Lucinda (Cindy) Grace Fitzpatrick Simpson

“Known for her unwavering commitment to badminton, Cindy left an indelible mark on our community.”

Cindy passed away at the Campbell River Hospital on April 17, 2025. Born in Vancouver, BC, on April 1, 1945, Cindy just celebrated her 80th birthday, surrounded by her family and many friends. Cindy was the eldest of four daughters. As a child, her family moved to several remote communities, including Ocean Falls, Gold River, and Tahsis, eventually settling in Campbell River. In the 1960s, there was a unique, ocean-filled swimming pool at Rotary Beach, where Cindy taught summer swim lessons to children. She always recalled walking through the sand, covered with squishy, slippery seaweed. Cindy graduated from Carihi High School in 1963 and has remained friends with 13 classmates, known as the Carihi Girls. They continued to meet annually and to celebrate milestone birthdays. Cindy attended university in Vancouver, where she earned her teacher’s certificate.

Cindy worked at Manning Park, which is tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, as one of her summer jobs. Cindy remembers pulling herself out of bed after being awake all night just to find out she was going to be climbing a mountain. Cindy mustered all of her willpower and perseverance to reach the top. She felt empowered to take on difficult tasks in life and never forgot how hard that day was. Cindy took a teaching job in Prince Rupert shortly thereafter. It was there that Cindy developed her passion for coaching volleyball, playing tennis, and her love for badminton. She got a position at the neighbourhood swimming pool thanks to her prior experience instructing swim lessons. There, a dashing lifeguard, wearing a blue and white Speedo swimsuit, caught her eye. Cindy and John were married on the 19th of August in 1967 in Prince George, BC.

Her husband, John, and both her parents, George and Norma Rofe, predeceased Cindy. Cindy had an unwavering love for her family. She and her daughter Deb travelled the world, fulfilling her adventurous side and together making memories. At Christmas, you would find them making chocolates to eat and as gifts. Scott, Cindy’s son, loved to take her driving in his rather large truck. However, her diminutive stature prevented her from climbing into his truck without a step stool. One of Cindy’s fondest memories was taking Scott and his daughter, Grace, Cindy’s only grandchild, on a wonderful vacation to Hawaii. Cindy looked forward to chatting with her children every day.

Many know that badminton was Cindy’s playing sport, but her first love was tennis. Over the years, Cindy and her sister Kathy travelled to Vancouver to watch various tennis events that included Bjorn Borg battling Jimmy Connors and the Billy Jean King Cup. Cindy and Kathy were part of the results team for badminton at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. It was there that a blue eyed Butch Cassidy also known as Paul Newman treated Cindy to lunch. Not many people can say that!

Cindy had a special place in her heart for nature, particularly flowers. Her gardens were her happy place. Her favourite flowers were carnations. She supported local theatre, musicals, Broadway productions and performers such as Il Divo - Sebastian got her amped up! Cindy also loved Tina Turner and went to several of her concerts. And yes, Cindy was “Simply the Best”.

Cindy could have taken out shares in the Landmark Cinema. Cindy and her long-time friend Kim were regulars enjoying their pop and popcorn. Kim often travelled with ‘Cinderella’ and looked forward to her walking through the door with her curly, unruly red hair, shorts on and that lanyard wrapped around her neck, weighted down with keys and fobs to who knows where. Her cherished friend Sandra, whom she met through sport, was also a travel partner, and they enjoyed many trips abroad, most notably India, where Cindy only consumed rice or naan bread for the entire trip.

Understanding the importance of giving back, Cindy was a dedicated volunteer at the Red Cross. A place where she devoted her time to serving her community. Her local badminton club, Badminton BC, Sport BC - KidSport and the 55+ Games are all part of Cindy’s legacy. In March 2024, Minister of Sport Lana Popam presented Cindy with the Presidents’ Award for her work with the BC Senior Game Society. Recipients show the spirit of volunteerism through the dedication, commitment, and tireless energy they give to their sports organizations.

Cindy will be remembered by her late husband’s family, who live in Ontario, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family and her close friends she cherished as family. Her 4-legged, fur friend, Mya, has been Cindy’s constant companion. She was the luckiest cat that ever lived; doted upon daily, and will miss her special person. We will forever treasure the memories of Cindy's laughter, her kind spirit, her love and the way she always knew how to brighten even the darkest days.

Cindy’s family would like to thank the Campbell River Hospital staff, the physicians of Hillside Medical Centre and the Rehab Team at the Nanaimo Hospital for their care of Cindy as she battled hard against the effects of the stroke she suffered back in September, 2024.

Please see below for details on the upcoming Celebration of Life. Flowers gratefully declined. If you wish, memorial donations can be made in Cindy’s honour to KidSport British Columbia, Canadian Red Cross and Heart and Stroke.