Regimental Numbers: M8640 & SM8640
Rank: Private
Mike, born on February 5, 1925 at Leedale, Alberta, was the 2nd oldest in Grover and Margaret (Maggie) Simpkins’ family of six children. He had four brothers; Riley, Alvin, Willard and Ben and one sister, Jean. In 1933, Grover and Margaret were farming in the Rimbey area when they decided to move north and settled in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. They made their home at the old Reigner place for the first year and then moved to Ted Coney’s farm so that the children could attend the Fitzsimmons School. The next move was to the Martel place and then to Jack Peppin’s house. The children then attended Tranquility School. The Simpkins’ had a lease on the Kleskun Lake and put up hay for many years. They moved to the Calliou place and continued to farm until Grover passed away in 1958. Shortly thereafter, Willard, Ben and Maggie bought the Nelson place and moved there. They built up a large farm and cattle operation and had several horses. Maggie was well-known for the coffee that she brewed at the Teepee Creek Stampedes.
Once Mike finished Grade 10, he worked on his father’s dairy farm and was also employed as a clerk in a country store in 1942 followed by work as the town labourer in 1943.
Mike enlisted with the Army on December 15, 1943 at Calgary. He was transferred to Peterborough and Camp Borden for basic training where he completed courses to become a Qualified Class III Driver (wheeled). Mike sailed for the United Kingdom in October 1944 and was attached to the Calgary Highlanders. Private Mike Earle Simpkins served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and was discharged on March 14, 1947. He received the 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, War Medal 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Mike found work as a timekeeper and scaler for the Great Lakes Pulp and Paper Company, rod-man on a survey crew and as a timekeeper for CNR. Mike enrolled in the Canadian Army (Regimental # SM8640) on February 23, 1955 at Regina, Saskatchewan and was attached to the RCASC. He was transferred to various places for training: Camp Borden, Edmonton, Vancouver and Ladner, BC. Private Mike Simpkins was released on July 3, 1957.
Mike passed away on January 20, 1969 and was buried at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Burnaby, BC.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Wagon Trails Grown Over
Service File
BC Death Records
Familysearch.com