Orwyn Sampson

In the winter of 1980-81 we participated in a series of wrestling matches with Athletes in Action and after a presentation of the Gospel during an intermission a fellow cadet asked Col O, "Why do believe in God?" I never forgot Col O's simple but profound answer, "Too much evidence not to." He was a mentor to me and many others, and God used him in drawing me to our Lord Jesus. He spent his life for others and Christ - well done good and faithful servant. I can still hear the loudspeaker announcing the bus is at the base of the ramp for Col Sampson's Bible Study. God's blessings on the Sampson family.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you strength and peace at this difficult time.

Joe Shirey '76
As a new, and reluctant President of USAFA FCA in 1975, I was immature in my faith, and certainly not qualified for any spiritual leadership. Major Sampson (at the time) was the Officer Rep, and he saved me! Along with his wife Diane, I could not have asked for more supportive mentors and friends. This relationship continued after graduation. O was a mentor and source of wisdom through out my career. When we visited during USAFA class reunions, he would pull out a file of memories related to me. It struck me that O was a student of cadets he had invested in. I thank God for O and Diane. What a great team, and model of Christian leadership for us all!

So thankful for the Blessing that O was in my life; so many great memories. From my cadet days, with his TFTDs (Thought For The Day), extra instruction for juggling (where one of his office items may have paid an unfortunate price!), and commissioning me at the chapel wall (including a small gift with the verse Micah 6:8, kept in my office throughout my career), where my family loved meeting him and getting "the inside scoop" about the juggling. To 2019, when O (and Diane!) made the trek to Wisconsin to promote me at a hometown ceremony when my parents were not able to travel to my base in CA; my mom noted that he still had the oath memorized! To 2024, when I and my childhood friend Jen stopped by to catch up with O and family - so grateful for that time together! His optimism, zest for life, and love for humanity had a lasting impression on all who met him, and his enduring influence on my life cannot be overstated. My family, even those who had met him only at my commissioning years ago, regularly asked about O. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him!

Being a Biology major and a member of the women´s gymnastics team, Col Sampson was one of my favorite and trusted leaders at USAFA. I will always be grateful to him for his confidential advice and Christian guidance when I was uncertain about my future at the Academy. He was a true mentor to me!

Rick Solana, `72
Coach Sampson was the finest coach in all the important ways. He not only pushed me hard to be the best gymnast I could, but he passed on ethical standards and a moral compass through how he treated each of us and how he conducted himself. My life was so blessed to have him in it. I hope I have passed on even a little of what he gave me to my children.

I've known O for 57 years, since my freshman year at the Academy while participating in FCA. A finer man and Christian example I do not know of. It was O who encouraged me to attend med school and when I was assigned back to USAFA he entrusted his lovely wife Diane to me for removal of a rare tumor under the eardrum. Over the decades we have had many breakfasts and life changing conversations. Losing him is like losing a second father. He will always have a very special place in my heart. Kent Murphy

I graduated in 91. There is only one instructor that I have vivid memories of - Gen Sampson. The crazy thing was that I only had him for one class (Physiology) as I was a math major. Reading his obituary brought back memories and brought my experience with him as my instructor back to life. May eternal rest be upon him!

As the OIC of the Faculty Climate Survey, I had the task of meeting annually with the Dean and each Permanent Professor to debrief the results. The one PP session that was always the most pleasurable for me was the debrief with O. Not only were his department scores outstanding but he was a most gracious gentleman. After that, he always greeted me in church like I was his best friend. Soar on, O!
Robert Ginnett

Don Clement, USAFA '74. I first met Dr. Sampson in the fall of '73 as my pre-med anatomy instructor. His individual didactic "one on one" get togethers were remarkably demanding and yet, quite rewarding - his style of instruction was with warm but firm guidance that was foundational and instilled a desire for learning that paid huge dividends later in medical school and further training. Here we are, over 50 years later, and I can still detail the origins and insertions of many of the muscles we studied!
I maintained close contact with Dr. Sampson throughout my AF career as an SG consultant and beyond, developing a lifelong friendship. I always looked forward to and treasured my annual consultant visits to the Academy Hospital coordinated with stopovers to visit him and students in his biology classes.
He is, without question, the best and most impactful professor I was privileged to know and learn from throughout my career. I have the utmost respect and admiration for him as a true gentleman and mentor - I will always cherish my many fond memories of him.
My heartfelt condolences to Diane and his entire extended family. His legacy will live on with each of us!

