Tributes paid to Andrew Bart Simpson
Written by RYA | 31 May 2013
Close friends and family pay tribute to Olympic gold and silver medallist
Close friends and family pay tribute to Olympic gold and silver medallist and America's Cup sailor Andrew Bart Simpson who tragically passed away, aged 36, on 9 May 2013 in San Francisco.
Andrew’s Memorial Service is being held at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset, today (Friday 31 May) at 1pm, followed by a celebration of Andrew’s life at Sherborne Castle.
Leah Simpson (Wife)
"Andrew, was a wonderful person. He was a loving husband and a devoted father to our two boys. I am so pleased that so many of his friends and family are here today to celebrate his life and achievements. He will be forever in our thoughts and hearts."
Amanda Simpson (Sister)
“Andrew has been my inspiration for 33 years and I am so extremely proud of all his achievements. As many people have told me in the last few weeks, Andy has accomplished more in his 36 years than most people do in their lifetime. We have been deeply moved by all the beautiful tributes received during this immensely sad time.
When we were young I annoyed him as all younger siblings do, but as we matured our relationship changed. He would look out for me at sailing events and would always be there to help pull my boat up the beach and we would discuss tactics and which way paid up the beat.
More recently, both having young children, meant we enjoyed spending our time as families and we both adored each other’s siblings. I look forward to teaching both Freddie and Hamish how to sail so they can also share in our passion for sailing. Andrews’s presence will be greatly missed by our whole family and we look forward to setting up the charity to carry on inspiring grass roots sailing in Andrew’s memory.”
Iain Percy
“I feel privileged to be around so many people that loved Bart, on the day that we celebrate his life. I was so lucky to have Bart as a sailing partner and as a friend, his passion and dedication for our team was beyond anything I’d seen in the sport, but that was insignificant compared to the love he had for his wife Leah and amazing two boys, Freddie and Hamish.”
Ben Ainslie
“I would just like to thank everyone for being here today and say a few words on behalf of Andrew’s wife Leah and his parents Pamela and Keith and all of their close family and friends.
We are all devastated by Andrew’s loss and of course it has been a very difficult period for all of us as we come to terms with his passing. Andrew was a devoted husband, adored father of Freddie and Hamish, son, brother and friend to so many of us.
The fact that so many people all over the world have come here today to show respect for Bart's life is truly amazing and it goes to show what a fantastic person he was and how many people he came in to contact with and inspired.
Whether Andrew met a young kid learning to sail or a four time America's Cup winner, everyone loved Bart because of the person he was. He always had a word for everybody. He always had a smile on his face.
One of the things Andrew was truly passionate about was helping young sailors get in to the sport and for that reason we are looking at setting up a charity in the near future in Bart's memory, to help young sailors in the sport of sailing.
I would like to thank everyone, who in the last three weeks, has gone out of their way to help the family get through this tragedy, given their support or shown their respect to help get through this tragedy.
Leah very much sees today as a way to celebrate Andrew’s life and to remember Andrew as we all knew him. In many ways Bart was understated in life, this is really the occasion to celebrate his life and to remember what a huge impact he has had on us all. This is a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much.”