Charles Philip Sampson

Charles Philip Sampson "Irreplaceable" Beloved husband, father, brother, son, uncle, partner, colleague, friend, mentor, advisor, rescuer. Chuck Sampson, age 52, passed away on June 9, 2005 in the peace and comfort of his home, in the arms of his cherished wife, surrounded by his loving family. Much too young, much too soon. He was born on Aug. 21, 1952, in Tooele, Utah to Carl Elmer and Mildred Alice Kenneally Sampson. He graduated from Tooele High School in 1970 and Utah State University in 1975. While clerking for Third District Judge Christine Durham he met the love of his life, Shari Emilie Hansen, and made an honest woman of her and married her on Aug. 10, 1979. With her gentle encouragement and faith in him he enrolled in the U of U law school and graduated in 1985. He soon became a partner in the law firm of Suitter Axland where he has served as head of litigation until the time of his illness. During his career he built a solid reputation in the legal community nationwide, but more importantly he made numerous close and lasting friendships. He was a member of the National Guard from 1971 through 1985. Chuck and Shari's proudest accomplishments are their three adored sons, Bryton, Sean, and Michael. His finest traits live on through them. His beautiful blue eyes, his keen intellect and sharp wit. His inquisitiveness and his integrity. His ability to make friends easily and endear himself to others. His cheerful approach to life. Besides his pride in his work and his family, Chuck enjoyed collecting things, whether it be snow-globes, music, movies, re-runs, or VHS tapes full of Indy car crashes. He delighted in giving gifts. Little things he might pick up when he was out of town to let people know he was thinking of them and wanted to bring them a smile and a surprise. Sometimes adversity produces pleasing side-effects. Chuck being the eternal optimist that he was, viewed his illness as the catalyst that brought family and friends together in a profound and meaningful way. This made it bearable. It was our gift to him and his gift to us. Chuck amazed and inspired all of us. He got knocked down hard by the one-two punch of cancer and chemotherapy. He never gave up hope or felt defeated. He just got up, dusted himself off and came back for more. He managed to stay upbeat and good-natured throughout his ordeal. If pure grit and determination could cure disease, Chuck would still be here and in perfect health. He woke up every morning and said, "I'm feeling pretty good today". Chuck is survived by his wife and children; his brothers, Lance (Judy) Sampson, Mark (Chris) Sampson; his in-laws, Alice and Gordon Hansen, Serida and Peter Foss, Kim and Janie Hansen and Kevin Hansen; along with ten darling nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents. Services will be held on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, 12 noon at the Cottonwood 12th Ward, 1750 Spring Lane where friends may call from 11-12 noon prior to the service. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. We would like to extend our appreciation to the caring staff of Utah Cancer Specialists, St. Mark's Hospital and Community Nursing Services, and also the remarkable family and friends who circled the wagons and shared with us our sorrow and helped to lighten our load. We couldn't have done it without you. Chuck - It broke our hearts to watch you go. We feel blessed to have shared this time and space with you here on this earthly realm. You made us all so proud.