Robert Simpson Obit

Robert Tate Simpson
1937-2019

Robert Tate Simpson, Jr. peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2019.  Bob practiced architecture in the San Francisco Bay Area for over five decades, with the majority of that time as managing principal of William Turnbull Associates.  Under his direction the office completed a wide variety of more than 100 projects throughout the United States and abroad.    

Bob graduated from University of Virginia in 1958 and earned his B.Arch from Yale University in 1963.  Bob started his architectural career at Roche Dinkeloo, and in 1965 he and his wife Kate moved cross country to California for the construction of the Oakland Museum of California. Upon competition of the Oakland Museum in 1969, Bob joined William Turnbull Jr. in San Francisco to manage the newly formed MLTW/Turnbull office.

While overseeing WTA’s business operations and technical production, Bob played an enormous role in the firm’s development and in maintaining the firm’s design principles. His commitment to the profession included serving as the AIA East Bay Chapter President in 1987 and AIACC Director from 1986 to 1989, and mentoring many young architects who are now leaders in architectural firms throughout the Bay Area.  Bob was elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows in 1993.

Bob was passionate about helping others and especially active with Loaves & Fishes, an outreach ministry of Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish providing direct service to the needy and homeless in the Berkeley-Oakland area, and with Rebuilding Together Oakland|East Bay chapter.  Bob is survived by his wife Kate, and five children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews and many, many hearts that he touched throughout his life. 

Funeral Mass was held at Newman Hall-Holy Spirit Parish, 2700 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA, at 10:00 AM on May 22nd, 2019. In Bob’s spirit, donations may be made to Rebuilding Together Oakland|East Bay at rtoakland.org or to Newman Hall at calnewman.org.

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