To truly appreciate the power of advocacy in the brain injury community, we must recognize the profound impact John Simpson had on all of us. He paved the way for significant change, and it was an honour to have known him. Saying goodbye is heartbreaking.
John passed away on February 17, 2025, at the remarkable age of 89. How fitting that it was Family Day, as John was not only a cherished member of his own family but also a guiding figure—a ‘father’—to so many in the brain injury community.
Since 1982, John was a leading force in developing services for individuals with acquired brain injuries (ABI) in British Columbia. His compassion for those affected by ABI drove him to dedicate decades of voluntary service, improving the lives of thousands of Canadians living with this invisible disability. Over the years, he contributed more than 16,000 hours of volunteer support to individuals, families, and service development. His tireless efforts were instrumental in shaping the level of care and support available across the province today.
John’s dedication was widely recognized. He was honoured with the BC Medal of Good Citizenship and the Governor General of Canada’s Caring Canadian Award for his exceptional volunteerism.
Education and awareness were also at the heart of his work. In 1981, he co-founded the first annual brain injury conference, which continued for 30 years. His goal was clear: to raise awareness, foster understanding, and advocate for those living with ABI. As he often said, “My passion is to help those living with an acquired brain injury and their families, and to educate the system.”
John played a pivotal role in establishing the BC Brain Injury Association in 1982 and was the driving force behind the province’s first ABI drop-in center, which was later named in his honour. He also founded the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association in 1997 and helped launch the Brain Injury Alliance in 2014.
His advocacy extended far beyond traditional settings. John regularly volunteered in local prisons, running support groups for inmates with brain injuries and educating staff and caregivers. His work highlighted critical statistics: 80% of inmates have a brain injury, and 60% of them suffered their first brain injury in childhood, often due to abuse.
Before his advocacy work, John spent years in the automobile insurance industry as an adjuster. This experience ignited his passion for supporting accident victims and their families. Later, he and his wife, Mona, founded Simpson Rehab Management, allowing him to customize support for clients and further establish himself as a champion for the brain injury community in British Columbia.
John’s influence was immeasurable. He inspired countless professionals to work with individuals with ABI, pushed organizations to include them in their programs, and tirelessly advocated for better support and funding. His mentorship, through regular calls and meetings, shaped the next generation of brain injury advocates.
Though he is no longer with us, his impact endures. His unwavering dedication, profound compassion, and relentless advocacy have left a lasting legacy, not just in British Columbia, but around the world.
Thank you, Mr. Simpson, for your tireless work. Rest well.
A Celebration of Life will be held for both John and his beloved wife, Mona, who passed away in 2022.
Monday, March 17, 2025
2:00 PM
Newlands Golf Course, Langley, BC
In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to the Fraser Valley Brain Injury Association.
