Robert Anthony Sampson

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Robert's passing.Robert was always great to work with. Robert always had a smile . When I reviewed the photo's all I could think of is that the first time I meet Robert is that smile and a good joke to tell. Robert worked very hard in helping others to meet their goals. My prayers are with Robert's family.

We want to offer our deepest sympathy for the lose of Robert. We never had the pleasure of meeting Robert but we heard so many positive things about Robert from his parents Tony and Shirley who often visited our family in Louisdale. Looking at all the wonderful photos tell me how positive and happy Robert was with his Family and Friends

Our prayers go out to all your family.

May the peace of fond memories bring you comfort now and in the days ahead. Our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow.

Our deepest sympathy,
Natalie Kenrick & Craig Cherrett

He will be sadly missed. Prayers go to your family

So sorry for your lose. Robert's charm and caring personality will always be remembered. To all the good times in high school and our class reunions that Robert made happen, he will truly be missed, but will never be forgotten.

Luann Doyle (Boutilier)

There are no words...sending love and hugs.

Sue, Nancy, Cali and Tyler xo

may the tragic passing of our dear fiend Robert teach us all the true meaning of a life successfully lived in that there is no amount of any currency that can replace the obvious respect and admiration felt and displayed exponentially by his widespread and diverse group of friends.

may our tragic loss of our dear friend Robert..teach us all the true meaning of having lived life successfully,,,as there is no amount of any currency that can replace the respect and admiration he has obviously obtained throughout every aspect of his life...

To Eileen, Stephen and families ...
The world has lost one of its bright lights.
For me and I expect for many of his former teachers, Robert will remain one of the most endearing and memorable of all the students who made Sir John A a wonderful high school.
My sincere sympathy.
Grayce Rogers

Dear Eileen,

The posts here and on Caring Bridge have revealed a precious gem in Robert. He was our "Head Boy" in '78. We all admired and respected him as a friend and a leader. It is easy to see that this was his "true self" as the tributes describe the incredible character and life he lead. Thankfully he was able to share this life with you!
He made a difference in our lives but most importantly, to yours and those he loved.
1,575 km is the physical distance between us today, but Friday my heart and thoughts will be right with you. God bless you and all at St. Theresa's
Beth

Stephen -our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family--we are just so sorry for your loss
Dorothy and Avery Mason

With deepest sympathy from Phil and Willie Reid

My deepest sympathies to you Eileen and your family. I admired and respected Robert he was such a great guy and will be missed. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his death. He always kept me informed about the High School reunions and now I realize with heavy heart that our paths will not cross again! I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Ena Buckland-Harris Class of "78

Robert exemplified what it was to be a friend, father, grandfather. We will miss him tremendously at NSCC and from the world. He lit up the room with his joyful spirit.

Eileen,
I am so deeply saddened by Robert's passing. Robert and I worked together on so much at the College. His positive, energetic 'I can help' attitude impressed all with whom he came in conatct. Please know that he has left an indelible mark and has had a profound impact on everyone he touched. I will remember him always. George MacLean

Paul and I are deeply saddened to hear of Robert's passing. We have loads of fond memories from our days at NSCC and Robert advising us on home plumbing solutions. We'll miss that simple, easy friendship. Peace be with you Robert. Eileen and family, we echo other's thoughts in hoping you will find strength in all our stories and fond memories to help you through this difficult time.

To Roberts Family, Dear Stephen,Kendrick and All, Tears came when I saw Roberts picture and read of his death,such a shock,such a kind and loving man,always had a smile, I think of him standing and talking truck or hunting with my late husband Bob at the Market in Mahone Bay.My thoughts and prayers are with you, Eileen and all,I know the sorrow of losing a loved one to cancer,Bob had brain cancer.Nothing can take away your wonderful memories,Love Pat Drew

Eileen, I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend the better part of the last ten years working with Robert. His positive personality and passionate drive to help others were truly inspiring. Each day was a gift I will treasure, thank you my friend!

To the Sampson family,

I type this note through eyes blurred with tears in hearing of the loss of Robert. A shock that just doesn't seem real.
I had the good fortune of working with Robert as a part of the Skills Canada Technical Committee. A group of 5 that shared a commitment and pride in our trade. Always achieving to be the best of the best, Robert was that pivotal part to step it up a notch, bring out the best in all who competed.
At every event, the greeting from Robert was something you looked for, hoped for and were so glad that it happened. He always greeted my wife Yvonne and I like we were family he hadn't seen for a while. Hugs and smiles like we were all he had been looking for that day.

For Hannah, it is sad that she won't rememeber the most special "Grampy"in all the world, but I know she will learn how special he really was as she grows through the years.

