Robert C. Simpson

Derry, NH: Robert C. Simpson , 61, a longtime resident of the Derry and Salem area, died on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Community Hospice House in Merrimack, following a long illness.

Born in Haverhill, MA, son of the late Ernest and Mildred (Forsyth) Simpson, he was raised and educated in the Merrimac, MA school system. Since 1987 he was employed as an electronics and sonar laboratory technician at Klein Associates of Salem, NH.

Country music was a large part of his life. Beginning with his late father's band, The Melody Rangers, Mr. Simpson played guitar and steel guitar and sang in several other Country music bands as well. One of the high points of his career was the opportunity in 1965 to play onstage at the old Boston Garden with Buck Owens and The Buckaroos.

He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph P. and Bevin Simpson of Newton, NH, and C J and Shawna Wallace of Windham, NH, a daughter Laurie A. Locke and her partner Don Smith of Riverview, Florida,  three sisters and brothers-in-law, Ann and Daniel Palen of Fremont, NH, Rebecca and John Amero of Haverhill, MA, and Doreen and James Smith of Northwood, NH, eight grandchildren, Samantha Locke, Jessica Locke, Branden Simpson, Joshua Simpson, Jordan Simpson, Jada Simpson, Jacob Wallace and Kalei Wallace, three great-grandchildren, Mark, Parker and Addison, and several nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main St., Route 121A, Plaistow, NH. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 10 a.m. in Locust Grove Cemetery, Merrimac, MA, In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Home Health and Hospice Care, Attention: Development, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054.