My wife, Susan, asking him at her promotion ceremony why he could not give her the lowest "B" rather than what he gave her-the highest "C" in human anatomy class. He called her in and told her she worked hard but he had to draw the line. A man of integrity!

O was always a gracious and intense competitor. During one of the biology departments´ more successful volleyball seasons, O did a back-flip on the court, which prompted Diane to remind O he had promised to stop doing back-flips (Just Do It!). O remains in my heart as a spiritual and inspirational mentor.

Chuck Kennedy `70
I am so fortunate to have had O as my coach in 1968 and as my lifelong friend and mentor. His faith in Christ was infectious and inspiring - a truly special man. His passing is a terrific loss for all of us. God bless and comfort you, Diane, through this most difficult of times.

Class of 74. My first gym class was with Capt Sampson. He was tall and skinny like me, but he pushed me to learn every gymnastic move. Got an A in the class. He remembered my name as we passed for the next four years... he was an inspiration at FCA.... Praise the Savior!

I graduated with the class of 82. I knew Col O from FCA and would see him around campus occasionally. I don't have as many memories or experiences as many others, but even now, when I got the news, I thought "we lost a legend, an example, a wonderful, loving, peaceful man'. I think that says it all about a life well lived that no matter whether we saw him weekly, or just a few times, he touched us all deeply, and none of us walked away from talking with him without being lifted up. Prayers to the entire family

Tom McKiernan 71
Dr Sampson helped me thru football with the Sugar Bowl falcons and premed With Pete
Carter and Vernon Chong I have had a 38 years as a cardiologist in Chicago. God Bless Dr Sampson

General Sampson was my academic advisor, professor and life coach through the 4 years I was at the Academy. He was a special person who just inspired you to be the best in what ever you pursued. When he first advised me about my goal of becoming a doctor, he wanted me to be realistic about my chances but not to give up. I think the one moment of teaching I remember most was him bringing his wife to anatomy class to discuss how to be a good married partner. I think the biggest smile I got from him was when I came back at my 10th reunion to tell him after flying 7 years I got into medical school. I am not sure if he thought I would make it and I told him neither did my wife. His anatomy class stuck with me in my first year in medical school allowing me to breeze through but his lessons on being a good man were what have made the most influence. Thanks General O.

A good friend and mentor. O epitomized integrity-I learned a lot from him and will cherish my memories of our time together.

The Hevenly Host are rejoicing on high; Orwyn Sanpson is in the House back at Home!!!

A great Christian man of God in action. The highlight of Ken , Dick , Bobby , and myself´s visit to the Academy in September was a visit to your home . Pam also went home with Jesus last week so I know your pain but also the joy that we are saved and will be reunited in glory forever. Coach Fred Goldsmith

"Sometimes a person brings a light so bright into the world that even after they are gone, the light still shines". Author unknown

O's light is shining brightly and will continue for generations to come.

For Diane, Colleen, Carolyn, and Susan...our hearts go out to yours. We feel so honored to have known O and every time Walt went out to breakfast with him, there was always someone who knew O. The deep philosophical discussions they had on science of all kinds, he was intrigued by the notion that one tiny cell could become a human being. He knew it to be God's handiwork. And we are so thankful for each of you being part of God's handiwork in Orwyn's life and our lives...you all are an inspiration.

Dear Diane, Susan, Carolyn and Colleen,

As sadness crept over us and our emotions surged, memories of "O´s" Joy-filled smile helped staunch our grief. He´s with his Lord just as he knew he would be and as he told us all he would be.

We recall a number of years ago when he was given a probable cancer diagnosis, that same joy and exemplary Faith prompted his enthusiastic call for a celebration at the ice cream parlor in anticipation of his being with Jesus.

We watched for years as he enthusiastically promoted First Pres including the First Pres North effort. We observed as he encouraged and supported all four of you, his girls, whenever there were challenges, whether health, household, or personal.

