Dick Sampson, 91

Richard “Dick” William Sampson, after a valiant battle with pneumonia, succumbed on January 2nd, 2013. He was born in Ironwood, MI, June 15, 1921 the son of James and Frances (Hudy) Sampson.

He attended Gogebic Community College and Michigan Tech to study Electrical Engineering before joining the Army Air Corps in 1941, where he was stationed in Italy with the 15th Air Force, 463rd Bomb Group. Dick served as Captain and received two bronze medals for his innovative ability and devoted crew, before his retirement as a Major. At Michigan Tech, after WWII, he received a Mechanical Engineering degree and went to work for 40 years with Michigan Gas and Electric Company, which later became part of American Electric Power Company. Dick served as President of Michigan Power Company in Three Rivers as well.

Dick was active in his parish helping select property for the present Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He served on the board at Glen Oaks Community College and was past President of the Chamber of Commerce in Three Rivers. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and a mission advocate for CFCA. Dick was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and conservative ideals.

Dick built his own home on Fisher Lake, which was enjoyed by his kids, grandchildren, and many friends every summer. Dick was both elated and aggravated during his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and extracurricular activities. His love for sports built the passion in which he shared with many of his children and grandchildren, The Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, and White Sox. Many Sundays were spent watching, listening, cheering, and grumbling with them. After retirement, he enjoyed being a “snowbird” at Orange Beach, AL with many new friends and a new parish of St. Thomas by the Sea. He loved God, his family, and his country.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Margaret D’Amour ; brother, Raymond; daughter, Marianne Gleason , daughter-in-law Rebecca Weidenbeck Sampson; son-in-law, Scott Goldstein.

Dick leaves to cherish his memory – his wife of 64 years, Joan (Donnelly) Sampson; brother, Robert of Kennett Square, PA; brother- in- law, John Donnelly (Ann Nee). Dick’s main concern and joy in life was his children; Emily Engel, Maureen (Bill) Fosdick, of Williamsburg, MI, Kateri (Tim) Klein, of Frankfort, MI, Jim (Susan O’Brien), of Tampa, FL, Bernadette (Tim) Simon, of Eagle Vail, CO, Tony (Kathy Griffin), of Three Rivers, MI, Mike (Yvonne Little), of Dimondale, MI, Ric Jr. (Stephanie Foster), of Three Rivers, Mary Jo Goldstein , of Ann Arbor, MI, and Danny (Aaron Snyder), of Kalamazoo, MI. He has 37 wonderful grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and special friends Anna (Steve) Harden of Fisher Lake and Dan Penn, of Kalamazoo, MI.

The family will receive friends from 6-8p.m. at the Hohner Funeral Home on Thursday, January 10, 2013 with a rosary service at 7:00p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11:00a.m., January 11, 2013 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church; 637 S. Douglas; Three Rivers, MI 49093 with Fr. Robert Johsansen as celebrant.

A private interment will be held at South Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations to keep Dick’s spirit alive may be directed to Foundation for Children and the Aged (CFCA), EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network), or Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo. Envelopes available at Hohner Funeral Home; P.O. Box 1018; 1004 Arnold St; Three Rivers, MI 49093.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hohnerfh.com