Remembering Kendall Clark Simpson: A Life of Love, Wisdom, and Generosity
He had a major impact on my life and the lives of countless others
Earlier this month, we said goodbye to my brother-in-law, Kendall Clark Simpson. It’s impossible to sum up a life as rich and meaningful as Ken’s in mere words, but if I had to choose a few, they would be brilliant, kind, and generous.
Ken was a force of nature. He had a sharp, inquisitive mind, an enormous heart, and an unwavering spirit. He was a Renaissance man in the truest sense—endlessly curious, always learning, always evolving. His love of knowledge was vast and insatiable. He found joy in philosophy, science, history, and art, diving deep into each with an eagerness that never waned. He introduced me to the teachings of the late mythologist Joseph Campbell, whose wisdom has profoundly shaped my philosophy on life. Ken was both an athlete and a thinker, a man who embraced the physical world while constantly contemplating the mysteries beyond it. He saw the world not just as it was, but as it could be.
But above all, Ken’s guiding star in life was love.
He loved my sister, Kathy—his soulmate, his partner, the love of his life. Their connection was something rare and beautiful, built on mutual respect, deep admiration, and a love that never wavered. They built a life together that was rich in laughter, fellowship, and a deep, abiding devotion to family.
Ken adored his daughters, Tara and Brooke, with a fierce, unwavering devotion. He was their rock, their protector, and their biggest champion. When they married Matt and Al, he didn’t just welcome them—he embraced them as his own sons, with open arms and an open heart.
And then came his greatest joy—his grandchildren: Kendall, Dash, Joseph, and Luke. If you ever wanted to see Ken at his happiest, all you had to do was watch him with his grandkids. Their presence lit up his world, and in return, he lit up theirs. He was the kind of grandfather who showed up—who listened, who played, who shared stories, who gave guidance, and who made sure they knew how deeply they were loved.
A Mentor, A Champion, A Lifeline
I’m Kathy’s little brother, and from the moment Ken entered her life, he became a presence in mine as well. But he was more than just my brother-in-law—he became my mentor, my champion, and my anchor during one of the most difficult times of my life.
My father died when I was just four years old, and in many ways, my older brother Greg became my father figure—my guide, my role model, my hero. But when I was 20 years old, my world shattered—Greg was killed in a military fighter jet crash. His loss was unbearable. I was lost. I was grieving. I was profoundly depressed.
Above: With my brother Greg (L) and Ken (R) on the day Ken married my sister Kathy. I am seven-years-old. October 1967
And that’s when Ken stepped in.
Where others might have seen a young man drowning in loss, Ken saw potential. Where I struggled to believe in myself, Ken believed in me. Where I felt aimless, Ken saw a path forward.
He didn’t just offer kind words—he took action. He made it possible for me to attend college at USC. Ken was a keen investor, and this time, he invested in my future. But his greatest gift wasn’t financial—it was the gift of belief. His faith in me gave me the confidence to rebuild, to move forward, to find my way. And because of Ken and Kathy, I did.
A Life of Lifting Others
That was who Ken was. He lifted people up.
He had an uncanny ability to recognize exactly when someone needed encouragement the most. He didn’t just give—he empowered. And he never did it for recognition. He did it because he believed in the power of lifting others.
Ken’s generosity wasn’t just something he did; it was who he was. He helped family, friends, colleagues, even strangers—anyone in need—without hesitation. He gave legal advice to those who couldn’t afford it. He helped fund education. He mentored, encouraged, and created opportunities for others in ways big and small.
And he did all of this the right way—with honesty, integrity, and heart.
Ken came from humble beginnings and built his own version of the American Dream, but his greatest success wasn’t in business or law—it was in the way he touched the lives of those around him.
Ken’s life was a testament to the truth that what we give to others is what truly defines us.
A Lasting Legacy
Ken, thank you.
Thank you for your wisdom, your kindness, your unwavering support. Thank you for showing me, and so many others, what it means to live with integrity, generosity, and love.
Your impact will never fade. Your love, your belief in others, and the lives you’ve touched will continue to ripple outward in ways even you might not have imagined.
We will miss you deeply, but we will carry your lessons with us.
Rest in peace, my dear brother-in-law, my mentor, my friend.