I can't express enough our heart felt sorrow in your loss,

With all our love and caring thoughts,

Yvonne and Guy Brookes, Calgary

It is with a tear in my eye and a heavy heart that I remember Robert, he had such a great spirit that will live on in all that were his family and called him a friend.
Eileen: Robert was very fortunate to have you in his life, remember the great times you had and I am sure there were many.
My thoughts will be in Halifax on Friday morning.
Marjorie Scott (Sir John A - 1978 Class)

Hello Eileen

Very sorry for your loss. Although I did not believe you know me, I knew Robert for over 30 years. We worked on plumbing committees, in-services and skills over those years and I don't believe you could work with a better person.Always smiling and very passionate in everything he did. Great human being and will be missed. Fred Martell - Cape Breton,NS

Robert was indeed a gift from God. An exceptional young adult when I met him who aged into a wonderful kind caring man. Everyone who met him liked him with his winning smile and positve attitude. Heaven has gained a great person.

As has been mentioned by all who have had the privilege of knowing Robert in his time, he was indeed a special guy whose smile & enthusiasm was contagious.My sincere condolences to Eileen and all of Roberts family.

My deepest sympathies for family and friends, I remember Robert as a becon of light, bright smile & bright eyes which brightened all the lives he touched. "Words fail to describe the sadness of it all". ...you will live always in our hearts.

Treasure the memories of the love of life that Robert shared with everyone he met in passing or knew well in his life. My thoughts and prayers are with you his family...you will miss him dearly but remember him always.

Eileen
The news of Roberts passing struck very hard, because of him and his enthusiasm for having fun I have many fond memories of the time we shared togather at Sir John A. I will pray for you and your family in this hard time.

To my cousin Robert, such a great guy with a great smile. Robert made such an impact and will live in the hearts and minds of family and friends forever. Words cannot describe such a loss. My thoughts are with all who loved and knew Robert.

Love Adele

Eileen, Melissa, and the Sampson Family:

Words, however kind,can't mend your heartache: but those who care and
share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind.

May you find strength in the love of family and in the warm embrace of friends.

Robert will be truly missed from his other family--the SJA Class of 1978. We will continue to remember his laughter, his generosity, smile and sense of family.

Take each wonderful memory and embrace it in your heart.

I'm sorry to see you go so soon, Robert, but I know that you are still smiling down upon us.

Hugs and prayers

I would like to express my personal sadness to you, Eileen, regarding the passing of Robert. It was my pleasure and honor to know Robert for the past decade after having the opportunity to share his passion for excellence of execution regarding his life's work in Plumbing , teaching and Skills Competitions. We have sadly lost a good man but can still cherish the fond memories.

I was saddened to hear of Robert's passing. I knew Robert through meetings at NSCC. He always had a great sense of humour, was always professional, and sincere. He was a great guy to work with and be around! He will be missed.

Dear Eileen and family, I think these words sum up how I feel about Robert

He had a nature you could not help loving,
And a heart that was purer than gold,
And to those who knew him and loved him
His memory will never grow cold.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Robert was so much fun to work with. He lit up our offices at every visit. I loved seeing the little NSCC smart car out in front of Akerley as I knew it might be Robert. I loved hearing about his family and his adventures. I will miss him. Our thoughts are with his family.
Christine McDonald (Coldbrook NS)

Eileen, and the Sampson family, Our deepest sympathies are with you. His sense of humour and big smile will be missed. The smile on his face when you met him, I will never forget that. Rest in peace Robert.

I have known Robert for about 20 years. First as my apprenticeship training officer, friend and co-worker at NSCC.
He always had a smile and a positive glow. You will be missed Robert, but never forgotten.
My thoughts are with your family.

I want to echo what others have already said, Robert was a wonderful colleague and a genuinely good person. I will remember most his smile, his passion for learning, and most of all his passion for his family - especially granddaughter Hannah. Blessings to your family.

Dearest Eileen,
The love of family and friends will help soften the pain you are feeling. Thinking of the good times will bring a smile through the tears. My thoughts are with you, Dear, Fondly, Betsy Norton

Eileen

I knew Robert from his days at Simpsons, enjoyed his company many times, even going to boxing matches together. Remember sending him a congratulatory note when he graduated, hadn't seen him for almost 20 years and then had a chance meeting with him at NSSCC campus in Port Hawkesbury. I was deeply shocked and saddened to read of his passing, he was truly a remarkable fellow. My sympathies to all his family.
Glenn Bennett, D'Escousse NS

It was a pleasure to have known you Robert within the NSCC environment as well our little chats on an occasional outside of work greeting
Your smile made you stand out in a crowd. We will all miss you deeply

Robert and I became close friends in the early 80s when he worked at Halifax Cable. We took scuba lessons together, vacationed with our girlfriends, shared hunting stories and he stood as part of my wedding party in 1988. He was the person we all aspired to be. And although we lost contact over the years, I shall never forget the memories. My prayers and consolences to family and friends he leaves behind.

