Franklyn G. ‘Sam’ Sampson, 75

Franklyn G. Sampson

WATERFORD — Franklyn G. (Sam) Sampson, 75, passed away quietly at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013.

Born in Harrison on Jan. 10, 1937, Sam 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, Fla. in 1956 and they were married there on Nov. 30, 1957. After the Navy, they spent 19 years in Las Vegas, Nev., where Sam worked 17 years as a slot floor manager at Caesar’s Palace.

In 1993, Sam and Helen moved back to Maine, settling on Temple Hill in Waterford.

Because of his naval career, Sam 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 United States, Sam’s heart was always in Maine. The last 20 years were spent here where he and Helen enjoyed being part of the community through serving as deacons at the United Parish Church of Harrison and North Bridgton, and playing in the Harrison Bocci League. Sam 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 of us 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 Helen. All of us that knew and loved Sam, can say with one voice, “Thanks for the memories!”

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Helen; daughter Barbara (Sampson) Peterson; sons Franklyn Sampson and Roy Sampson; sister, Barbara (Sampson) Matolay; and two grandchildren.

Sam 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. Arrangements under the care of Oxford Hills and Weston Funeral Services, 1037 Main Street, Oxford. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com