnie May Espinosa. The visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Monday, October 25, 2010 at the Burton Baptist Church, 6566 W. Burton Road in Burton, Arizona. The graveside service will begin at High Noon at the Burton Cemetery in Burton. Memorial contributions, in Denny's name, to the Burton Baptist Church, 6566 W. Burton Road, Burton, Arizona 85901, have been suggested by his family.