My deepest sympathies to Robert's friends and family. A number of years ago, I had the great pleasure of working with Robert at NSCC and I fondly recall his kindness, friendliness, and wonderful sense of humour. I hope knowing the positive impact he had on the lives of so many brings you comfort during this difficult time.

Hold a true friend with both hands. Nigerian Proverb...... and Robert is held with so many ....what can I say now that God has him in his hands....good nite my friend, we'll see you in our dreams. Donna colp bennett

Sending all of our love and deepest sympathies to you Aunt Shirley, Uncle Tony, Eileen, Stephen, Donna and family, Melissa and family....Robert has left a legacy to his family, friends and colleagues that will shine forever. Take comfort in the wonderful memories and special moments that you have in your heart. We love you all dearly and are praying that you find peace in the coming days and weeks ahead...
Bruno and Cynthia, Fort McMurray

Heather and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Eileen and to Robert's family. Robert certainly was the glue of the Class of '78 family and I never recall him without a smile. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.

I will always remember Robert for how he lived life large - how his passion, enthusiasm and smile were irresistibly infectious. He will be missed.

My deepest and sincere condolences to Robert ' s family .I will truly miss my big brother and his kind guidance . May God bless your family and protect them . R.I.P

My heart was saddened today when I learned of Robert's passing. Our paths crossed many times when he was at Apprenticeship and at NSCC. The smile that used to light up our rooms must now be remembered to help us light up our lives in this time of grief. He was one of the very good guys.

To Robert's family and friends I send my most heartfelt condolences. I have known Robert and Stephen for many years. Whenever I saw Robert he always had time to stop and catch up. I was so sorry to hear of his illness and visited his site. I was praying for some kind of miracle for him. He will be dearly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. My thoughts are with you all. Love, Wanda Slaunwhite

My deepest sympathy is with Robert's family and close friends. I am so very sorry for your loss.

I have many fond memories of Robert as a colleague at NSCC. He always brightened a room and I will miss his humour and kindness.

I'm so humbled to have known Robert 25 years plus ,Working together as apprentice plumbers with Government Services and working late nights listening to Blue Jays Baseball on the radio,we had so many laughs prank's ,didn't matter how cold we'd go! and he turned out to be a amazing plumber .
Travelling to Montreal for the drag race's in San Air ..Loved his Boxing history ,couldn't fool him on stat's .And listening to Robert talk about Antique finding's with brother Stephen .You will always be remembered with a big smile and huge heart.

I was very sorry to learn of Robert's passing. I had the pleasure of working with Robert for a few years at NSCC when I was a Communications Specialist. He was one of the college "champions" I could count on for media interviews, finding me students for various projects, and so on. Such a kind-hearted, down-to-earth and easy-going guy. I know how greatly he will be missed.

Robert was a warm and optimistic person - a pleasure to know. Our paths crossed at NSCC for a number of years and I truly appreciate the opportunity to have know him. Best wishes to family and friends and you celebrate a life that touched many with laughter and a genuine spirit.

To the Sampson family:

I had the pleasure of working with Robert many, many years ago at Simpsons. He was always smiling and always making everyone laugh. He certainly knew how to turn a lousy day around. Although I haven't seen him for years, the pictures here remind me of how special he really is! May God bless you all and many your memories help you through the worst of times.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Robert was a wonderful man who leaves a great legacy and will be missed by all who knew him. Sincere condolences to all who are grieving during this difficult time. As time passes, may your memories of the time you spent together bring you comfort and peace.

I am so very sorry to hear about Robert's passing. I was lucky enough to met Robert when he was The Department Head of the trades, I was a member of Woman's Unlimited and he made my going back to school, a fantastic experience. Never a bad word always greeted with a smile, even after graduation he made sure that if he saw me he said hello. You will be missed and thank you for everything , to the family please take care in knowing he is always there with his arms out to help you through the difficult times.

I met Robert through my father as they were both involved in apprenticeship. I lived with Robert for a summer. During that summer, I gained one of the best friends that i've ever had. I strive to be more like Robert ever day. He was a great man, and even better friend. He met the love of his life and i'm thankful that she was by his side. To Eileen, I love you Ma....be strong and i'm always here if you need ANYTHING!

