George Leslie Simpkins was born in Grande Prairie, AB, November 30, 1953, he lived in Valleyview, AB, until his passing on May 7, 2025.

George Simpkins was a man who could always be counted on to have a cold one in hand. He has taken his final sip and departed this life, leaving behind a complex legacy and an impressive collection of bottle caps.

In his early years, George worked as a driller with Cactus, and he was a hard worker. After leaving the drilling company, George is remembered as a large equipment operator.

Born to the late Ernie and Doreen Simpkins, George was one of eight siblings in the Simpkins clan, alongside Linda, Alexander (Alex), Francis, John, James (Jim), Theresa, and Allen. Family gatherings were never quiet. Though George could often be found on the periphery, maintaining a careful vigil over the cooler.

Throughout his life, George maintained a steadfast relationship with his beverages of choice. The old saying goes that you can tell a lot about a man by the company he keeps. George kept company with a good Lucky beer for over four decades, a relationship more enduring than many marriages and his daughters. His philosophy seemed to be "Why face your problems when you can face a cold beer instead?"

Those who knew him well understood that underneath his gruff exterior and behind that simple can of beer was a man who simply found the world easier to navigate with a slight buzz. His children learned early on that love comes in many forms, sometimes it’s being there and sometimes it's knowing when to stay away.

George loved being a cowboy. Whether it was working outside in fields, in the bush, MUD BOGS or operating equipment. In his younger years he was a baseball coach and community volunteer at events. He was a grand hunter and guide; he shared the benefits of his hunting with many of his friends. When George went fishing, with a fish net, he would give many of his friends a few fish.

He is survived by his children who will remember him in their own ways: daughters, Leannea (Matthew) Simpkins, Lerinna (Jeff) Simpkins Colpitts, son George Jr. Simpkins (Kim), grandchildren, Michelle, Miles, Shae-Anne, Xander, Braislyn, Sienna and great grandson Isaiah. George was preceded by his sons Jerry Simpkins (1978) and Robin Simpkins (1980-1996).