We Miss You, Mr. Simpson
“What an amazing legacy he has left for this community.” ~~Rachel Howell, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries Therapist.
 
On September 28, 2017, a beloved Harrisburg teacher and coach, Brian Simpson, passed away as the result of a tragic auto accident.
Mr. Simpson taught 7th Grade World History, 8th Grade American History, High School Government, and High School Current Events, as well as being the Head Baseball Coach, Head Cross Country Coach, and Middle School Quiz Bowl Coach.
 
The entire community, including our staff and children, are mourning his loss. We hope you’ll read what two of our staff shared in memory of his legacy and impact upon us.
 

“As a home parent, Mr. Simpson worked with our sweet Pamela* during the three school years she spent at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries.  When she arrived, she was not an enthusiastic student, but by the end of her time at Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries, she was a passionate learner.  Mr. Simpson challenged Pamela in class, was always patient with her when she was struggling, and was fantastic at matching the sass she gave him.  In fact, Pamela became so excited about school, she joined his middle school Quiz Bowl team.  Although they may have lost every match, Mr. Simpson always had kind and encouraging things to say about her and the team.  

“As a therapist, I am typically at the middle school during advisory, picking someone up for therapy.  He tended to be in the office during that time as well.  He always made it a point to say hi, and he always had a smile on his face.  You would think working with teenagers that he would have frustrating days, but at the end of the day, he never gave the impression that a bad day existed at Harrisburg.  When he saw which child I was picking up, he made a point to connect with that student by saying something kind to them or surprising them with something they had done well with in class.  More than once, he would inform a student that they received a high grade on a test or had brought up a struggling grade; which was met with surprise and excitement.  He looked for opportunities to build relationships with and encourage students, even just in passing.  It was impressive to witness the positive difference he could make by choosing to be intentional for 60 seconds.  What an amazing legacy he has left for this community.”

“Did you ever have that teacher that changed how you viewed the world? For several of my kids, that teacher was Mr. Simpson…especially for Candice.* He believed in her academically when few others did; even herself. He helped Candice, who was failing almost every class, become a B student. He helped her gain self-esteem and confidence again

“He was known in our home for always loving on our kids, and teaching them something in amazing ways. He seemed to make it his personal mission to help our kids; not only in his classes, but in all their subjects. He did so without being asked. He always had hope for them. He made a real difference for many of our middle school students.  He was an unsung hero who worked alongside of us and our ministry, NEVER asking for recognition or acknowledgment. I never saw him without a smile, and he was always full of Grace. He Loved God, and freely shared his love of Him. He was an amazing man who will be dearly missed in our community.”

*names changed for sake of confidentiality

________________________

Two resources that might prove helpful for those dealing with loss:

The first is a book called Grief: Finding Hope Again “No matter what the circumstances, death shakes us to the core. It seems so wrong, and it is! We long for comfort, but we don’t know where to look. Can God really help when we are overwhelmed with grief?”
You can also find an excerpt of the book HERE.
 
The second is an article written specifically about helping students who have lost a teacher:
 
We hope our supporters will remember the Simpson family and everyone affected by his loss in your thoughts and prayers during the coming weeks.
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