Ross Simpson Obituary

Where do you begin when recalling what Ross Simpson meant to all who worked with him. I had the pleasure of working alongside Ross at the Associated Press Radio Network in Washington for a number of years. But when Ross started regaling me with story after story of his illustrious career in journalism, our encounter seemed to span decades rather than just years. His was a consummate professional, with a booming voice to command your attention on the radio (when that medium was still in full play). But his stories about his many ventures in broadcast journalism left many of us in amazement. The best one I can recall was when Ross gained access to the hospital where President Reagan was shot in 1981. He quickly bonded with a staff doctor who'd been in the operating room and was privy to Reagan's delicate condition. Over the course of a few hours, Ross provided updates (by phone) about Reagan's condition, sending the Secret Service into a tailspin. They quickly started looking for Ross, without much success at first, because he kept moving around to keep them guessing. Finally, he was found and was told he'd be leaving the hospital. Ross said "I know where the door is," to which the Secret Service replied, "No, we'll escort you out!" Once outside, Ross briefed all the major networks on the president's condition, securing his "Ten Minutes of Fame" for posterity.
Later, Ross would embed himself for the A-P in Operation Desert Storm, when U.S. forces crossed from Kuwait into Iraq in the push to topple Saddam Hussein. I don't know anyone in the business who did what Ross Simpson accomplished over the years. We were all made better by his example, no small feat in a business full of over-inflated egos.
Rest in peace, my friend, because you were truly one of the best.

Bryant Thomas
Rochester, NH