Gordon Joseph Sampson

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Gordon Joseph (Sam) Sampson, announce his passing on Friday, September 7, 2018. He died peacefully in the QE11 Halifax Infirmary in the presence of his loving family after a courageous battle with a brief illness. He’s now dancing in Heaven with his wife of 62 years, Mary Jane (Maillet) of Cheticamp. Gordon was born in Halifax, November 23, 1925, to parents Lawrence and Lucy (Harris) Sampson. He is survived by children, Bob (Janie), Doug (Barb) Martin (Fran), and Janet (Glenn). Papa also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Craig (Marilisa), Kirk (Jessie), Karen, Jill (Andrew), Carrie (John Hugh), Rhea (Paul), Scott (Kim), and Erica. He was thrilled to get to know 6 beautiful great grandchildren, Brianna, Julia, Jessica, Mackenzie, Rory, and Andie. Gordon is also survived by sister, Doris and brother, Raymond, and Mary Jane’s siblings, Rita Forrest and Louis Joseph Maillet. They held a very special place in his heart, as did his many special nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by dear siblings, Evelyn, Vincent, Lillian, Marie and Isabel, special family friend, Joan Covey, and beautiful wife, Mary Jane, in 2010. Dad grew up on Bishop Street in Halifax and loved to share memories of those early days. Those that knew him know how sharp his memory was, and he was a wealth of knowledge. We cherish his educating us through his stories. He met his life long childhood friend Gordon Roche at a very young age, and they remained best friends for life. How fitting that Dad’s last phone conversation was with him. Having known Mary Jane from family trips to Cheticamp while growing up, Dad reconnected with her when she moved to Halifax in the mid 1940’s. He wooed her from the Sisters of Service, and they were married June 22, 1948. In the early 1960’s, Mom and Dad moved from Memorial Drive to Rockingham, where they settled and raised their young family. Both Mom and Dad became very active in their community, most importantly with Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Parish. Gordon was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Rockingham Council # 5449. He held (past) ranks of Grand Knight, District Deputy, and life long member status. He was a proud member of the 4th Degree Honour Guard. In 2013 Gordon fulfilled a decades long ‘bucket list’ wish, and visited the Knights of Columbus museum and world headquarters in New Haven, Connecticut. During these early years in Rockingham Gordon was involved with the local youth and was instrumental in the creation of the Rockingham Drop In Centre in the late 1960’s. He loved this community deeply and instilled that sense of community in his children. His early career started with Underwood Typewriters in the 1940’s, and ended with retirement from his own business, Metro Victor (1984) Ltd in 1990. He enjoyed almost 3 decades of retirement. As a young man, Dad played in local bands (accordion) , and developed a love of music. He and our Mom were the biggest fans of their children’s musical talents and supported them in all their musical endeavors. True Acadians, they loved anything Celtic, and followed the local Nova Scotia Folk and Celtic music scene. Dad was a friend to many local musicians, and they to him. He was a proud volunteer for the past 4 years at the Halifax Celtic Festival, tapping his toes all weekend. He was an avid golfer and in his retirement years made many happy memories on the course. For the past 14 years, Dad looked forward to the Annual Sampson Invitational Tournament - a weekend each June with family and friends with him as patriarch of the weekend. These boys will miss him. In addition to his K of C work, Gordon volunteered with Mary Jane for Meals On Wheels, Hope Cottage, Phoenix House, APSEA, Veritas Catholic Bookstore, UBAC, Adsum House, Habitat For Humanity, St. Vincent DePaul Society and numerous Church councils and ministries including Minister of the Eucharist. Our family would like to thank all those involved in Dad’s care over the past few weeks. We cannot express in words our appreciation for the kindness and level of care shown to our father, from all staff in the emergency room, IMCU, 4.1 and 4.2. Thank you. Visitation will be held in the Saint Joseph Room of Saint Benedict Church, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Clayton Park, Halifax, Tuesday, September 11, 2018, from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. Funeral is Wednesday, Sept 12, 2018, at Saint Benedict Church at 10:30 am. Reception to celebrate his life will be held in the church hall following the funeral mass. Family flowers only please. For those wishing, donations in Dad’s name to Hope Cottage, 2435 Brunswick Street Halifax, B3K 2Z4 would be appreciated. https://www.hopecottage.ca/donate/ . He’d be proud.