Just one of the ways he touched our family, two USAF sons and three grandsons, was through his superbly written explanation of the Commissioning Oath. Our son Tim referenced it specifically for his ROTC class commissioning.

He had similar impacts across USAF and in this City as well. As we have met new Colorado Springs people, the moment Air Force or First Pres was mentioned, they would ask, "Oh, do you know `O´ Sampson?" He was known and admired community-wide.

Each of you have our sincerest condolences. We know you will miss him very much. But his impact and exemplary Faith continue to touch our family, and many many others his life impacted so joyfully!

Love,

Phyllis & Jim Cox & Family

One of the things I remember was when "O" took a group of us to the AFA and showed us all around and we had lunch at the Officers Club.

I have two stories of Orwyn, my cousin, the inventor. He enjoyed the thrill of invention and discovery. He even had a `buisness card´: Orwyn Sampson, Inventor. I still have it somewhere. However, these stories also show his trait to help others become explorers and inventors and to gain recognition.

I first became aware of this when he, his brother Don and I were driving in Los Angeles somewhere, I now don´t recall exactly where or when. It could have been to a family gathering for me just before I left for college in 1962. We were talking about the smog we were driving thru and trying to think of ideas for how it could be reduced. I suggested each car on the road have an air filter in front that captured smog particles*. Don laughed but Orwyn thought it was a pretty good idea.

I never thought about it again but I should have known, Orwyn, the man of action, would `Just Do It´. I never knew what he had done until many years later. It was probably around 1970. He sent me copies of letters he sent in 1962 to a number of big auto manufacturers, Ford, Chrysler and Chevrolet. In the letters he said something like: "My cousin has a great idea for reducing smog that you could incorporate in your cars... please contact us." Orwyn never heard back from them but he saved the letters and wanted me to know my idea was a good one. He loved invention and discovery and also making people around him feel good.

The second encounter with inventor O was when I returned from the Peace Corps in 1968. I visited he and Diane on my return home to LA. He told me about the importance of keeping all your back muscles strong. Certain side muscles do not to get used as much but are important for maintaining good posture as we age.

He then showed me his invention in the garage that helped work these key muscles. It was a long device you step into, basically a long narrow tilt frame with a place for your feet and an army helmet for your head. Once you step into it, it can tilt and turn using a car like steering-wheel. It allowed you to turn, twist and tilt your body working all the muscles. The only drawback was that it took up a lot of space in the garage. So, he told me, for the benefit of my health, I could simply get down in a pushup position and do a sort of cartwheel action that worked all these muscles, sans device.

So, even as inventor, he demonstrated the tendency to be a `man of action´ and a supportive caring human being. I have his card and his memory and he will always be with me.

In loving memory,

Cousin Jimmy

*PS. The auto industry eventually came up with a similar but better idea for each car: the catalytic converter. It caught the particles right from the engine.

What a man; what a woman; what a family... I/ our family were late additions to the 'Colonel O Fan Club' joining in as tagalongs via my best friend Mack McCollum some 20 years after our graduation. (It's now like 40+...) Yes- you guessed it: The Sampson's IMMEDIATELY adopted us / took us in like we were forever family. Gosh we love these people. They are such fine examples of what Jesus meant with the second great commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'. I think The O Sampson family motto is to take that second command and sprinkle it like Starbucks does with chocolate sprinkles and whipped cream on any beverage... Wonderfully overboard!

Colonel O will be missed greatly here but he is a SUCH a value add to the heavenly host. And we will see you later Colonel O.

Shortly after our marriage in 1971 my husband, Harry, introduced me to "O"and Diane when we stayed at their house in Colorado Springs. We slept in the basement on a water bed which was popular in those days with every movement making us feel like we were on a raft in the ocean. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep that night. Another time "O" and Diane came to our house for dinner at the Air Force Academy and as we chatted on our back patio on a warm summer evening "O" somehow discovered that I had never learned to do a cartwheel in my 38 years of life and was determined to teach me how to do one. I was game and after a few preliminary donkey kicks and demonstraions by "O" I tried to do one. It was nothing to brag about, but "O" commended me for trying. I don't think, though, that I've ever done one since!!

