Mount Druitt Theartre Owner Dies at 98 - Mt Druitt-St Marys Standard

Here is a legend in his own right from the Mount Druitt-St Marys Standard. I have not met him but if I would he would have been a great bloke to meet:

West

Theatre owner Dick Simpson dies at the age of 98 on Friday

• Danielle Jarvis
• Mt Druitt-St Marys Standard
• September 03, 2014 1:40PM

Dick Simpson who owned and operated Mt Druitt’s first picture theatre with Jonnie Russell who was holding a tribute show for him.

The founder of Mt Druitt’s first cinema, George Henry “Dick” Simpson has died at the age of 98.

Mr Simpson (pictured) was born near Stanmore on December 15, 1915, and after he was stationed at the Mt Druitt RAAF base, Mr Simpson moved to Mt Druitt.

Dick Simpson with David Trist at the memorial of John 'Barney' Hines.

His passion for movies saw him establish and run the first cinema in the district in 1946.
Philip Weir, 73, met Mr Simpson after visiting his cinema in 1952 and remained good friends with Mr Simpson until his death on Friday.
“It’s sad to see him go,” Mr Weir said.
Mr Simpson was also one of the founding members of the Mt Druitt Historical Society and lobbied for Mt Druitt war hero, John “Barney” Hines, to have a memorial placed at Waterholes Remembrance Garden.

Dick Simpson pictured at his home in Mt Druitt.

 Dick Simpson leaning against his car at Mt Druitt Village Shopping Centre's first and last service station in the 1950s. Picture: Mt Druitt Historical Society.

Mr Simpson will be farewelled at Pinegrove Cemetary on Saturday.
The funeral will be held in the North Chapel at 10am.
All are welcome to pay their respects.