Page created by: Audrey Long

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Raymond Alan Simpkins on Thursday 12 November, 2020, at the age of 77. David remained cheerful and engaged as much as his Parkinson's condition would allow throughout his brave fight to maintain his sense of humour, sense of self and communication with family and friends. His courage to continue trying to smile and speak even when his affliction became intolerable were nothing short of amazing.
David enjoyed his music, being a big fan of tenor singer Mario Lanza, pop singer Kylie Minogue and country and western performer Don Williams. He enjoyed singing and dancing and in his latter years his eyes would light up when hearing Christmas carols like Silent Night and songs by Don Williams.
As an engineer working for most of his life for the British Automobile Association (AA) both rescuing drivers and their cars on the road and later publishing engineering manuals for the AA he was committed to helping others in difficult travel situations.
David served as part of the Territorial Army in his younger years and that sense of community translated to his roles in the local village St Thomas's church, helping with ferrying local people to and from church and assisting in the after service tea and coffee mornings. We will always remember him for his "smiling eyes" and his love of his Welsh heritage - tea and toast (sop) and lava bread will never be quite the same.