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The Cherry Creek Chorale
Creating Choral Community, Artistry and Excellence
Dear Ones,
I am so sorry to share this sad news with you. Here is an email I received late yesterday:
This is Carol Simpson, Doug’s wife. My heart is broken, as I inform you that Doug passed away last night from a heart attack. With the current COVID situation, we will be having a grave side service in Salt Lake City sometime in December. We plan on a memorial service in late summer or early fall of 2021.
Doug loved the chorale. We were listening to the March concert when he left us. I am grateful that our son and I were allowed into the ICU to be with him. I will miss his beautiful tenor voice.
Carol
This morning, Carol shared with me that Doug had a heart attack a month ago. She apologized for not letting us know then, but understandably, she had much to attend to. He was in rehab for a while and rallied, but a few days ago the rally ended and he returned to the hospital. I am so glad that, despite COVID, she and her son were with him, listening to our voices as he passed. Ben Bowen, our tenor section leader shared this touching story with me:
Doug was a really sweet man. I always thought of him as a little leprechaun with his bright eyes and grin, and the stoic way he always dealt with his missing leg was inspiring. One time I remember he lost his balance and boom — down he went. It might have even been walking up the risers in a concert. Before any of us could get to him to help, he just popped right back up and kept moving to where he was going. That moment caused me to reflect on all the challenges he must have faced dealing with such a disability. Just getting back up when we fall is so simple, but it seems like so many can struggle with that. Doug’s response impressed me deeply. That whole event and thought process occurred in just a few quick moments standing on the risers, but it really stuck in my head…. I will miss his presence and his energy.
Finally, here is a beautiful portrait of him that Carol sent us for use in the video. The soon to be released video program will be dedicated to Ken Fisher and Doug Simpson, beloved Chorale members and former board presidents.
With love and gratitude,
Brian
"PHILANTHROPY IS THE MARKETPLACE FOR LOVE"
—DAN PALLOTTA
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