Clifford B. Sampson passed away on June 21, 2014 at Rosetta Assisted Living due to complications from Alzheimer’s. Cliff was born at home in Helena, MT on April 13, 1929 to Edgar C. Sampson and Marian E. Hanzel. He attended Helena schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1947. Early on he was an Instrument Repair Specialist for the Montana National Guard. He retired from U.S. West in 1994. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge.
Cliff and Jinx were members of the First Presbyterian Church and involved in the church Mariner’s group.
Cliff was married to Regina “Jinx” Bahls on August 27, 1949, and they shared over 64 wonderful years together. They raised four children, Steven, Valerie, James and Janice.
Cliff was an avid bowler doing his best to keep the team spirit up and the handicap down. He loved to play cards but you always had to play by his house rules which could change weekly.
Cliff also loved to entertain friends and family and excelled at being the host of any party. He always had an open door and extra place at the table for anyone who dropped by. Everyone enjoyed his many jokes and antics. He also made the best spaghetti!
He was very devoted to his family. There was never a holiday, birthday or anniversary that wasn’t celebrated “Cliff” style. Love, hugs, laughs, food & fun!
Cliff was preceded in death by his mother, father and a brother. He is survived by his wife, Jinx, his son, Steve and wife, Jackie of Helena, MT; daughter, Valerie Coke of Lubbock, TX; son, Jim and wife, Sue, of Phoenix, AZ; and daughter, Jan Orsello and husband, Bill, of Helena, MT. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Troy Sampson and wife, Jennifer, of Helena, MT, Trent Sampson and wife, Cindy, of Laurel, MT, David Sampson of Phoenix, AZ, Ashley McGilvray and husband, Kirk, of Longmont, CO, and Sam Orsello of Helena, MT, and great grandchildren, Cassie, Cooper, Ben and Alex.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Batey, Rosetta Assisted Living and St. Peter’s Hospice for Cliff’s exceptional care, their kindness and thoughtfulness.
A graveside memorial service celebrating Cliff’s life will be held on August 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Donations in Cliff’s honor may be made to Angel Fund, P.O. Box 7436, Helena, MT 59604, St. Peter’s Alzheimer’s Fund c/o St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or to the charity of your choice.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Jinx and the entire Sampson Family,
We were sorry to learn of Cliff’s passing. We always appreciated his great sense of humor and warm friendliness, especially when we’d come to visit and bring Communion. You are lost a real treasure. Please know we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. You are in our prayers.
Bonnie LaFountaine says
It was a pleasure to care for Cliff. He made us smile and made us laugh. A gentleman always. He will be missed.
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Jinx and family,
How special Cliff was to so many of us and we send you our loving sympathy . God bless and comfort you and may your many memories bring a smile even through the tears. God’s promise of eternal life is such a blessing for all of us and we know we’ll be reunited again someday where there is no more sadness or pain and we’ll be with those we loved who have gone on before.
Blessings and love,
Val and Bob
Laurie(Johnson) Riley says
I was so thankful that my sister called to tell me about Cliff. I remember all those times that I watched the children. In fact, one of our sons is named Steve after one of your sons! I loved my years caring for the Sampson children and enjoying time with Cliff’s parents. We seldom make it to Helena now but our thoughts will be with you as you lay Cliff to rest and I will always cherish the time I spent with the Sampson family as babysitter and friend! God bless you. Laurie
Robert and Radie Fatzinger says
Only knew clif for ten years but he made you feel like he had known you for ever. I think he loved everybody. We would drive out of our way just to say hi to cliff and jink theywere always a blessing to our family. You will be missed cliff. Jink if you need somebody to drive that red corvette I volunteer my services ha. You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Frank Jurich says
Cliff and I worked together at US West for about the last 5 years before we both retired. He was my dispatcher and time keeper while I covered many of the telephone co. small offices from Glacier Park clear to Colstrip as a trouble shooter for power plant equipment. He was a wonderful man to work with and I really enjoyed talking with him. You are in our prayers.
Frank and Darlene Jurich