Robert is past pain
Robert is past anguish
Robert is past fear.
Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Eileen: Robert will always hold a very special place in our hearts here at NSCC . He made such a meaning and heartfilled contribution to the lives of all of his students and made a huge impact with his NSCC family. He will stay in our hearts and minds forever. We will all keep his memories alive.
Anne Rodger( Fall River, NS)

Robert became a true friend and colleague to me as I joined NSCC. He made me feel welcomed at all times and was a true leader thoughout the organization. His smile and enthusiasm was contagious to those around him. He will be sadly missed.
Brian Nicholl NSCC Faculty

I met Robert when I started working with NSCC. I was new to trades and technology and had much to learn. He was always willing to give gentle advice, a helping hand and be a sounding board for even the simplest questions. I'll always remember his genuine kindness. He was a joy to know. Much peace to his family.

Robert carried the strongest positive energy that would make anyone smile when you see or speak to him.I will never forget all his kindness.My thoughts and prayers to all his grieving family and friends. Susan Wood NSCC

I met Robert through my participation in Skills Nova Scotia. He was incredibly supportive. Always interested in what you were doing, how you were doing. He had a wondefully warming smile that would make anyones day brighter. He was a light that shone brightly and will be missed by many. My sincere appologies for your loss.

I had the pleasure of working on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board with Robert and witnessed his passion for everyone in the apprenticeship community.My thoughts and prayers to Eileen and his family.
Colin Campbell

Robert was a great Mentor, passionate in everything, he put a smile on everyones face on the days when we needed it. I will miss you my friend, Eileen my condolesces and support go to you and all your family. David M

Eileen and family, You have lost a wonderful man from your lives. It was a real privilege getting to know Robert over the last five years. His love of life, family and friends was contagious. When he came into the office area he was always in a good mood, always interested in what everyone was doing and concerned for anyone who was having difficulties. He will be missed by so many but his love and legacy will live on in you, his colleagues, the students whose lives he touched and the many people with whom he came in contact. Judith Limkilde (Halifax, NS)

I am so sad to hear of Robert's passing. Robert was a passionate supporter of the trades, apprenticeship training and certification, lifelong learning and diversity. He will be sorely missed on the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Board. It was an honour and pleasure to know and work with Robert. His enthusiasm and dedication are an inspiration to us. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Dear Robert, You'll always be in my heart.

Sorry for your loss Eileen. Our hearts go out to you!! We were always asking Bubbie and John how things were! So so sorry. Terri

There are colleagues who have much more history with Robert than I and to them, and to his family and friends, I offer my deepest condolences. When I came to work at NSCC, Robert was one of the first to welcome me and he was a mentor for much of my early years there. Even when our work diverged and we saw less of one another, he was still an inspiration whenever we met. If you saw Robert in the cafetaria or in the hallway, you'd make a beeline for him because if your day was lousy, he could lighten it up and if it was great, he was the kind of guy you wanted to share it with. We will all miss that sly smile and quick wit - and the love and generosity he demonstrated for family and friends. Rest in peace, my friend.

Eileen,

My name is Tara Clancey and I work at Maritime Travel, Joseph Howe Superstore.

I had the pleasure of dealing with Robert arranging corporate travel, but also was the lucky one to book the "Magic" for you both. He was so excited about the trip and by the sounds of the email he sent me from the ship you had an experience of a lifetime. I am so glad that you were able to share that together.

My thoughts are with you and your family in this time of loss.

I didn't know Robert too long maybe 5 yrs. He was out one time with my son-inlaw Kevin Gerrior who was his best buddy,Robert was looking at our furnace. I had the country station on the radio he remark how much he loved old country music so right a way we had this little bond not much to anyone else,we shared some of our favorite song titles we liked. He talked about his father and how much they loved to go hunting. He also talked about Hannah his pride and joy,his grand daughter. He talked about Eileen and how much fun they had on their travels. We talked like we were friends for many yrs,that's one of his endearing qualities I loved about him. Sadly he will be missed by everyone who knew him. We know he suffered but we can all rejoice in the fact that he is in a better place now. Rest in peace Robert.

Sylvia Boudreau

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

The smile says it all. Robert was able to radiate his welcoming spirit to all for whom he was a mentor and guide. He lived the enthusiastic involved and caring life he shared as his vision. It is so hard to say so long for now. I pray for support to for all his grieving family and friends. - Dave Macpherson NSCC

I am so honored to have known Robert, both as a colleague and work friend, and as Mackenzie Barter's mom (Mackenzie was one of the daycare children who was lucky enough to know Robert as 'Gampy'). My family is thinking of your family at this time. May you all find peace in the loving memories that a large community of people share with you.
Pamela, Billy and Mackenzie Barter

Although I didn't know Robert as well as I would have liked, I did have the distinct pleasure of working with him shortly while I was with the college. I found him to be a great individual, easy to work with and always ready to laugh. He struck me as a real gentleman and he will truly be missed by all that had the opportunity to work and/or associate with him. My sincere condolences to his family for your loss.

Garry Brown

Eileen,
We are sorry to hear of Robert's passing. He was a pleasure to work with. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Port Hawkesbury