Harry Simpson, a local dentist and long-time supporter of the Boys and Girls Club, was recognized Tuesday night in a ceremony as the club’s Hayes facility has been named in his honor. Shown, from left, are Gloucester club president Sherwood Bowditch, Simpson, and Delegate Glenn Oder (R-Newport News), who presented Simpson with a resolution passed by the General Assembly in tribute to his service to the club and to his profession. Photo by Bill Nachman.

The building that houses the local club at Hayes Shopping Center, with a portion of the building for rent to other organizations, will now be known as the Harry D. Simpson Jr. D.D.S. Youth Center.

Simpson, who resides at Ware Neck, has served on the club’s regional board for 43 years and helped start the Gloucester club in 2002.

More than 60 people, including family, friends and club officials, gathered for the recognition ceremony for Simpson at the Gloucester club Tuesday night. Among the tributes paid Simpson was that of Steve Kast, president and chief executive officer of the regional club, who read a list of comments he had heard about Simpson ranging from humorous ones like "good eater" to the more serious "an absolute treasure."

Kast thanked Simpson for his dedication to the club, which began when Simpson was a youth participating in club activities. Simpson won the "Outstanding Boys Award" at the first Peninsula club in Newport News on numerous occasions, back before girls were allowed to join.

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