M.W. Arthur F. Simpson, Jr. Biography 1977
Arthur F. Simpson, Jr.
Arthur F. Simpson, Jr. was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 13, 1915, the son of the late Arthur F. Simpson and Carrie Schofield Simpson. He was educated at the Huntington Preparatory School and later at the University of Bridgeport, earning a degree in Industrial Engineering.
After working for many years at the Boston Herald, he moved to Connecticut in 1945 and worked for Chance Vought. In 1951 he joined Avco-Lycoming as a laboratory technician and subsequently, due to his obvious leadership ability, was promoted through the ranks to become Director of Manufacturing, a position he held until his initial retirement in November of 1975. He later returned to Avco as a consultant in 1979.
In 1944, "Bud" married the former Margaret MacIsaac of New York and from this union came five children and twenty grandchildren.
He was raised in Ansantawae Lodge No. 89 on February 28, 1947. Being an active member, he was appointed to the officer line in 1949 by W.M. Winthrop A. Smith and subsequently served as Worshipful Master in 1954. He was elected as Secretary in 1959 and served in that capacity through 1975.
He was a Past High Priest of Milford Chapter No. 9, R.A.M., a member of Adam Sattig Council No. 35, R. & S.M., Hamilton Commandery No.5, K.T., the Scottish Rite, Valley of New Haven and Lafayette Consistory, Hejaz Grotto, Saint Andrews Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Lucia Chapter No. 25, O.E.S., and an honorary member of Sibelius Lodge No. 1167, F. & A.M., New York.
Bud was appointed as District Deputy of the Fourth Masonic District in 1969, by the late M.W. William Booth, and after serving in that capacity for one year, was appointed as R.W. Grand Junior Steward by the late M.W. Carl O. Carlson. He progressed through the chairs and served this Grand Jurisdiction as M.W. Grand Master in 1977-78. During his years as a Grand Lodge Officer, he sat in every lodge in Connecticut.
He became a member of the Board of Managers of the Masonic Charity Foundation in 1972 and was elected President in 1974. He retired as Chairman of the Board of Managers in 1986.
Active in community affairs in Milford for many years, he served on the Republican Town Committee from 1949-51 and was Chairman of the Board of Education from 1955-63. He served on the Urban Development Commission and was President of the Community Concerts Association for several years.
A member of the United Presbyterian Church, he served as Elder and President of the Men's Club. In 1953, he was elected President of the Milford Council of Churches.
Bud gave much of himself to his community, lodge, Grand Lodge, Charity Foundation, and his fellowman. He was a born leader of men and richly deserved the numerous honors and awards he received, including the Pierpont Edwards Medal in both silver and bronze, the Luke Lockwood Medal, and several others from Sister Grand Jurisdictions.
Bud passed away at the Masonic Home and Hospital June 14, 1993.
