Richard D. Sampson
Jun 27, 1948 -
Aug 16, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Richard D. Sampson in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 73. With grace and great courage, he battled esophageal cancer and remained strong until his quiet passing the morning of Aug. 16, 2021.
Richard was born to Arlin Sampson and Eunice (Kindschuh) Sampson on June 27, 1948. As a youth, he spent his time reading rather than completing farm chores and carried this love of books with him throughout his life. A graduate of Lomira High School in 1966, Richard continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, graduating with a B.S. in geography in 1970, and then at the University of Kansas, earning a MFA in geography.
On May 20, 1978, he married Gloria Gail Wray of Uniontown, Kan. They settled in Clinton, Mo., for a short time before Richard accepted a job in Alaska, moving his family to Fairbanks in 1979, then Utqiagvik in 1983. He worked as a realty specialist for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Slope Borough Planning Department, traveling extensively throughout northern Alaska. He found joy visiting rural communities and met many wonderful people. In 1991, he moved to Anchorage and worked in financial planning as a portfolio manager.
Richard had a fondness for cooking, travel, books, family tree research, thrift shops, politics and philatelic stamp shows. He especially loved the family farm in Byron, Wis., and visited often to play Sheepshead with his buddies and relatives. He was an ardent student of world religions and is remembered best for his sense of humor, strong opinions, adventurous spirit and kind heart.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, G. Gail Sampson; three daughters, Bobbi Sampson, Blythe Blevins, Rebecca Sampson; and five grandchildren, Joshua, Molly, Ella, Arthur and Balin. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria J. Sampson; nephew, Brian Klinksiek; uncle, Donald Sampson; aunt, Joyce Kindschuh; sisters-in-law, Joyce Gobl and June Seaver; and niece, Jessica Doherty.
In remembrance of Richard, the family requests that any charitable donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the International Crane Foundation.
