Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Wallace Sampson Obituary
Mar. 29, 1930 - May 25, 2015
Los Altos, CA
Dr. Wallace Ira Sampson, 85, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2015 at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He leaves his wife of 59 years, Rita Sampson (nee Landry), brother Sandy, sons Robert, Paul (Suzanne), Buck (Kathryn), Dan (Dolores), and David, and grandchildren Peter, Rachel, Julia, Annie, Lorenzo, Lila, Rebecca, Maya, and Rylan.
Born and raised in Hollywood, CA, the son of David James and Bernice (nee Freilich) Sampson, he spent most of his life in Los Altos, CA. In later years he spent weekends at his residence in Aptos, CA.
He attended UCLA as an undergraduate, and received his MD from UC Berkeley and UCSF. He met his wife Rita while an intern at Minneapolis General Hospital, where she worked as a nurse. After completing military service in Germany, and a couple of Residencies in the US, they settled into the Los Altos home they would occupy for the next 53 years. He began his career at Sunnyvale Medical Clinic, later had a private practice adjacent to El Camino Hospital in Mt. View, CA, and retired as the Director of Oncology at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He was an early advocate for the right of terminally ill patients to die in the comfort of their own homes.
In retirement Dr. Sampson accepted a Professorship and taught courses at Stanford University, started a medical journal, wrote articles, and appeared in television, radio, and print interviews, advocating for scrutiny of unproven medical practices. In addition to the many patients whose lives were touched by his care as a physician, he also leaves a powerful legacy through his later work educating the public and journalists about evidence-based approaches to medical practice.
While raising their children Dr. Sampson loved the long adventures Rita would plan for the family, traveling for a month or more at a time in a small RV. In later years he and Rita traveled extensively, and every year or two the extended family would still vacation together. These large family gatherings were the highlight of his later years.
The family would like to thank the staff at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center for the wonderful care he received there, and for the valiant effort they made to extend his life.
No memorial service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to your local Humane Society or other animal welfare agency in Dr. Sampson's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wallace Sampson
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Sherri Gillespie
May 26, 2024
Dr. Sampson has given me every year of my life past my 35th year. I am now 80 years old but only because he successfully got me in remission from the deadly AML blood cancer. That's more than 45 years his gift of life allowing me time to find my life partner of 44 years and 3 grandchildren. Dr. Sampson was not only a wonderful doctor but a fine man. I knew I was in the best of hands through a very difficult treatment plan. I was in the hospital with one complication from chemo after another. Thanks to Dr Sampson we got through it together. He will always, so long as I live, be loved and respected for his gift of life to me and he has my family's and my gratitude and deep appreciation for every day of my life for 45 years. Rest In Peace Precious Doctor, Friend, and Man. Forever with love Sherri, Patient
Bobbie Jenke
September 12, 2019
I am so sorry to see this. You were truly a kind, caring human being and doctor. We need more like you in this world. You cared about the humanity and safety of health care for all patients in our country, and you were very astute and generous with your time and knowledge. Please know you are missed by many!! My condolences to your family.
Steven Walker
May 24, 2019
I am so grateful, Wally, that you live on in my memories. Rarely a day goes by without thoughts of you that bring a smile of gladness that such a person as you has graced my life. You truly helped me become a better person, a kinder person, a more thoughtful and caring person. Rita, my heart is with you always in compassion for your loss and enduring gratitude for your mentorship at One South. You and Wally had a deep influence on the development of my character and my ever growing determination to contribute goodness to the lives of others. I lost my wife of 32 years to ALS in 2003. She was one like Wally and you, so deserving of admiration, respect and affection. I've always been aware that what Wally and you gave to me has been so helpful in enduring my grief in gratitude. I send love and hope for peace to you, Rita, and your family. You were all blessed to have Wally close in your lives and alive in your hearts.
A Grateful Patient
Sherri Gillespie
May 20, 2018
My sincere and deepest condolences to Dr. Sampson's wife and family. I only just saw his obituary in 2018. Dr. Sampson saved my life in 1978 when he diagnosed me with A.M.Leukemia life expectancy 1 yr. Thanks to Dr. Sampson I am now 74 years old and a survivor of Acute Leukemia for 40 years. I have gone on to have 3 grandchildren and adopted my then partner's adult child after her Mother passed away in 2009. I have had a good life thanks to Dr. Sampson. I was also honored to speak at his classes. My recovery was very difficult unlike another of his patients and a friend Marilyn also diagnosed with AML who had unremarkable side effects during her treatment mostly as an outpatient and passed in 1 year. He once gave me an article titled " combative feisty women live longer with cancer". I read the article that described survivors as insecure with a take charge attitude. I teasingly told Dr. Sampson that the article was a backhanded compliment. He responded by cocking his head with that wonderful smile of his without further comment. I was hospitalized many times during and for 1.5 years after chemotherapy. After 3 years recovered I asked Dr. if I was ever going to be able to relax without worrying my cancer would return. He told me to look at my cuticles and as long as my nails were pink I was OK. Dr. also was kind enough to testify for me in my court case against my employer Watkins Johnson Co. for health discrimination that I subsequently won. Thanks to Dr.'s excellent care, support, and reassurance I have lived each and every day to its fullest. Thank You Dr. for the last 40 years you will be forever in my heart with love and appreciation. Dr. Sampson is a very special man and Doctor who made a difference for many of us. I will never forget his gift of life to me. Respectfully and Appreciatively Submitted by his patient Sherri Gillespie
Steven Walker
February 2, 2016
I just learned of the passing of this extraordinary person and physician/scientist. He had a powerful influence on my thinking in graduate school and my ability to be carefully discriminating in my professional life as a psychotherapist. He made the scientific method a living force in the intellectual and spiritual aspects of my life. His kindness and wisdom were so helpful to me when he guided me thru understanding, accepting and managing some medical problems I encountered in my 20's. Now at 72, my regard and affection for this dear man will endure to my final moment. My deepest condolences and love to Rita and all of your family.
Lizz Vilardo
June 9, 2015
Wally was a wonderful physician and friend we shared many patients at the Sunnyvale clinic. He taught me many things, he will be greatly missed.
K. S.
June 3, 2015
I learned so much from Dr. Sampson and his undying devotion to science-based medicine. Wishing peace to his family during this difficult time.
Bob Carroll
June 1, 2015
A great teacher and leader in the fight against misguided and dangerous medical practices.
May 31, 2015
A wonderful man and great doctor. May you rest in peace. My condolences to the Sampson family.
Yvonne Cowley Srem
Gerry Cummings
May 29, 2015
I worked for Dr. Sampson 1983 until 1994, and loved every minute of it. I gave the chemotherapy and cared for the patients. He was so sweet to his nurses and of course wonderful to his patients, He never hurried the patient and gave them the time they needed, and in return they trusted him and felt cared for. My sympathy to his lovely family
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Wallace Sampson's name
Memorial Events
for Wallace Sampson
How to support Wallace's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Wallace Sampson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
