Al Samson

Born in Louisdale on August 8, 1938 to Nora (Poirier) and Felix F. Samson, Al left his village after completing Grade 11 at Stella Maris School in River Bourgeois. After losing his father in 1950, Al had to help support his widowed mother and siblings. He worked at the local Co-op and there he was mentored by Minnie Joyce whose motto became Al’s mantra: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. At the age 16, Al made his way to Ottawa where his Uncle Frank opened his arms and home to him.

Al was predeceased by his wife Eleanor, his parents Nora and Felix, his siblings Mary Rose, Irene and Paul. He is survived by his sister Jean Marie, his daughter Karen, his son Kevin, and his grandson, Shayne. He was also very close to his late cousin Felix Boudreau's two children Stephane and Micheline, their spouses and children.

In Ottawa, Al started at meagre jobs but his skills with numbers soon got the attention of his employers. His organizational and management dexterity also shone in his business dealings with personnel and staff. He soon became an accountant, mentor and negotiator for companies such as Permacon, Archivex, Iron Mountain, and Redirack, all of which benefited and rewarded him for his commitment and integrity. He could name co-workers from 50 years ago and had valued long-term friendships with former co-workers until his death.

Al started his work with the NHL in 1973. His initial involvement was solely for the chance at getting to see his beloved team play for free. From the start of delivering Coke to the team players, Al made his way to goal judge, penalty time keeper and Supervisor of Off Ice Officials. There too, Al showed his professionalism and his ability to arbitrate.

His greatest pleasure was to meet with a group of hockey fans and giving them a tour of the Forum and “Le Centre Bell”. Al sat and rubbed shoulders with the most famous players and officials of the NHL, who always and still referred to him as “Monsieur Samson”.

He loved everything “Acadian” and his involvement with La Federation Acadienne was high on his list of priorities. From driving forty-five minutes to deliver one Acadian flag, to sitting with fellow volunteers in kiosks selling Acadian paraphernalia, Al was present and representing his beloved Acadian culture.

He attended French and Acadian concerts and sat with amazing performers Angele Arsenault and Edith Butler, Viola Leger who was “La Sagouine”, and other French artists.

A great advocate for those who struggle with challenges, Al passionately supported the Louisdale Community Homes, the Regional Occupational Centre and the Ronald MacDonald House in Montreal.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation for the late Al Samson will be held at Collin Clarke MacGillvray White Funeral Home, Pointe Claire on July 4, from 3:00 – 6:00 pm, followed by a ceremony at 6 pm. Donations in Al’s memory can be made to Ronald MacDonald House, Montreal. Donations can also be made to the Al Samson Charitable Fund which was established by Al in the summer of 2021 in aid of a summer camp so all kids can get a chance to attend.

A Celebration of Life for Al and his brother Paul will be held in Nova Scotia on Tuesday, July 26 at 11:00 am, at St. Louis Church, Louisdale NS.

You, who wanted so little for yourself, will be remembered by so many. And no, we will not let them put a “p” in Samson. A bientot mon ami!