I met O in the Fall of 1969 when I returned to the Academy to teach physical education and we were office mates. When I returned again in 1983, he and Diane came to our house for dinner one evening. He taught my wife, Nancy, how to do a cart wheel and also showed us fun gym moves we could do with our children. He was a thoughtful, innovative, and giving person. We all will miss him.

The consoling encouragement Maj O offered after I underwent extensive facial surgical repair from a car wreck in 1971 really helped me through a very tough time. A rare and special guy who had that je ne sais quoi.

O was my gymnastics coach, and what a wonderful Christian role model he was.
Mike Torreano

Gaela and I joined the Department in the Summer of 1970 and Orwyn was the first member of the faculty to welcome us. I served with "O" through the Spring of 1977 when I was reassigned to the School of Aerospace Medicine. Orwyn stuck with me during the 1975 crisis and court-martial of Major Wailly and the dismissal of Dr. Carter. It was a trying time, but Colonel Sampson showed true leadership keeping the life science staff together. Years later, Orwyn invited me back to the Academy as a speaker for the Department's Dining Out. As a Colonel, I was greatly humbled by his invitation. My wife, Gaela, was not able to accompany me, but Orwyn and Diane hosted my Mother for the occasion. I shall never forget the graciousness, support, and leadership of Colonel Sampson, a true officer and man of our times.

It would be literally impossible for me to describe the impact O Sampson has had on my life. For 50 years he has been a constant in my life --- as the sponsor and spiritual leader of the FCA at the Air Force Academy, as my Biology and Kinesiology instructor, as my mentor, friend, supporter, encourager and brother in Christ. I started out calling him Major O in 1974, and then he became Col. O for many years, and finally he insisted I just call him O in later years. But best of all, I came to proudly call him "my second Dad."

The depth of O's faith and his love for and complete devotion to God, his family and his country are what marked his life in my eyes. He exemplified the highest standard of character, integrity, self-sacrifice and service in his personal life as well as in his professional life. When O talked, he spoke with such wisdom, sincerity and clarity that I hung on every word, and yet, he was so very humble. My life was enriched beyond measure by the way he poured himself into me and so many others.

Through the years of staying with the Sampsons almost every time I returned to the Academy, I grew to love and cherish his wife Diane and each of his three beautiful daughters and their families ... just as I had O. To his family --- I know your loss is great, but how blessed you've been to have him for so many years. My family and I will continue to pray for your comfort, peace, and strength.

O is doing back flips in heaven today.

What a fine Christian gentleman. He showed us what it was to be a professional officer and a compassionate person. Hope to catch you on the next flight O. God's blessing to all who mourn your passing. Rick Roberts

Orwyn lived in every way the life of faith and led the way for so many. We met at UCLA when as freshmen we joined the swimming and diving team and then as Phi Delt fraternity brothers. There were no "men´s dorms" at UCLA when we started and you were either close enough to commute or flush enough to share an apartment; in Westwood; a more affordable option was a fraternity house was and it provided a social outlet, especially opportune to meet the coeds housed on Hilgard Avenue, where O was destined to meet and "pin" one of the most beautiful and certainly the sweetest, Diane. Without exception, Orwyn had the respect of everyone with whom he crossed paths. Colleen and I have wonderful memories of Orwyn and Diane and family over the years and we´re so blessed to be there at the AFA for O´s retirement. God blessed Orwyn in so many ways and he always reciprocated through sharing his gifts so generously. Our hearts are with Diane and family but full of hope that Orwyn is waiting for us to continue to follow his lead.

O was a wonderful teacher of the Word and he was incredibly insightful and thoughtful on so many topics. He taught a Sunday School class topic on aging...and accepting God´s purpose always. Diane and I (another Diane) teased we were Diane squared. I loved that connection with this beautiful couple. And my husband Walt loved O and was always challenged and encouraged by this friend in their weekly philosophical visits/breakfasts. Inspiration that doesn´t end!

Orwin was the finest true gentleman that I have ever known in private,professional or in public. His dedication to family and faith was outstanding. I was proudly one of his Tennis partners for the last 25 plus years
He will be missed by everyone who knew him or ever crossed his path.

