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Allan George Sampson
11/18/1916 — 05/18/2005
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Missoula, Montana
Allan George Sampson
Allan G. Sampson, age 88, of Richland, died suddenly on May 18, 2005 at Kadlec Hospital.
He was born in Missoula, Montana on Nov. 18, 1916 to Emma and John Sampson.
He graduated from college in San Francisco. While at college he took his first flying lessons, following that passion for the rest of his life. He then worked for Boeing during WWII. While in Seattle he met his future wife, Margaret. Margaret and Al were married for over 59 years.
In 1948 Al and Margaret moved to Richland and put down roots when Al was hired by GE, the first of many contractors. They enjoyed their home and lives here.
Although Al was a mechanical engineer, his true loves were his family, his dear friends, flying and his dogs. His engineering background and love of flight came together when he built an open cockpit plane from scratch. He worked on it for 12 years before taking flight and enjoying several more years in the air.
In 1978 Al retired and then he and Margaret began going to Palm Springs for the winter months. There he became an avid golfer while enjoying the warmer winters and extended family. They also enjoyed adventures including two trips to Europe, cruises through the Panama Canal and the inside passage of Alaska and most recently a trip to Niagara Falls. At retirement he joined CBRC, working out three times a week.
Al had an infectious laugh and a twinkle in his bright blue eyes that was there during the good times and the hardships. His giving and kind spirit will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Al is survived by his wife, Margaret; daughters, Marriem David Bradford of Parker Colorado, Allene of Seattle and Karen Dave Neumayer of Richland; grandchildren Emily, Alex and Nick. A large extended family mourns his loss.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Civil Air Patrol, Richland, WA. At Als request there will be no service.
I remember Al taking me down into his basement and showing me boxes of parts that he had found in Seattle at Boeing Surplus. They had names that were unfamiliar to me and functions that were well beyond my vision and mechanical skills. He explained that he was going to build an airplane. At the time, Al was taking classes at CBC to “bone up” his welding skills in order to assemble his dream plane. Several years later, my mom sent me a picture out of the Tri-City Herald of Al flying his plane. I have never forgotten the lesson Al gave me about real passion, persistance, and true craftsmanship. The lesson was not lost on me. My son is finishing his welding certifications, and is then on to engineering school. He too seems to have the passion to build his dreams. Thanks Al, you were a good man.
Al:
Thank you for being such a good neighbor in Richland.
Thirty years ago you entrusted me with caring for your lawn/plants while you and your family went on vacation. That was one of my first real lawn “jobs” as a kid…and I’ve never forgotten the admiration you gave me for a “job well done” on your return. You didn’t have to do that! But, your positive reaction was affirming to an impressionable, fatherless young man during the formative years.
I also remember your limp..aftereffects of a serious accident; and the mangled remnants of the scooter. You and Margaret survived and had a great life together.
I was your daughter, Karen’s, classmate. She represented you and Margaret well. I am sure she is hurting and I feel that pain.
I have been a full-time firefighter/paramedic for the past 22 years; and am also a pharmacist.
Thanks, Al for being part of my life.
Kevin Ryan.
I remember Al taking me down into his basement and showing me boxes of parts that he had found in Seattle at Boeing Surplus. They had names that were unfamiliar to me and functions that were well beyond my vision and mechanical skills. He explained that he was going to build an airplane. At the time, Al was taking classes at CBC to “bone up” his welding skills in order to assemble his dream plane. Several years later, my mom sent me a picture out of the Tri-City Herald of Al flying his plane. I have never forgotten the lesson Al gave me about real passion, persistance, and true craftsmanship. The lesson was not lost on me. My son is finishing his welding certifications, and is then on to engineering school. He too seems to have the passion to build his dreams. Thanks Al, you were a good man.
Al:
Thank you for being such a good neighbor in Richland.
Thirty years ago you entrusted me with caring for your lawn/plants while you and your family went on vacation. That was one of my first real lawn “jobs” as a kid…and I’ve never forgotten the admiration you gave me for a “job well done” on your return. You didn’t have to do that! But, your positive reaction was affirming to an impressionable, fatherless young man during the formative years.
I also remember your limp..aftereffects of a serious accident; and the mangled remnants of the scooter. You and Margaret survived and had a great life together.
I was your daughter, Karen’s, classmate. She represented you and Margaret well. I am sure she is hurting and I feel that pain.
I have been a full-time firefighter/paramedic for the past 22 years; and am also a pharmacist.
Thanks, Al for being part of my life.
Kevin Ryan.
I’m thinking of you Margart. I’m so glad that you have your daughters and their Families to share the grief with you. I will write you a letter soon, so we can keep in touch. Take care. With my deepest sympathy.
Love Aggie
Al you have been a great partner in aviation especialy the Piper Clipper PA-16, N5927H.
Our days in the Civil Air Patrol were all great memories.All of my exsperiances with you have been great and I will miss you now but will see you later.
Eddie
I will never have a more sincere freind that Al. My sympathy goes out to Margaret and all of the family.
Sincerely, Jack Wood
Guestbook for
Allan George Sampson