Ward Simpson’s contributions to the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake span far beyond running one of its most popular pharmacies for over four decades.

His many contributions to fundraising and improving the town are all reasons why the founder of Simpson’s Pharmacy has been named this year’s Living Landmark. 

This is the Niagara Foundation’s 17th year hosting the Living Landmark Award, which recognizes community members who make outstanding contributions to the quality of life in Niagara.

Last week, the organization’s director Jane Dagg reached out to Ward via phone call to let him know about the incredible honour. 

“It was a total surprise. I was overwhelmed when I got the information,” Simpson told The Lake Report. He was at home with family when he got the call. 

Born and raised in Welland, Simpson graduated from the University of Toronto with a bachelor of science in pharmacy in 1972, opened Simpson’s Pharmacy in 1977 and moved to NOTL the following year.

“It’s one of the best places in the world to raise a family,” he said.

Since moving to NOTL, Simpson has sponsored multiple minor sports teams, was a member of the fundraising committee for the Meridian Credit Union Arena and community centre and has worked closely with Red Roof Retreat.

Simpson said Dagg told him that his community involvement for the last 40 years made him a prime candidate for the award.

Simpson said he is most proud of his efforts in fundraising to improve the town’s facilities.

“(The events) were fun to do and the community was strongly behind them,” he said.

He added that he is happy to have set an example for his children, Sean and Lisa, who have both become pharmacists. 

“I’m also proud to be succeeding Jim Alexander, the last recipient and a fellow Welland boy.”

This year’s Living Landmark Award dinner in celebration of Ward Simpson will be at the old courthouse on Queen Street on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased through Jane Dagg at jdagg.notl@gmail.com.