Obituary of Arthur Joseph Sampson

Sampson, Arthur Joseph, 76, Louisdale, passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2012, in the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born on November 27th, 1935 in Louisdale, he was the eldest son of the late Elias and Rosette Sampson. Arthur was employed in the construction industry most of his working life as an iron worker and welder. An avid outdoors man, he enjoyed all types of recreational fishing and hunting. Arthur was a sports enthusiast and athlete in his early years. He played hockey and baseball and later coached and officiated. He was actively involved in both minor and adult sports associations in Richmond County and was acknowledged for his participation and support of youth sports in the area during the 1970's. He refereed hockey and umpired baseball for many years in Richmond County and throughout Nova Scotia. He was Umpire and Chief for the Nova Scotia Baseball Association in the 80"s and 90"s and officiated in several Canada Games competitions. After receiving a successful kidney transplant in 1990, he became an passionate supporter of the Kidney Foundation of Canada - an organization which he attributed his many years of good health. Arthur is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lorraine, daughter, Debbie (Larry Samson), Edmonton, Alberta, sons, Dan (Heather), Halifax and Robert (Traci), Toronto, sister, Emily (Brain) Stockall, Halifax, brothers, Bobby (Mary Agnes) and Howard (Vivian), both of Louisdale. "Papa" is also survived by his six grandsons, Neil (Tara), Trevor (Melanie), Alfred (Courtney), Scott, Ryan and Reid and three great grand children, Avery, Aiden and Kensi. Arthur's family would like to thank the staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital ICU and Palliative Care Unit for their care and compassion. A sincere thank you to Francis, Joyce and Lynette Sampson of Sydney River for their kindness to our family throughout dad's hospital stay in Sydney. Visitation will be held in the Glen Sampson Room of Saint Louis Catholic Church in Louisdale from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 9 pm on Monday April 2nd. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Tuesday April 3rd at 11 am in Saint Louis Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the church hall. If desired, memorial donations may be made in Arthur's memory to the Kidney Foundation of Canada (Atlantic Division). Funeral arrangements under the direction of C H Boudreau Funeral Home, Arichat NS. On Line condolences may be made by visiting www.chboudreau.com