Wed 30 Jun 2021
Remembering Debe Simpson
Posted by Ann.Lee
It is with great sadness that we share the news of Debe Simpson’s passing.
Debe had a long and accomplished history in BC’s conflict resolution community. For over 25 years, she practiced as a mediator, arbitrator, and administrative tribunal member. Debe’s practice range was impressive: the over 5000 matters in which she acted a neutral third party included workers compensation appeals, residential tenancy disputes, veterinary complaints, and family matters. Debe’s compassion and professionalism shone through in all of these processes. She also brought these qualities to leadership roles within the community, serving both as a Director of Family Mediation BC and more recently as Vice President of the BC Council of Administrative Tribunals.
Debe was a caring and generous colleague who coached and mentored many learning practitioners. Sharon Sutherland, who worked with Debe in a variety of programs over more than two decades, notes:
Debe was one of those people that was always available to help others. I cannot count the number of times Debe stepped up to coach a new mediator or share her knowledge on a subject or process to assist others. She was extraordinarily kind and generous, and I feel so fortunate to have worked with her over the years and even more to have counted her as a friend.
Shortly after her passing, Debe’s husband David shared these words:
Debe loved her work as a mediator and as a vice chair at the Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal (WCAT). She was a beautiful person inside and out. A loving mother and wife. Her illness was difficult but through it all she kept up with her work as long as possible and graduated from Osgoode Hall with a LLM last spring. She was so strong and accomplished. She passed away with her family beside her on June 2nd, 2021.
Matt Chritchley, co-mediator and colleague at Residential Tenancy Branch, notes:
I’ll remember Debe for her kindness as a friend and mentor, who was always willing to take time out of her busy schedule to give a smile and be welcoming. I got to know her when we worked together at the Residential Tenancy Branch where she was an arbitrator, where I recall thinking that she would be the person I would want to help me resolve my dispute. After that and after going to her on many occasions for help which was always provided, she also mentored me as a coach for some of my first 10 mediations and then worked with me to develop a program for residential tenancy mediation. I recall she was always optimistic and giving of her time, and extremely competent and knowledgeable. I’ll miss her for her kindness as will the many, many people she touched and helped resolving conflict.
Please see the obituary for details on the mass & prayer service on July 9, 2021.
Any donations to BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.