On Friday, December 16, 2016, we said goodbye to Deacon Gregory Simpson. Greg was born in 1954 to Don Metcalf and Beverly Hudson. He was later adopted by Alton Simpson. He lived in Billings until he joined the Navy in 1973.
He met the love of his life, Kathleen Dietrich, in 1972, and they married in 1974. They moved overseas, had two sons, Greg “EJ” and Brian, both born in Yokosuka, Japan. The family lived in Japan, Hawaii, Washington state, and California during Greg’s years of service. Greg began his military career as an enlisted (E3) Airedale and advanced throughout his career and was commissioned as an Officer to Chief Warrant 2.
After proudly serving for 21 years, he retired in 1994. He earned his BS degree in Business Administration at Rocky Mountain College.
He helped raise his grandchildren from the age of 3 months until they started kindergarten. He was a doting “Grampa,” enjoying a relationship with his grandsons that he could not exercise with his own sons while serving in the Navy.
He was an avid tropical fish enthusiast, helping to preserve various endangered species. He could be known as “Rocketman,” building and launching high powered rockets. While working as a Bailiff in District Court, he entered a 4 ½ year study in preparation for the Permanent Diaconate. He said his experience in the Cum Christo movement led to a long-felt desire in this decision.
He was ordained a Deacon in 2014 for the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings, where he served at St. Thomas Church in Billings and was a faithful servant in the Community. He loved to write poetry and children’s stories, and many enjoyed his witty sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children EJ (Holly) and Brian (Bobbie Jo); grandsons Davlin and Kietrich; brothers Kevin, Brett and Mark; Metcalf brothers Russ, Rick, Don and Doug and all their families; sister-in-law Maribeth Habeck; brothers-in-law Steve Dietrich and Tom Dietrich and their families; aunts, uncles, cousins; as well as his Cum Christo “groupies” and many friends. He will be dearly missed.
Memorials may be given to the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel Construction Fund, P O Box 50113, Billings, MT, 59105-0113.
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