December 18, 1922 ~ March 24, 2008
Bill K. Simms, of 2121 Elizabeth, passed away after a brief illness on March 24, 2008. Loving husband of Jacqueline A. Simms of Pueblo; and father of four sons, Scott Simms of Larkspur, Colo., Stryder Simms of Santa Fe, N.M., Tom Simms of Pueblo, Tim Simms of Pueblo, Colo.; and five daughters, Pamela Valentine of Vail, Colo., Lise Simms of Los Angeles, Calif., Jane Roche of Boulder, Colo., Joan Hess of New York City, N.Y., and Snow Simms of Aspen, Colo. Also survived by grandchildren, Danielle and Gabrielle Venturi, Matt and Mike Simms, Kelsey and Harper Simms, Sarah Grimes and Tony Rhoads, Katie and Kelly Roche; and brother of cherished baby sister, Bette Roper.
Born on December 18, 1922, a lifelong resident of Pueblo, he graduated Centennial Class of '41. His travels in the Merchant Marine took him around the world. He distinguished himself as a businessman when he could be spotted downtown running a mile on his lunch hour in wing tips and a three-piece suit.(You try that!) An early career in finance and the automobile business segued into his true calling as an artist. While recovering from early heart problems, he embarked on avid period of watercolor painting. This was followed by an energetic phase of interior decorating. In later years he dedicated himself to singing popular songs of the '30s and '40s and the rigors of tap dance. A song and dance man at heart, with a three octave range, he performed a one-man show to a packed house on his 80th birthday. He also made a full-length record of swing standards.
He was a lifelong tennis player and general sports enthusiast. A self- motivated accumulator of knowledge, he could converse intelligently on history, politics, art, religion and economics--you name it. He loved the English language and wrote songs and limericks for his children. He was outgoing, considerate, sensitive, a romantic and more than willing to give you the shirt off his back.
Our father was a world-class booster and boaster of the charms of his wife and the talents of his nine children, and was particularly fond of touting his children's accomplishments. He loved Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Johnny Mercer, Impressionist paintings, fine automobiles, all things beautiful and home-made peanut butter fudge, but most of all he loved his family. For us, this world will never be the same without him.
Friends and family will be celebrating his life from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2008, at the residence.
Online condolences, MontgomerySteward.com
Dear Simms Family
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I always knew the tallents of your family ran from a rich vein. I enjoyed reading the wonderful tribute to his life. I will forever remember the kindness of Tom and Tim when my brother Dennis passed away 30 years ago. With my deepest symapthy and prayers for your family.
Sincerely Sandie Robertson – Emerson
My deepest sympathy for all the family. I will remember him as not just my Uncle Bill but also a man who was full of life and cheer, always ready to perform no matter the place or audiance. For my Aunt Jackie and cousins please know you will all be in my familes thoughts and prayers. Bill will be missed and remembered by all. Love, Gene Merrell and Family
The Simms Family,My deepest sympathy for your loss. I have always been in awe of your family and the example of love and support shown by Mr. and Mrs. Simms for their children. The world has lost a fine man, but his character is evident in those he has left behind. Love to you all,Rick
Dear Mrs. Simms and family,
My sincere sympathy to you all. Having lost my mother 4 months ago, I understand your loss. The write-up for Mr. Simms was precious and please know that the fun and happy memories you have in your hearts will help you in the days ahead. I will keep you all in my thoughts. Take care.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of my uncle Bill passing away. I moved o Connecticut last week so cannot attend the memorial. Bill never missed an opportuity to support my family in our time of grief and i wish I could be there to offer my support to you. God bless and keep you in your time of grief.
Love, Donny
Our deepest sympathies and condolences go to the family. I hope your family is doing well in these times of sorrow.
Tom and Janis Villarreal
class of 79
Mrs.Simms and family,
The loss of Mr.Simms is a loss of a part of Pueblo.
His legacy will continue with every song each of you will ever sing. His melody of all things good in life will go on through each of you. And his mark on our Pueblo, which so many of us still call home, no matter how far we wonder, will be there with every stroll we take down Elizabeth.
May you be comforted in this time of loss and blessed with happy thoughts of your husband and father.
Victor Raigoza
Dearest Mrs. Simms and Family,
We celebrate with you the wonderful and blessed life of your late husband and father of your children. In my conversation with Mr. Simms last fall at the Daily Grind, I asked him to share with me and a long-time friend, what his secret was for keeping love alive. Without hesitation, he responded “my wife and my children -I’m so very proud of them!”
After 30 minutes or so of heartfelt conversation hopping from topic to topic, Bill danced away from our table and took center floor to one of Tom’s upbeat tunes.
This side of heaven, Mr. Simms joyful approach to life and his deep love for his family, was a beacon of light for all of Pueblo to see. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
Friends… May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Love,
Paul and Yvonne Tienda
email: pt@aimm1.com
Dear Pam,
My e-mail address is susie@WSPAN.US
Sincerely,
Susie
Dear Pam and family,
My sympathy and prayers for you and your family. We are never prepared for grief and when it happens, it is so devastating. My thoughts are with you and your family. I remember your parents well when we were teenagers. I’m sure we gave them some worries, especially when we were skiing. Tim Whittmore is in Cozumel right now, but I will be sure to tell him when he gets back as he wouldn’t have read the newspaper.
I’m sure Gabby and Dannie are quite beautiful young women now. Annie is 26 and single. I talked to Donna Maes (Esquibel) today. She also sends her sympathy.
Take care and know I have been thinking about you
Sincerely,
Susie
Dear Jacdque and Family,
So sorry to read about Bill. We are on our way out of town and will not be home until Sunday. Sorry to miss Bill’s remembrance. Will get in touch with you later.
Love,
Lucille