So sorry for your loss. Col O was always there for us whether we won or lost. He always left me notes of encouragement on my locker after games or articles about game results came out. I will never forget his kindness.

I was recruited to the Academy gymnastics program in 1969 by then Captain Orwin Sampson. That summer during basic training he and his wife Diane had the newly recruited gymnastics team basic cadets over to his house for the doolie dining out night. That was the night of July 20, 1969 and we got to watch the first moon landing of a manned spacecraft on their television. He also kicked me out of my first gym class first semester freshman year and he explained it to me that night at practice because I had no idea what was going on. He said I could already do the skills he was teaching in the class and I qualified to validate the class. I was lucky enough to have lunch with General Sampson recently and 55 years after these events and before his passing. He was a great man in his life and career.

I was very blessed to have O (and Diane)as my sponsor at the Academy and later as a friend and mentor when I returned to work there. He was a great supporter of AF Football and sports and famous for his cheese popcorn!
I treasure his friendship and guidance over the past decades, and always enjoyed meeting up with him as our paths crossed. God Bless you, Orwyn, and thank you for being a guiding light for so many of us. -Michael Flynn

Orwyn and I met in Sutter Junior High School 1951 - both of us already involved in gymnastics - and on to Canoga High School. We were both on the gym team. Afternoons spent working out in Wally Bickmors backyard gym. Orwyn was a year ahead of me, so he moved on to UCLA -- I followed a year later - He persuaded me to join his fraternity - Phi Delta Theta. He was in the Air Force ROTC program while I was in the Navy ROTC. We met again in Pearl Harbor while he was on his Honeymoon and I was on a ship in Pearl Harbor. We continued to touch base with each other over the years. He settled in Colorado Springs, while I remained in California......I will miss him and his friendship but I know he is Gods Hands. Jerry & Lea Anderson

My condolences to Diane and O´s extended family. One of my favorite memories of O Sampson was preparing for his retirement ceremony. I was his executive officer in the Department of Biology in 92 so the planning of his send off was my responsibility with much input from O. At that time the Air Force had a formal uniform that was pure white. So with a twinkle in his eye he said he wanted his retirement to be in the Dress Whites so that he could pass out Good Humor ice cream bars to everyone at the end of his retirement ceremony. So there he was in his "Good Humor Ice Cream Uniform" passing out ice cream and advice to all that came by to wish him well. He will be missed!

I don´t have the words to express how much O meant to me as a boss, mentor, and friend, and I know there are hundreds of us who feel the same way. He was one of my favorite people on the planet, and I am so grateful to have known him for over four decades. He was a good and great man who had a profoundly positive impact on me, my family, my career, my school, and my nation.
When I heard of his passing, I thought of how happy and excited God must´ve been to finally welcome O home. Blessings to all of Team Sampson!

He, immediately upon meeting, made me feel not only welcomed but also interesting and important.

O was a generous encouraging happy spirit. He taught us how to play tennis with his own specially invented rules that were meant to create improvement and enjoyment for everyone. We celebrate him whenever we play tennis with our family. His presence was always uplifting. Dressed in artic gear in snow covered stands before an AF football game he brushed snow from our seats and offered his gloves to my wife to warm her freezing extremities. All our memories of O are happy ones.

I was blessed to have Uncle O and his family in my life!
His good nature was evident of the Holy Spirit which was a guiding light to him.

I so enjoyed reading the obituary for O. It brought to mind so many wonderful memories of his magical smile and moments where he encouraged me. 

The memory which keeps surfacing is a project we worked on briefly back probably a decade ago. I was filming some interviews of older members of FPC for a legacy video, and O was the interviewer. I've conducted a lot of interviews in my career and one of the challenges is always making the subject of the interview comfortable and getting them talking. O was brilliant! Everyone that came in sparkled with life while chatting with him, and his secret was obvious: he was genuinely interested in every one of their stories. 

That memory, to me, captures so much of who O was -- and who he is in glory. He was a man who worked hard to see and celebrate the image of God in every one of us. He made everyone he spoke to feel special -- and in that way he powerfully reflected our father in heaven.

My sincerest condolences to Diane and family. He will be deeply missed, until we join him to celebrate in eternity.

Much love,

Ted & Brandy Cox