BERNARD SAMPSON

BERNARD SAMPSON, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the age of 90. Bernard was a dynamic man who loved his country and who had a passion for life. He was born January 21, 1922 in Houston and attended Texas A&M University and Oklahoma University. His studies were interrupted by World War II, where he served in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps and participated in the D-Day landing at Utah Beach in European Theater. Bernard also participated in the invasion of Okinawa in the Pacific Theater. For his service to his country, he received numerous medals including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Croix de Guerre. After serving his country, Bernard settled in Houston. He began a long and prosperous career as Chairman of the Board of Triumph Industries and then President of Architectural Woodwork creating a high quality custom interior woodwork for hotels, banks and other high-end businesses. The beautiful interior woodwork created by these companies exemplified Bernard's dedication to his profession. He also gave of his time and expertise to many charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes, the American Cancer Society, American Medical Center, Contemporary Art Museum, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Houston Humane Society. More recently, he was very proud of serving on the Board of the Houston Holocaust Museum. Bernard loved life, and his enthusiasm for having a good time was contagious. He enjoyed collecting art, cooking for friends and family, traveling and reading. After he retired, he continued to enjoy the arts, traveling, good food and spending time with his friends and family. Bernard will always be remembered for his dynamic, caring and generous nature. Bernard is survived by his children; Podi Constantiner, and Bernard William Sampson and wife Misuku, his grandchildren; Michael Constantiner and wife Laura, Douglas Constantiner and Suzuka Sampson, his sister; Rosarie Lemkin and her children, Bruce and Margaret. Bernard is also survived by the love of his life for the past 36 years, Rosalie Ravkind and her children; Ronny Ravkind and wife Celia, Lauren Ravkind and husband Morris Weiss and her grandchildren; Suzanne and Hailey Ravkind, Sara, Ariana and Alyssa Weiss. We will all miss him greatly, but his zest for life will never be forgotten. The family wants to express most sincere gratitude to Michael Dyer for his kindness and devoted friendship during the past few years. Thanks to the wonderful and caring staff at the Hampton with special thanks to the nurses and aides on the second floor, skilled nursing. Very special thanks to Margaret king for her exceptional care, as well as the people with Vantage Hospice. A graveside service is planned for 3:00PM on Monday, March 12, 2011 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 1037 N. Post Oak Lane, Houston, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the Houston Holocaust Museum, the National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.