Saturday July 5th was the memorial service for George W. Sampson. George was "Papa" to me. My maternal grandfather to be specific. I thought I would share his obituary with you, as he played such a huge role in my life, especially knowing Reece- she was a miniature version of him!
SAMPSON, GEORGE W A memorial and Legion Tribute will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home July 5 at 1:30 pm. Burial of ashes will follow at St. Vincent De Paul Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Oromocto Legion Branch 93. George was a veteran of the Korean War. He joined the RCR Special Forces in August 1950. This unit was specifically made up of men to fight in Korea. George was trained in Tacoma, WA as a Bren Gunner and was seriously wounded in October 1951. He spent months in the hospital from Japan to Lancaster Hospital in Saint John. He was honourably discharged in August 1952. George was past-president and service officer and life member of Oromocto Legion Branch 93. He was also a member of the War Amps of Canada.
Papa passed away 2 weeks after our little Reece. This was significant as they were like two peas in a pod. Grant and I would often see Reece do something that only an experienced comedian would do, and we couldn't figure out where she got this inate timing and talent from... after some thought, it was obvious - she got it from her Papa George! My Nanna told Papa that Reece had passed away, she said he didn't really talk after that. After a few days/weeks he gave in to his weakened condition and went to heaven to take care of Reece for us, as he is the only one qualified.
It was an emotional and beautiful memorial service, taken to an entirely new level of respect and class with the attendance of the local Legion members, each saluting Papa's picture and ashes and everyone wearing poppies and putting them on a cross in front of him. It was intense.
Many ridiculously hilarious stories were shared about him. My cousin Shannon gathered some great ones, most had something to do with his fake leg. Like the time he threw out his old leg in a box and waited, watching out the window to see what would happen when the 'surprise garbage' was picked up. The poor garbage man, had the scare of his life!
There was also the story of the time Papa & Nan were in Canadian Tire and the foot broke off Papa's fake leg. Nan tracked down a clerk and asked for 'a bag to put part of her husband's leg in to get it home'!!! Can you imagine the look on that guys face?! haha He was an inspiration, he treated life like an adventure and a chance to laugh as much as you can.
However, the service was much more emotional than I had been expecting. I suppose living so very far away, allowed me to distance myself from this loss a bit. I read a speech I prepared, but wasn't sure I would get through. Normally I don't have a problem with public speaking, even reading an exerpt from "Tuesdays with Maury" at Reece's funeral without breaking down. But Saturday was much different.
It is such an enourmous loss to our family, to Papa's community and the Legion. But we are thankful he is with Reece.
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