Obituary of Wendell Eugene Simm

SIMM, Wendell – 80, West Gore. It is with great sadness that the family of Wendell Simm, 80, of West Gore, announces his passing on Monday, June 15th in the Hants Community Hospital, Windsor. He was born in the house in West Gore where he lived and raised his family. Wendell is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carole (Barkhouse); sons, Derrick (Janet), of Hammonds Plains; Dean (Tracy), of Gore; daughter in-law Janet Simm, Beaverbank; grandchildren, Janeil, Jessica, Joseph, Allison and Kayleigh, several nieces and nephews, sister, Donna Pick and brother, Raymond (Edith) Simm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aulay and Hazel (Hilchey) Simm, one of his sons, Craig Simm and brother in-law Harland Pick. Wendell and Carole owned and operated the family’s general store in West Gore for 25+ years, and Wendell worked for the Steven’s Group for over 50 years. He was a well known and respected Oldtime, country and bluegrass musician. As a member of the Downeasters (one of the all-time top Maritime country acts of that era), he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame in Liverpool, NS. He played with many well known musicians that originated from south of the border (Mac Wiseman, Josh Graves and Kenny Baker to name just a few). He played with numerous Bluegrass bands over the years, including Vic Mullen and Meadowgreen, Newgrass Express, Birch Mountain Bluegrass Band and The Boutilier Brothers, playing festivals in all of the Maritime Provinces, Ontario and the Eastern United States. He received 4 consecutive Bass Player of the year awards from the Downeast Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Society. In the middle of many gatherings Wendell would often be found “spinning a yarn”, telling stories and making people laugh. The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff for the compassionate care shown towards Wendell. A visitation will be held at the West Gore Church of Christ (Disciples), (Google Maps Address: 1000 Hwy NS-202, West Gore), on Thursday June 18th from 7 - 9 p.m. The family also welcomes you to a graveside committal service to be held the following day 2pm Friday June 19th at the same location, with Rev. Angus MacDonald officiating. Family flowers only, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The West Gore Church of Christ (Disciples). Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Wendell may be shared with the family at: ettingerfuneralhome.com