Ralph Sampson

SAMPSON Ralph Sampson, passed away in the arms of his devoted daughter Katharina at 4 a.m. Thursday, November 14, in the Fort Lauderdale beach home he shared with Irma, his wife of 40 years, and his two dog pals, Moose II and Lola. Born on September 6, 1934, in New York, N.Y., Ralph grew to love airplanes of all kinds. He joined the Air Force and served in the Korean War as a jet pilot mechanic, a member of the "hat and ring unit." He would use this knowledge as he worked for MacDonald-Douglas and Lockhead, finally joining Eastern Airlines in 1965, where he stayed until the company's demise in 1987. A licensed pilot, Ralph loved flying ultra-lights, a pleasure he shared on a few occasions with his son-in-law Scott. The Air and Sea Show was an event he looked forward to sharing each year with family and friends at their special place on the beach. The sometimes gruff exterior of Ralph was smoothed somewhat in his later years by his loving granddaughters, Taylor Christine, 6 1/2, and Chloe Alexandra, 3 1/2, who visited their "Pee-Pop" daily during his final days. You lived life your way Ralph, and now you can fly forever, with your very own wings. Now I'm not "telling you what to do," but please watch over us, and remember to save some scotch for Richie, for when we all meet again. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Broward County in the memory of Ralph Sampson.