On 23 January 2023, Roy Simpson, aged 68 years, of Cromer, Norfolk. Mr Simpson was a former member of the Society.
Tribute
I first met Roy when we were both newly appointed managers with Boots and were sent on a course in Nottingham. I instantly warmed to Roy’s open nature and sense of humour. It was a friendship that lasted throughout our careers and into retirement. Roy could always put a smile on your face.
Roy was a dedicated pharmacist, professional and hardworking, and spent his working life serving the community in Cromer, a town that he loved. The branch of Boots in Cromer could easily have had the name Roy Simpson on its frontage, such was his influence on the business and the esteem in which he was held.
Roy was always willing to embrace new ideas and work tirelessly at finding solutions to problems. He built a loyal and supportive team around him and always treated his staff with dignity and respect. He was respected by professional colleagues in Cromer and served numerous residential homes. Helping people was in Roy’s DNA, and his wife Debbie served many a late dinner because Roy had dropped a prescription in to someone on the way home. He was always willing to help colleagues and was a fantastic role model to his preregistration trainees and those assigned to his mentorship.
In the later years of his career, Roy was invited to set up a new pharmacy in the medical practice in Cromer. While this was outside of his comfort zone, Roy threw himself into this new project and again built a successful pharmacy operation.
Outside of his work as pharmacist, Roy enjoyed a very active life, both as a sportsman and by getting involved in the community, through Round Table and other activities. In retirement, Roy took up sailing, a skill he learnt from scratch. He encouraged many of his friends to join him on Barton Broad and I recall one occasion, early on in his sailing career, when we spent some time hauling the boat out of the reedbeds.
Sadly, Roy’s enjoyment of his retirement was curtailed by a cycling accident in 2020, from which he never fully recovered. Despite being in constant pain, Roy refused to dwell on his problems and it continued to be a pleasure to spend time with him. Roy’s naughty sense of humour stayed with him throughout his life.
It was a great shock to learn of Roy’s sudden death and he will be missed greatly by family, friends and all whose lives he touched. Thoughts are with Debbie and his daughters, Roz and Anni, at this most difficult of times.
Peter Hobbs