Regimental Numbers: M35713 & SM35713
Rank: Private
Riley, born on April 16, 1922 at Leedale, Alberta, was the oldest in Grover and Margaret (Maggie) Simpkins’ family of six children. He had four brothers; Mike, Alvin, Willard and Ben and one sister, Jean. Grover and Margaret were farming in the Rimbey area when they decided to move north in 1933 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 Riley finished Grade 8 in 1938, he worked as a farm labourer and worked in the bush during the winter months until 1941.
Riley enlisted with the Army on June 9, 1941 at Edmonton. He was transferred to Hamilton and then Petawawa for basic training. He sailed for the United Kingdom in June 1942. Riley completed courses to become a Qualified Cook ”C” & Qualified Cook “B”. Riley married Elsie Powers, a Canadian lady with a son, on July 23, 1945. Private Riley William Simpkins served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and was discharged on December 22, 1945. He received the 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, Defense Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Riley found employment with Northern Alberta Railways as a labourer and boilermaker assistant from 1945-48. He and his wife soon separated and the next three years were spent as a carpenter’s helper for John Boyco Construction in Calgary. For six months during 1951-52, he worked as a miner’s assistant for Base Metals Ltd. in BC.
Riley enrolled in the Canadian Army on June 6, 1952 and was attached to the RCASC and trained at Calgary, Borden, Shilo, Ottawa, back to Shilo and lastly Winnipeg. He disembarked at Japan on December 28, 1952 and remained in the Far East Theatre of War. Private Riley Simpkins was honourably released on June 5, 1955 and received the Korea Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He then served in the Canadian Army from November 3, 1955 to November 8, 1960.
Riley passed away on October 3, 1969 and was buried at the Beechmount Cemetery in Edmonton, AB.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Wagon Trails Grown Over
Service File
Billion Graves database