David Joseph Samson
January 17, 1941 – February 24, 2021
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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of our beautiful dad, David Joseph Samson, 80, of Louisdale, on February 24, 2021. We are drawing comfort that our father gained his heavenly reward surrounded by those he most deeply loved. We know that where there is deep grief, there was great love. The unwavering support and courage of our mother will forever remain etched in our memories.
Our father exemplified ‘a life well lived’. He was born in Louisdale on January 17, 1941, the firstborn of Ernest and Cecilia Samson, both of Louisdale. As a young boy growing up, his family didn’t have a lot, but they certainly didn’t do without. Dad learned from his parents that a strong work ethic and powerful faith would lead you down so many successful paths. Following their guidance, he attended StFX to become an educator. All the while, Dad took his role of helping his family very seriously. He had younger brothers and a sister who relied on him to guide them in their life decisions, a role he carried with him his entire life. While attending university, he met the love of his life, Elaine Dwyer. Theirs was a love story for the ages! Our mother and father wed in Sydney on July 25, 1964. They settled in Louisdale to raise their family and start their careers. Our father graduated with his Bachelor of Education in 1963 and proceeded to teach at Isle Madame District High in Arichat until 1966. In 1967, dad completed his Masters in Guidance and became the Guidance Director at Canso Regional Vocational School in Port Hawkesbury until 1972. Our father continued to improve his education and, in 1970, completed his Masters in Education followed by the natural choice of Educational Administration. This path would lead dad to become Principal of Isle Madame District High in 1972, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Richmond in 1973 then Superintendent of schools in 1975. Dad worked for the NS Department of Education for one year in 1978 as Inspector of Schools then resumed his position of Superintendent of Schools in 1979 until his retirement in 1994. Our father was the consummate educational leader for 31 years.
He viewed his retirement as an opportunity for him to share his wealth of knowledge and expertise with various organizations and boards. And they were so fortunate to have had him! He gave of his time freely and willingly to serve those organizations and people. Dad’s affinity for StFX continued when he was appointed to the Board of Governors 2001 – 2003 as well as an appointment to the Board of Governors at Cape Breton University. When his beloved mother passed away of breast cancer, dad made the decision to serve with the Canadian Cancer Society, NS Division. He served as their President from 2003 – 2007 then their Past President until 2009. His passion for good health care in the Strait Area led him to become a Board member and, eventually, the Chair, of the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority. His wisdom and thoughtful nature allowed him to serve as a commissioner with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission from 2004 – 2007. His final passion has been to serve with the College of Registered Nurses of NS. His lifetime of service, in both his Louisdale community and other organizations, has surely guided them to make thoughtful and considerate decisions. Our father’s unwavering faith in our Lord and willingness to live a life of example has positively impacted so many people. His kind and gentle demeanor was further enhanced by his humble nature. For as much as we understood our father’s work ethic, we understood his passion for salmon fishing. He knew every pool and rock in the Margaree River, and garnered a reputation as a kind and gentle angler with impeccable river etiquette. He was the master fisher and taught so many to love the sport, including his own son, Jason; the Master and the Student, always enjoying the peace and tranquility that only nature and a running river can provide. Our dad always rebooted when he was fishing with his good buddies, either in the boat or on the river. In later years, our mother would join him, with a hearty lunch, and her good company. Dad enjoyed dabbling in Tory politics, behind the scenes, and expressed opinions and ideas that were valued and sought after. Many enjoyable hours were spent bantering with his Tory friends! Dad and mom camped for many years and passed along their passion to all of their children. The last number of years, they forged wonderful friendships with their camping gang at Whidden’s in Antigonish. When our mother was happy, our father was happy. And, of course, the same was true for our mother. They loved each other dearly and drew their strength from each other, in both good times and bad. They have set the bar high for their children and grandchildren in what true love and respect in a relationship should look like. We learned from the best what love and faith can do.
Dad was predeceased by his loving parents, Ernest and Cecilia Samson; his beautiful son in law, whom he so dearly loved, Cecil Landry (Paula) in 2018; as well as beloved brother, Felix (Joan) in the last year. Dad is survived by his beautiful wife of 56 years, our mother, Elaine; his 4 children whom he so dearly loved, Paula Landry (Cecil), Louisdale; Danielle Hart (Kevin), Louisdale; Nadine Carmichael (Ian), Halifax; Jason (Jennifer Di Persio), Upper Tantallon; his grandchildren, each of whom he was so proud, Meaghan, Emily, Mary, Jacey, Brett, Sophie and Carter; his wonderful brothers Andrew (Carol), Louisdale; Ernie (Patsy), Musquodoboit Harbour; Henry (Terry), Louisdale; and sister Beatrice (Tommy), Louisdale, who reminds us all of their mother; nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, whose lives are forever better for having known and loved our dad.
We would be remiss if we did not thank the medical professionals who offered Dad compassionate and loving care. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Laurie MacNeil, Dr. Rigby, Dr. Atiyah, Dr. Saliba and Dr. Cooper. Special thanks to Dr. Dayyat and Rhonda MacNeil of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for helping Dad and his family navigate the required supports with dignity and honour; our angel nurse, Sharon MacKenzie, Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, who understands the privilege of end of life care. We are forever grateful.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Green’s Funeral Home, Port Hawkesbury. Dad’s wake will take place at Green’s Funeral Home on Sunday, February 28, from 1:00 – 5:00 pm. All those who wish to pay their final respects to our father are invited to attend. Social distancing protocols will be followed. Dad’s funeral will be by invitation only, considering Covid restrictions, and will take place on Monday, March 1, St. Louis Church, Louisdale, at 11:00 am, with Fr. Duncan MacDougall presiding. Dad would be pleased that memorial donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, NS Division.
“His Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, Good and Faithful Servant…Enter into the Joy of Your Lord.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of David Joseph Samson January 17 1941 February 24 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia