Robert Sidney Simpson

Helen Blincoe Simpson, her husband Bob, and brother Edward were prime movers in extensive research of the descendants of James Blincoe who had arrived in America from England in the 17thC. The Blincoe Family Association was formed and Helen and Bob produced our Newsletter up to 2001. They did much of the work in organizing the reunions that, with the additional attendance of Blincows, Blenkos and Blencowes led to the change of name of the Association and its development as the flourishing international body it is today.

News from Bob and Helen's daughter-in-law Debra told that Helen's health had declined over the year and Bob was no longer able to care for her unassisted. At the end of Oct. 2008 they had moved from their long-time home in South San Gabriel to a Seniors/Retirement Community in San Diego. Bob moved to the Independent apartments that were just a brief stroll past a lovely lily pond and duck pond to where Helen was staying in the skilled nursing facility. Sadly, three days after Thanksgiving (four weeks after having moved in) Bob passed away of a sudden hemorrhagic stroke, they had been married for 63 years.

Helen will continue to live in the nursing facility and will enjoy news and letters read to her by Richard and Debbie.

Members will join me in sending our condolences to Helen and her family. I myself owe Helen and Bob a very real debt for their personal hospitality and friendship and also for the many long-lasting and world-wide friendships I have gained as a result of their efforts.

Jack Blencowe,
Oxford, UK