Franklyn G. Sampson

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Franklyn G. Sampson

WATERFORD — Beloved husband, father, brother and friend, Franklyn G. (Sam) Sampson passed away quietly at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, February 5, 2013.

Born in Harrison on January 10, 1937, he grew up in South Paris, then Brunswick, graduating from high school there in 1954. He joined the U.S. Navy soon after and spent 20 years serving our country. He met his best friend Helen (Wheeler) Sampson in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1956 and they were married there on November 30, 1957. After the Navy they spent 19 years in Las Vegas, NV, where he spent 17 years as a slot floor manager at Caesar’s Palace. In 1993 they moved back to Maine, settling on Temple Hill in Waterford.

Because of his Naval career, Mr. Sampson and his family lived in California, Alaska, Maine, Iceland, Maryland, and Hawaii. He often played the drums in bands to help the family’s income, making many memories and friends along the way. Though he traveled all around the world and the US, his heart was always in Maine. The last 20 years were spent here where he and his wife enjoyed being part of the community through serving as deacons at the United Parish Church of Harrison and N. Bridgton, and playing in the Harrison Bocci League. He worked at The Market Basket in Harrison for 12 years, and was a member of the American Legion.

In between all of those dates and facts was a life lived by a man who endeared himself to those who knew him by his ever optimistic outlook, unpredictably crazy sense of humor, great love of the state of Maine, the Patriots, his garden and undying devotion to his wife. All who knew and loved him, can say with one voice, “Thanks for the memories!”

Mr. Sampson is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen; daughter, Barbara (Sampson) Peterson and husband Tee; two sons, Franklyn Sampson and Roy Sampson and his wife Jodie; sister, Barbara (Sampson) Matolay and grandchildren, Elizabeth Simeon and Emily Peterson. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Barbara Sampson; brother, Kenneth Sampson and sister, Mary Jane (Sampson) Matolay.

There will be no services at this time. A memorial service will be held in the spring, time and date to be announced at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main St., Oxford. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.