Bernie Simpson

Bernard “Bernie” Clarence Simpson, 81, of Walnut Creek, Calif., passed away peaceably Feb. 28, surrounded by loved ones. A Memorial Mass at St. Ignatius Church in San Francisco will be offered by Fr. Charles Gagan at 10 a.m. April 14 for him and his latewife Dona J. Simpson, who died Nov. 09, 2016. Reception following. Bernie was born Oct. 11, 1936 in Omaha, NE., the only child of Ben and Leona Simpson. The family moved to SF where Bernie attended Notre-Dame Des Victoires until 1950, graduated St. Ignatius Prep HS 1954, UC Berkeley 1959, and earned his MA at SF State University (1962).

A natural and talented athlete, Bernie was inducted into the USF Prep Hall of Fame 1989 for his basketball and baseball achievements; he played in two NCAA championships – baseball 1957, and Pete Newell’s Cal basketball team in 1959. He was a Lt-jg in the Navy 1959-61, and married Jacqueline Minenna in 1960. They had two sons and a daughter.

Bernie’s early career focused on teaching and coaching at St. Ignatius, Laney College, and Seattle University. His players remember him as “an exceptionally knowledgeable, skillful and passionate coach.” He later went into sales and retired as regional sales manager at Cerro Copper in SF.

The couple are survived by Bernie’s 3 children: Craig & Chris Simpson, Dana Freudenberger, Dona’s two daugthers Kirsten & Johanna, 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and lifelong friends.

Contributions can be made to Mission Dolores Adademy.