William (Bill) John Samson

WILLIAM JOHN (BILL) SAMSON

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July 23, 1926-January 18, 2020

Bill was born on July 23, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph Peter Samson and Albertine Rebecca Grenier. He was the last of nine children.

Bill served in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 in the Pacific Campaign. His ship the USS Louisville spear headed the largest surface engagement of World War II. Upon his release from the Navy in 1946 he came to Utah and on October 23, 1946 married Ruth Jean Benson. They were married 67 years at the time of Ruth’s passing on April 17, 2013. In 1951 he was recalled into the United States Air force.

He was the proud father of one son James Novak (Pat) and five daughters Pamela Campbell (Scott), Randee Nielson (Edward), Shelley Bambrough (Dee), Tonja Gardiner (Don) and Billie Jean Stokes (Mike), 25 grandchildren, 77 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

He joined the LDS Church in 1946 and served in three bishoprics and as Bishop of the Kanesville 2nd Ward. He served faithfully in many capacities and was active in Scouting and served on two High Councils. In 1994 he and Ruth were called to serve in the Wellington, New Zealand Mission. They served on both the North and South Islands. They also served an inner city mission in Ogden.

Throughout Bill’s life he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandsons and sons-in-laws. He loved the mountains and camping, and spent many hours doing that. Some great stories have come out of those trips.

At the time of his passing he resided at the Haven at Sky Mountain in Hurricane, Utah. He was preceded in death by his wife, three granddaughters and eight siblings. He will leave a huge hole in our family.

A viewing will be held Friday, January 24, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 at the Lindquist Mortuary 3333 W. 5600 So. Roy, Utah. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11:00 am in the West Haven Ward 3628 So. 2700 No. West Haven. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:30.