Robert Charles Simpson, 77 of Stephens City, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Winchester Medical Center.

Rob was born in 1948 in Ontario, Canada, the son of the late Kingsley and Melba Simpson. He earned his Master of Science from the University of Michigan. He retired after working for over 40 years as a Professor of Natural Resources, Biology, and Nature Photography at Laurel Ridge Community College, formerly Lord Fairfax Community College. Rob was a member of the Audubon Society, Shenandoah National Park Association, Outdoor Writers Association of America, Virginia Outdoor Writers Association, Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association, North American Nature Photography Association, and North American Mycological Association. Along with his wife, Rob was known nationwide for writing Nature and Wildflower Guides on the National Parks.

Rob is survived by his wife, Ann; children, James K. Simpson, Michelle Prodywus, Lisa Prodywus (Wesley), Jeremiah Fletcher (Mitzi), Jessie Needham and Aaron Fletcher; grandchildren, Julieann and Emma Dobbs, Georgia and Gracie Needham, Natalie and Jacob Digirolamo, his sisters-in-law Susan Balun and Cynthia Armstrong (Glen), and “like family” Helen and Malcolm McLaren of Chatham, Ontario.

Family members will hold a private celebration of life.

Memorial donations may be made to the Laurel Ridge Foundation Science Fund in memory of Rob Simpson: www.laurelridge.edu/donatenow