Robert Anthony Sampson

Sampson, Robert Anthony – 52, Halifax, passed away at home Saturday, November 26, 2011 surrounded by his loving family and in the arms of Eileen and Missy. Born in Halifax, he was the son of Joseph Anthony (Tony) and Shirley (Mitchell) Sampson. Besides his parents, Robert is survived by his wife, Eileen (Brennan), daughter Melissa Mullins (Mike), grand-daughter and light-of-his-life, Hannah, brother Stephen (Kendrick), sister Donna Pettipas (Ron), nieces Erin Pettipas (Justin), Kate Brennan (Kyle), nephews Patrick MacKenzie and Sam Brennan, special cousin, Darlene Loke (Hank), special sister, Robin Deveau, and step-daughters in Maine, Kate McEvoy and Sarah McEvoy Hodgdon (Caleb). Robert lit up a room when he entered it. His genuine and magnetic personality brought him life-long friends from all walks of life. His radiant smile, easy humour, and sincere love for others touched the lives of so many. He had an intensely strong bond and connection to his daughter, his siblings, and to his guy friends, and he loved his whole family fiercely. Robert's generous spirit and energy, and his remarkable gift of spreading smiles and positivity everywhere he went, will be sorely missed by many others, including life-long hunting buddies, hundreds of co-workers and students who became friends, the close-knit local antique family, the entire Sir John A MacDonald High School class of '78 which he single-handedly "glued" into family status, the children in Hannah's day care all of whom call him "Gampy" (much to Hannah's chagrin), and of course, his fluffy little pal, Bijou. Robert graduated from Halifax Regional Vocational School in 1980 as an apprentice plumber. He was a firm believer in lifelong learning. True to his values he continued to pursue his educational goals while working full time, graduating from Saint Mary's University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Psychology. Robert worked for Government Services at the V.G Hospital for twelve years and held a number of other positions in the plumbing industry and Nova Scotia Department of Education, before accepting a position at the Nova Scotia Community College. It was here that Robert's passionate interest in the skilled trades came to fruition. He championed the opportunities and benefits of skilled trades programs in Nova Scotia, and mentored countless individuals over the course of his career. He was a natural leader who inspired others to recognize their unique talents and unlimited potential. His special gift was to see and nurture potential in those who might not see it in themselves. This gift he himself received from a special teacher, Sheila Lamplugh, and he paid it forward a thousand fold. Robert loved his work at Nova Scotia Community College where he served in a number of roles, most recently as an Academic Chair for the School of Trades and Technology. In addition to being a valued educator, leader and colleague, he was a mentor and friend to many in the NSCC community. Robert's passion for students, and especially for under-represented groups to have access to learning and career opportunities, fuelled the many activities and partnerships he championed with energy and enthusiasm. His engaging smile and positive attitude helped many students gain the confidence to overcome the barriers they faced because they knew Robert was in their corner. Robert's incredible dedication to his work was second only to the love he had for his family and his wide network of friends. He thoroughly enjoyed every moment he spent with others and will long be remembered for his ready wit, incredible sense of humour and endearing charm. He was truly a good man who strove to live an "examined life," never taking his happiness, or the opportunities that life had to offer, for granted. Robert pursued a vast array of interests. He was as happy to attend a NASCAR race as he was to attend the symphony. Robert's father nurtured him and his friends as hunters, through which they shared over 30 years of joy and camaraderie in the "plywood palace" at Stewiake (with minimal harm to wildlife). One of his lesser known but constant hobbies was offering impromptu career counselling to cashiers. He loved gardening and collecting china, and he learned in recent years that he could enjoy leaving the job he loved so much to vacation with Eileen. From these travels he found new "family" in Cape Cod and Maine, he discovered a love of boating (provided by Captains Caleb and George), he almost acquired a second language in Mexico, he experienced a rain forest and "bus beer" in Grenada, snorkeling and conch fritters in the Bahamas, he was immersed in culture in Barcelona (yes, he ate paella), and on the "Magic" Mediterranean cruise he was utterly blown away, especially by cannolis in Sicily, and by seeing the sun rise over Venice. Other activities paled when Robert became Hannah's grandfather. He was just so smitten and devoted. When he became ill, Robert's one regret was that he would leave Hannah too soon, describing his life as otherwise "perfect." He faced the challenges of his illness with incredible courage and dignity. A special thank you to all the nurses who gave hope and cared for us, to the whole QEII oncology team who went beyond the call of duty, especially Dr. Amy Nason, whose compassion and encouragement helped us so much at the end, and to Father Roberto Donato, who brought serenity and peace to us all. Robert was a gift from God. Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531 (www.jasnowfuneralhome.com) from 2 – 8 pm on Thursday, December 1st . Funeral service at St. Theresa's Church 10:30 am on Friday, December 2nd. In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society (www.craigscause.ca)

I carry your heart with me
I carry it in my heart
It is with me always