Robert “Rob” Charles Simpson

Date of Death: October 3, 2025

service

Private

memorial

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

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

Jeff Saddler

Megan Wooddell

Justin Shick

Ron Salmon

Light a candle

Private

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

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 asContinue Reading

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So sorry to hear of your loss of wonderful Rob. Many years of classes and great adventures traveling with you. You guys were such a wonderful influence on me and I cherished all our adventures together. Thinking and remembering you always. Fondly, Lynn Robinson

Sorry to hear about Professor Simpson. Enjoyed every collage class I took at Lord Fairfax, that he taught. Banding birds at Nineveh, and Back Bay.

Rob's passion for the nature was contagious and definitely had a huge part on my passion for the natural world. I'm thankful for the amazing gift that God blessed him with to pass on to other. He will be greatly missed.

Truly the best Professor I have ever had. Condolences to the Ann and the family.

Rob was one of the best people I've known. He truly cared and as a professor he inspired me to really appreciate and care about the natural world. He will be greatly missed.

Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.

Rob taught me how fragile life is. His magnetic smile and beautiful laughter was his signature.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.