Obituary of Steven Simpson

On March 27, 2014 our family lost its brightest star, Steve, after 2 weeks care at St. Luke's Hospital. He was treated with the utmost respect by all of his doctors and nurses during his stay. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 4, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Cathedral of the Rockies. Jon Barnes will officiate with burial following at Dry Creek Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Summers Funeral, Boise Chapel. Steve was born in 1956 in Hailey, Idaho at his aunt Ina Mae's house, then moved to Boise with his family in 1957. He learned to walk at 3 and at 7 started school at Gem Haven along with several other small, unique children. Next he attended Lincoln, North Jr. High, and at 22 received an honorary diploma from Boise High School. He walked across the stage proud with his height of 4'9" and, as always, was the celebrity of the day. For the next 35 years he went to the ARC full time. The last year of his life he was able to attend CPI part time. Steve's mom died in 1991 when he was 35 years old. She dedicated her entire life to putting Steve first. She believed there were no barriers and he thrived. He spent a year living with his special aunt Shirley, whom we thank very much. In 1997 he moved in with his sister Marla and her husband Clint. He remained in their loving care for 17 years. Their dedication and pure love kept the story of Steve going and our family will forever be in their debt. Steve also spent time over a 5 year period with Mike and Barbara Norton where he blended into their family. The last year was certainly full of turmoil and change for Steve. He lived 6 months in assisted living with CPI and his last 6 months at the Marquis Shaw Mountain where he was adored and shown great compassion by all. Steve's father, Marv, was truly his best friend and they loved each other so. Marv often included Steve in his workday, ballgames, most fishing trips and 12 years in a row to Alaska. "Sonny" grew up in the middle of 4 sisters. We combed his hair and tied his shoes hoping Mom wouldn't get after us for not letting him do it himself. His nieces, Andee and Niki, have always treated him with that same special care and love. Steve worked at Wendy's for 7 years, ARC, Inc and volunteered at St. Al's, YMCA and the Salvation Army. His loves were many and included Special Olympics swimming, skiing, equestrian, and bowling. He danced, sang, and drove the boat. He loved church, Star Trek, food and girls! His passing creates an unspeakable void in our family but we know he is now an angel living in the hearts and minds of those lives he touched or still has to touch. Survivors include his father, Marvin Simpson; sisters, Pam Randol and Phil King, Marla and Clint Heckenlively and Dana Laursen, all of Boise; also his two nieces and their families, Andee Farmer (Jeremiah, Max, Finley, Jameson and Seth) and Niki Jones (Mike and Ava). Steve was preceded in death by his mother Jean, sister Deb, and infant brother. A special thanks to Dr. Clifford Tenley for 20 plus years of care. In memory of Steve, donations may be made to Marquis Shaw Mountain, 909 Reserve St., Boise, ID 83712. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Steve's memorial webpage at www.summersfuneral.com.