Leon Simpson

Leon Simpson, a passionate sportsman, hung up his “Gone Fishin” sign for the last time on August 27, 2020 while doing what he loved on the Missouri River. He loved fishing and hunting and received many awards for his excellence in golf and baseball.As an avid golfer he made a hole-in-one at State Senior Golf Tournament in Billings and assistant coached the Conrad High School golf team to three state championships. He received the Air Force All-Star Award for his strong throwing arm, numerous outs and never missing a ball. Leon was born to Nellie Simpson on April 29, 1946. Sadly, cancer took Nellie’s life at 37 an alcoholic father abandoned the 7 children Leon the youngest age 7.Leon went to an orphanage and Marilyn age 8 was placed in foster home.They were then adopted and raised by his uncle and aunt, Fred and Mary Simpson, on the family farm in New London, New Hampshire. While not a nurturing and loving environment he learned a very strong work ethic, developed a sense of humor, quick wit and compassionate heart.He never lost his New England accent.Fred and Mary as well as siblings Bob, Harold, Joey, Clyde and Margaret preceded him in death. Leon worked hard on the family farm, developing an excessive love for all animals. While fishing by the river, he saved a freezing drowning squirrel by giving it CPR and warming it in his jacket. Despite the hard work, Leon still found time to do what he excelled at as a youth – spending time in the principal’s office. Upon graduation the principal put a loving arm around Leon stating, “I’m really going to miss you”. Leon enlisted in the US Air Force in 1966 and was stationed at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, MT as a civil engineer. In May of 1969, he was activated to serve in Guam and was honorably discharged in 1970. While stationed in Great Falls, Leon met the love of his life, Rheba Jo. Their first date came about due to him betting three friends who could get Rheba to go rolling skating. Leon won!! Rheba brought her two younger brothers, Ronnie and Chip on the date. Leon was a true romantic. He requested the radio DJ play “You Are My Special Angel” when he asked Rheba to “go steady wearing his class ring” out at Giant Springs. For his marriage proposal, also at Giant Springs, he had “I Love How You Love Me” play for Rheba. Leon and Rheba were married on April 12, 1969. Leon had been activated shortly after the marriage and Rheba joined him in Guam in December. When they returned to Montana, they traveled to New Hampshire to make their home there. After 10 months, it was decided that Montana was home and they returned in 1971. The couple lived in Shelby, MT where Leon shoveled drives and sidewalks to make a living until, he went to work for the Shelby Road Department. On November 30, 1975, the couple was blessed with a daughter, Melinda. Leon was a devoted and protective father and Melinda was the apple of his eye. That same year, Leon decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and attended the police academy in Bozeman returning to Shelby as a patrolman and Captain. In 1980, he served as Conrad Chief of Police until being elected as the Sheriff of Pondera County in 1987, retiring after 17 years of service. Leon was an exemplary law enforcement officer, receiving many outstanding achievement awards. In 2004 Leon retired to Butte joining Rheba. But Leon’s amazingly strong work ethic wouldn’t let him be idle. He wasn’t a fan of retirement; he went to work as airport security at Bert Mooney Airport. He tried retirement again and still didn’t like it. He went back to work at the airport doing grounds maintenance and runway and parking lot snow removal until retiring for good at age 70. His life and love revolved around his girls – Rheba, daughter Melinda and granddaughters, Kelcy and Ashlee, who he was head over heels in love with. In 2015, the couple moved to Great Falls to be closer to them and Leon and Rheba attended all their school and sport events, arriving very early to get a front row seat to cheer his girls on. Leon would do anything for his four girls and delighted in making them laugh with his epic stories, taking them fishing or just relaxing together. Leon never met a stranger and made everyone he encountered feel special and important. His love for the Lord was shown by his quiet example of compassion, consideration and generosity. He helped so many people by giving from his wallet to help out with groceries, gas, a place for them to stay, even opening his own home at times.He was adored and loved by the countless people whose lives he impacted. There will be a missing piece in our lives until we are reunited for eternity. Leon is survived by the love of his life, Rheba, adored daughter Melinda (Dustin) Thompson, granddaughters, Kelcy, Ashlee and Kendall. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Marilyn Trapp of Marblehead, MA as well Dustin Wilcox (Ashlee and Kelcy’s dad) and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, all who claim to be his favorite!!! We will be celebrating Leon’s life on Thursday, September 3rd at 2 pm at the Pondera Golf Course on the Hole 9 Fairway. Please wear a mask, hand sanitizer will be provided along with chair placement for social distancing. In leu of flowers please continue Leon’s generosity to your local food bank or the Great Falls Rescue Mission. I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me, So put me on a boat headed out to sea. Please send along my fishing pole For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole. Where every day is a day to fish, To fill your heart with every wish. Don’t worry, or feel sad for me, I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea. We will miss each other for a while, But you will come and bring your smile. That won’t be long you will see, Till we’re together you and me. To all of those that think of me, Be happy as I go out to sea. If others wonder why I’m missin’ Just tell ’em I’ve gone fishin’ Dalmar Pepper