Clive passed away peacefully earlier this week following a long battle with illness. His family had worked hard to get him home so that he could be in familiar surroundings when the inevitable happened, and all his loved ones were with him when he passed.
Our thoughts are again with Dawn, Tori and Maria and all the Simpson family at a particularly sad time. the family have suffered a succession of tragic and devastating losses over the last 18 months.
Clive was a key figure in the early days of Witney Roadrunners. In 1985 he was a member of the Witney Lions Club that organised the Witney 10 mile roadrace, then not under the auspices of a running club. He then joined WRR, his father-in-law being Vernon Blowfield, his brother-in-law Kevin Blowfield, son-in- law Cliff Jones and son Andrew, all being top quality runners, and wife Dawn and two daughters Tori and Maria also being keen runners.
Through Clive’s influence, Witney Lions invited WRR into a partnership to enhance the reputation of the Witney 10. He arranged sponsorship from General Portfolio, and the SCAA chose it for their Championship. The journey had begun!
In those days the race was in June, attracted an entry of over 1000, and the race started in Witan Way, finishing in Henry Box School. A sight to behold. WRR even used to put an entry into the Carnival Float contest and duly won first prize!!
Clive was very influential in helping develop the WRR ethos. Remember those days were the early “running boom” days and clubs were actively trying to make running a sport that anyone and everyone could take part in….pre ParkRun of course!
WRR didn’t want to be elitist, didn’t want to become an Athletic Club, competitive yes, but all were welcomed into the WRR family, and the Simpson “clan” were very much an integral part of that.
Clive was involved in so many aspects of this burgeoning new club. He was a lovely man, had time for everyone and anyone. He was an active committee member, and spent time as the Race director of the Witney 10, soon to be re-christened the Cotswold Classic.
His contribution to our great club cannot be overemphasised.
It’s very sad to see you go Clive, you were much loved by all your family and you will be terribly missed.
A massive thank you from all of the WRR family for your legacy.
May you rest in peace