Obituary of Vernon John Sampson

SAMPSON, John "Vernon"- 66, of Louisdale. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vernon, loving husband, father and grandfather, on May 2, 2009, in the Strait Richmond Hospital, Evanston, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Godfrey and Cecilia (Boudreau) Samson and stepson of the late Melvin Samson. Left to remember him with fond and loving memories are his wife of 44 years, Eda (Arsenault); son, Greg (Roseanne) of Burlington, Ont., their children Nicholas and Sarah; daughter, Lisa (Rodney DeWolf) of Petit De Grat, their children Eric and Selena; daughter, Nicole (Allan Geddes) of Hammonds Plains, their children Joshua and Katelyn; and very special son, Dean, living at home. Also surviving is sister, Eileen Morgan of Whiteside, and brothers, Gary of North Battleford, Sask., and Blair of Fort McMurray, Alta.; and many special aunts and uncles who were more like brothers and sisters. He will be greatly missed by many cousins, friends and former co-workers. Vernon took a welding course in 1961 then worked in construction with several companies including Nova Scotia Forest Industries and AECL. He was a member of the United Association of Plumbers & Steamfitters, Local 682. After the closure of AECL, he returned to school in 1986 at the age of 44 to obtain his Engineering Technology papers in welding. He attended the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) - Truro Campus, and obtained his "Community College Education Diploma Program, Faculty" Certificate in July of 2005, at the age of 63! During his studies and after completion of his Diploma, he worked as a Welding Instructor at the NSCC (Strait Area Campus) for seven years, which he considered his greatest professional achievement. He was proud to pass on his wealth of knowledge to his students. He received many accolades from the NSCC administration as an exceptional educator and mentor. He was a hardworking man of strong faith who instilled good values in his family. He was an active member in his community having volunteered in a number of organizations throughout his life. Vernon enjoyed participating in many recreational activities with his family and friends. He loved gardening, fishing, berry picking, clam digging and family card games. He was also an avid sports fan. Visitation will occur today from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. in the Glen Sampson Room at St. Louis Parish in Louisdale, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to Celebrate the Life of Vernon on Tuesday, May 5 at 11 a.m. in St. Louis Parish, Louisdale, Rev. Angus MacDougal officating, burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Strait Richmond Palliative Society or St. Louis Parish Church. Many thanks go out to family, friends and the caring doctors and nursing staff at Saint Martha's Hospital in Antigonish and the Strait Richmond Hospital in Evanston who helped us through this very difficult time. To light a candle or to send on-line condolences in memory of Vernon, visit www.chboudreau.com