Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Gregory "Bumper” Simpson, a devoted fireman, community servant, and beloved family member, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
Born in Spokane, Washington, on April 2, 1963, to Jim and Patti Simpson, Greg moved to Hood River, Oregon, with his family in 1977. He graduated from Hood River Valley High School in 1981. From a young age, Greg’s love for the outdoors and helping others was evident — he became an Eagle Scout, a distinction that he carried with pride throughout his life.
Greg’s passion for serving his community led him to a distinguished career as a fireman and paramedic with the Hood River Fire Department. He served for more than three decades, retiring in 2016. His commitment to the community was unwavering, and one of his proudest moments was representing HRFD at the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 to honor the lives lost. Greg earned the nickname “Bumper” early in his career after accidentally denting the bumper of a new fire truck. His quick wit and good-natured humor made him a well-loved figure, both in the firehouse and the community.
In addition to his work with the fire department, Greg was a dedicated member of the Lions Club, where he served as a Leo’s advisor and participated in numerous service projects. He embraced the Lions Club motto, “We Serve,” and was always ready to lend a hand at any event or fundraiser.
Greg’s love for family was central to his life. He supported his nieces and great-nieces at every opportunity, whether attending Meghan’s softball games, following Shelby to livestock shows, or cheering on his great-niece JessieMae at swim meets. He also enjoyed spending time with his great-nieces Juniper and Blakely and cherished every moment with them. His presence at family events was a constant source of support and encouragement, and he was deeply loved in return.
In his free time, Greg enjoyed a variety of hobbies. He could often be found at “Cars & Coffee,” proudly showing off his restored 1967 Mustang. Greg loved camping, fishing, and being in nature, sharing these experiences with those he cared about most. A talented cook and baker, Greg was known for his cheesecakes and famous BBQ ribs made with his homemade Bumper’s BBQ sauce. When complimented on his ribs, he would modestly reply, “The pig did the hard part.”
Greg’s legacy of service, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a man with a huge heart, known for his generosity, quick wit, and boundless love for family and community.
Greg is survived by his sister, Beth Flem (Jess); brother, Joe Simpson; nieces, Meghan (Bryan) West, and Shelby (Ethen) Williams; and great-nieces, JessieMae and Juniper Williams, and Blakely West. He was truly one of a kind, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A celebration of Greg’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Wy'east Middle School Performing Arts Center. A reception will follow at the West Side Fire Department Rockford Station.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a scholarship fund in Greg’s memory.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.