Dr. Samantha Jane Lamont

Dr. Samantha Jane Lamont, a friend, a force of nature, beloved physician, artist, advocate, big sister, daughter, aunt and loving wife, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly on December 14th, 2025, just four days after her 61st birthday, holding hands with her beloved husband, Joe.

Born on December 10th, 1964, in Burnley, Lancashire, England, Sam proudly called Burnley her hometown. She was the first of three children and, from an early age, displayed remarkable strength, independence, and resolve. Treated like a son by her father and a best friend to her mother, she helped raise her two younger siblings. These formative years shaped her resilience, confidence, and unshakeable sense of purpose. As one of the earliest members of Generation X, Sam embodied independence and foresight and became a lifelong proponent of women’s equality, particularly in healthcare and within the medical profession.

Before entering nursing and medicine, Sam applied her boundless energy and creativity across a wide range of pursuits. She led aerobics classes at Holiday Fitness, worked at Bagel Bagel and Sears, and served as an interior design consultant at Home Depot. Inspired by her mother, a nurse, and challenged by her father to push beyond perceived limits, she earned her Registered Nursing degree from Algonquin College. Her career took her across disciplines and continents. She spent several years caring for neonates in the NICU at King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, worked as a pharmacy representative, and flew patients on life-flight helicopters—experiences that deepened her clinical skill and compassion.

Never content to stand still, Sam returned to school in her mid-thirties, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing, graduating with the highest distinction possible, Summa Cum Laude, before completing medical school at McMaster University in the family medicine stream. After completing her residency with a family health team in Kitchener she joined the hospitalist team at Guelph General Hospital, where they later won an award for excellence. She later specialized in addiction medicine, a field to which she devoted 15 tireless years.

Sam’s approach to medicine was wholly sui generis—singular, deeply human, and entirely her own. From her service on the hospital floor to her private practice as an addiction medicine specialist, everything she did was service to the public. She combined brilliance with warmth, humour, and a bedside manner rarely seen in the profession. Larger than life and a relentless competitor, she advocated fiercely for patients and mentored younger physicians, particularly women, championing fairness, equality, and excellence. She had a profound impact on everyone she treated or came into contact with, Dr. Sam was adored by her patients both in hospital and especially in her private practice.

Sam was a currently elected member of the Ontario Medical Association, where she worked passionately to improve healthcare for all Ontarians and to advocate for better working conditions and respect for medical doctors. Beyond medicine, Sam lived vibrantly and creatively. She loved art, fashion, diamonds, interior design, and completing meticulous home renovations. A lifelong learner, she delighted in history, travel, music, and British programming—especially Coronation Street, which reflected her Lancashire roots and working-class beginnings. Sam believed in physical fitness and taking care of herself, she participated in many half-marathons, charity runs kept a rigorous fitness routine with a personal trainer whom she loved dearly. She was hard to keep up with in a gym among other places. She adored her cats, supported the Humane Society through donations and advocacy, and looked forward to rescuing a dog in the future.

She is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Joe Kampf; her mother, Anita Tierney (nee Young); stepfather Kevin; siblings Sarah Nelthorpe (husband Clayton) and Simon Nelthorpe (wife Lyn); nieces Autumn and Evelyn; nephews Liam, Connor, and Trey; her husband’s parents, Arthur and Iris Kampf; sister-in-law Lisa Kampf (husband Grant); and her best friend Joanne, along with her clinic manager and cherished confidante, Lindsay.

Sam was a true force of nature—a brilliant physician, tireless advocate, and devoted supporter of art, animals, and learning. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched.

Arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon St., Guelph, where a Visitation will be held on Saturday January 3, 2026, from 2:00-4:00pm and from 7:00-9:00pm. An additional Visitation will take place on Sunday January 4, 2026, from 1:00-2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow on Sunday January 4, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the same location, with a live stream available at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/118624. Reception to follow.

In Sam's memory, donations to Silverlinings Medical Centre would be appreciated by the family.