Dale Gilman Simpson Jr, age 70, died peacefully in California on Friday, July 14, 2017 with his wife at his side.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lily (Zakimi) Simpson; his children: Jeremiah (& Breanne), Matthew (& Melany), Joshua (& Alicia), Rene (& Anthony), Chip (& Becky); Eighteen grandchildren; his sister Marloene (Simpson) Brown, and father-in-law Saiji Zakimi. He is preceded in death by his Mother, Father, sister Loreen, Mother-in-law Lynn Shiroma Zakimi, Sister-in-law Lynne Zakimi and grandson Koa Simpson.

He was born and raised in Iowa Falls, Iowa, the son of Dale Gilman and Viola Margaret (Pepper) Simpson. At the young age of 8, his father died leaving his mother, older sister, and himself at home. While growing up he was very active in sports and took education very seriously. After graduating from Iowa Falls High School in 1965, he joined the US Navy and moved to San Diego, CA to serve his country as a medic during the Vietnam War.

After serving with the Navy he returned to Iowa to attend Ellsworth Community College and studied engineering. After graduating, he soon realized he wanted to explore the world and further his education in computers. He got in his yellow convertible, a 56' Chevy and drove to California, where he attended college at Cal State Fullerton and graduated with a degree in Data Processing. While in California, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and discovered an opportunity for additional education at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where he earned a second degree, in Computer Science ('72). After graduation he received a job in Laie, Hawaii, working for the Polynesian Cultural Center as a data processing manager and also teaching computer programming at BYU Hawaii where he was introduced to many unique experiences and life long friends.

He met his wife and sweetheart, Lily Zakimi, at a church dance in Honolulu, Hawaii and they were married in 1974 in the Laie Hawaii, LDS temple. Their 43 years of marriage have been wonderful and full of adventures raising their five children, working for the LDS Church and serving in Humanitarian capacities. After living in Hawaii they moved to California, Hong Kong, Utah, China, Myanmar and India. They enjoyed raising their family in Highland, Utah and they recently moved to Fallbrook, CA to be closer to their children and grandchildren. He had a deep love and appreciation for everyone he met.

Dale always had great passion for traveling abroad and dedicated his life to humanitarian work. He wanted his children to also develop a love of cultures and service and made it a tradition to take each of his children at the age of 16 on an humanitarian trip abroad building clean water wells, schools, medical clinics, and helping in orphanages. He loved studying books, taking photos, watching movies, living the gospel, and immersing himself in new cultures. In 2003 he felt prompted to take an early retirement and move to China, where they lived for 5 years. While there, he taught business at the University of Science and Technology of China, studied Mandarin, and helped the church grow. He loved the Savior and fulfilled many church responsibilities; he and his sweetheart Lily served a church mission in Myanmar and grew to love the people and the country. You could always find Dale behind the camera when traveling; he had a great eye for photography. He had a very big heart and always wanted the best for those around him, especially his wife, children and grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family. A funeral service will be held in his honor at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Fallbrook 1st ward Chapel, 621 S. Stage Coach Lane Fallbrook, CA 92028. A family prayer will be held at 10:30 am and a public service to follow at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be served for family and friends who have traveled great distances.

If you have any special memories of Dale please feel free to share them in the comments below. Our family will treasure your remarks and feelings.