Allan Alexander Simpson

Al Simpson celebrated his 84th birthday with family on Aug. 1. His wife, Vernice was by his side two days later during his passing just two weeks shy of their 63rd anniversary. Al was born in Portland, the only child of Frank & Janet Simpson. Al graduated from Grout Grade School and in 1950 from Franklin High School where he proved to be an excellent athlete receiving (8) letters in football, basketball, with (4) of them in baseball, two as team captain. Al was selected first team All-City catcher in 1949 & 1950, leading the league in hitting with a .481 average in 1950. He was sought after by a number of pro scouts including the Chicago Cubs, major college coaches and semi-pro club owners.fter graduation Al went to Oregon State College and played frosh baseball in 1951 that went undefeated and hit .366, was a member of ATO fraternity in 1950/51 where he was a standout in the intramural football playoffs/championship games as a wide receiver and defensive back. In the summer of 1951 Al met the love of his life, Vernice Hoy on July 4th, and was married August 16, 1952. Al transferred to Portland State College and played baseball in 1952 where he set the school batting record with a .473 average. He gave up two years of eligibility to concentrate on his education playing semi-pro in the summers for teams in Oregon City, Roseburg & Portland. He received both his undergraduate degree in 1955 and Masters of Education in 1964 from University of Oregon. After college Al became a coach and teacher for more than 30 years, 5 @ Corbett High School as head baseball coach and assistant in basketball & football, & 25 @ Marshall High School where he was a history teacher, counselor, interim athletic director, assistant football/basketball coach, assistant baseball coach 1962 to 1969 & head baseball coach from 1970 to 1980. It was said at his retirement in 1987 that he was organized, a disciplinarian, a no-nonsense coach & devoted to the athletic and scholastic programs at Marshall. Al & Vernice lived in SE Portland their entire lives raising their two sons, Bill & Ron. He loved remodeling, redecorating and gardening their home of 61 years. Al also loved remodeling their 3 beach houses since retirement. Al was an avid sports fan following local, college & pro baseball, the Blazers, the Ducks/Beavers/Cougars & other college sports. His favorite interests were US history and cars, most notably a ’38 Ford pick-up, any vintage Mustang, but the favorite was his ’65 Pontiac Catalina recognized by all that knew him. Awards/Acknowledgements: 2009 Induction into the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) Hall of Fame. 1971 established the Diamond Classic Baseball Tournament with Cleveland H. S. recognized as one of the finest high school tournaments in the Northwest for 17 years. Mid 60’s national recognition for visual aid teaching technique for classroom bulletin boards. We grieve the loss & celebrate the life of a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, educator, coach, neighbor, gardener, friend, member of the Silent Generation, & so much more. He’ll live on in his teachings & the values he’s imparted on those he touched. We’ll forever be enlightened by his leadership, dedication & tough love. Survivors include his wife, Vernice; children Bill Simpson (Michelle) of Oregon City, and Ron Simpson (Susan) of Salem, 5 grandchildren (Bryce, Brad, Scott, Stacy, Colton) and 6 great grandchildren (Alexia, Tyler, Rylin, Haley, Kate, Kyle). A Celebration of Life will be held at Portland Memorial 6705 SE 14th, Portland (Sellwood) @ 11:00 AM Saturday August 22, 2015. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Old Timers Baseball Association, PIL Hall of Fame or Special Olympics. Service Information