Buried in Memory Lawn Cemetery, Grand Ecore Road, Natchitoches, LA

The following salute to Mr. Simpson is used with permission of it's author Mr. John Ropp of Natchitoches, LA

A Salute to Mr. Simpson,
Our High School Principal

As we reminisce about our high school days,
We remember our principal in many ways.
Just closing our eyes we still can see
This admired man we secretly called A.B.

Mr. Simpson served Natchitoches High for years.
Our memories come back with laughs and tears.
He walked the halls as quiet as a ghost,
But respect for his leadership stands out the most.

We think of all the contributions he made,
The time, effort, loyalty and price he paid.
He could show a serious but friendly face,
And walk an extra mile, any time, any place.

Remember the assembly we had each school day?
He hoped his lecture would guide our future pathway.
The man touched our lives as he would a friend,
Oh, how we wish we could hear him again!

Built like Lincoln, his hair was sandy red.
Go to his office and you retained what he said.
Education and discipline came first – no doubt,
His moral and ethical values were strong and stout.

Now when your life shadows slowly fall,
And all about our high school days we recall,
A treasured reflection of Mr. Simpson will always be there.
We cherish his commitment, his trust and his care.

When we all reach Heaven in the blue,
If a school house is there for me and you,
We know Mr. Simpson will be our principal in space,
Making sure we are all present in the proper place.

John Ropp
Reunion 2005
Classes 1942 – 1946
Natchitoches High School
Natchitoches, Louisiana

- John Ropp