Attending Oamaru’s Anzac services had been a bit of a tradition for Mrs Simpson and her family for the past 15 or so years.
It was a chance for Mrs Simpson, her five adult children, and a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come together as a family and pay their respects.
"We always come here ... we are regulars," she said.
But this year’s service carried a greater significance for the family.
Last year, the family’s patriarch, Mrs Simpson’s husband Struan, died, aged 96.
"He was a vet."
"He went away in 1945 ... war was still going when he left."
Mr Simpson was on a boat on his way to serve in the Pacific theatre when the war ended in September 1945, she said.
He then served in Japan, as part of J Force.
The couple started out as friends and were together for 70 years.
She said they had a large celebration with their friends and family when the platinum anniversary rolled around.
"He was a very beautiful man."
The two ran a farm in Tokarahi, east of Oamaru.
"We lost a lot of servicemen in that area."
The family tradition of remembrance was initiated by Mrs Simpson’s grandson, Allan Small.
"It’s a chance to get together.
"Granddad loved to have [the grandchildren] about."
Mr Simpson died just as the nation was coming out of its lockdown last year.
Mr Small said they were able to hold a funeral as the "very tough" funeral restrictions were lifted.
"He’s left a bit of a hole," Mr Small said.
But as they always have, the Simpson family attended the Anzac services, this time with a very special soldier on their minds.
