Roy A. "Sam" Sampson's Obituary
Mr. Roy A. “Sam” Sampson, age 80, passed away Thursday, November 25, 2004 at his home. He was born to Arthur and Alma (Iiro) Sampson on May 24, 1924 in the Finnish settlement of Toivola, MI, which means “Land of Hope”. He spoke only Finnish until entering first grade at a one-room schoolhouse at the age of 5 when he learned to speak English. Sam was a veteran of the U.S. Army 103rd Infantry Division and survived fighting on the frontline during WWII. He received his Bachelor’s of Science degree from Michigan Technological University and worked as an electrical engineer at Chrysler Corporation for over 30 years. On August 9, 1980, he married the former Lita P. (Scouten) Knowles in Muskegon and she survives him. Sam was a 4-H Leader, champion archer and bow hunter, cribbage champion, salmon fisherman, and an avid golfer. Following retirement, Sam and Lita traveled the country and visited all 50 states in the United States. He was a member of the Holiday Ramblers Trailer Club and the Good Sam Trailer Club. Sam was a former member of Crestwood United Methodist Church. SURVIVORS include his wife, Lita; 2 children, Barbara Sampson of Gilbert, AZ and David Arthur Sampson of Blacksburg, VA; 5 step-children, Lori (Randy) Smith of Roosevelt Park, Gaylord (Karen) Knowles of Norton Shores, Pamela Hendrickson of Mesa, AZ, Dawn (Steve) Sukis of Chandler, AZ, Paula (Tim) Harjer of Muskegon; 6 grandchildren, Gabriel Knowles, Nathan Knowles, April Hendrickson, Corine Smith, Autumn Harjer, Adam Sukis; 2 brothers, Robert (Mildred) Sampson of Duluth, MN, Sheldon (Charlene) Sampson of Houghton, MI; 1 sister, Joanne (Kerry) Eckinger of Gaylord, MI; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, William Chris Hendrickson. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, December 11, 2004 at the Sytsema Funeral Home, 737 Apple Avenue, (231) 726-5210, with Chaplain Jan Johnson officiating. Honorary Military Rites will be provided by the Muskegon County Council of Veterans. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, please consider donations to Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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