William Eugene Simpson

William E. Simpson, Architect, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side at home in Crockett, California. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida. His family moved to Porterville, California where he attended high school. Bill was an avid tennis player and met his future wife, Genia Beattie on the tennis team. He graduated with honors and a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley School of Architecture. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and married Genia. They were stationed in Furstenfeldbruck, Germany. After serving honorably as a pilot they returned to the Bay Area and bought their first home in Orinda where they lived for 46 years. The couple moved to Lafayette and then 5 years ago to a home in Crockett, California, after he retired.

As a young architect he worked for Esherick, Homsey, Dodge, and Davis, a leading architectural firm in San Francisco. His highprofile projects included Wailea Village on Maui and the Student Union Building at Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo.

In 1977, he established his own architectural firm in Orinda where he practiced for 31 years. His work evolved into a residential focus but included Commercial, Industrial, Retail and Theatre design.

He fostered an interest in public service and local design issues. In 1985, after 3 years on the Contra Costa County Orinda Planning Commission, Bill was selected by the new City of Orinda to chair its first Planning Commission and guide the city through hearings on its General Plan and the proposed Theatre Square. Many remember him for his Frank Lloyd Wright restoration project in Orinda. His designs were known for bringing Sunny exposures and unique but practical solutions to difficult sites.

He was a lifelong tennis player who enjoyed skiing, travel, photography and fine wine. He brought sunshine and laughter into so many lives. He will be remembered for his dry sense of humor, delight in life, and deep love of family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Genia, son Loren, daughter Lisa, four grandchildren, Chelsea, Claire, Christin and Brandon, and one great grandchild Broderick.