Donald E "Bow Tie" Sampson Mr.

MIssoula - On June 29th, 1924 Don Sampson was born in Spokane Washington to Carl and Vera Sampson. He died January 9th 2014 in Missoula Montana.
He graduated from Rogers High School and served in the Army Air Corps during WW II. He was a member of the "Roarin'20's" within the 312th Bombardment Group. Don saw action as a medic in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the war, Don began his career in the dairy industry which spanned 32 years. During his time as a dairyman he worked for the Benewah Creamery, Early Dawn Dairy and the Coeur d' Alene Creamery. Then in 1973 he purchased the Smitty's Pancake House restaurant located over the Rattlesnake Creek; later Smitty's became Perkins Family Restaurant. Don first retired in 1979. However, he missed running a restaurant and opened Don's Family Restaurant six months after "retiring". He truly retired from the restaurant business in May 1996.
Don was appointed by Governor Stan Stephens to the Montana Board of Sanitarians. He served in this capacity from 1990 to 1993. He was a lifetime member of the Elks as well as the Diplomat President for the Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce in 1980. Don and his wife Jean were enthusiastic supporters of charitable community events such as BASH and the 4-H animal auction held at the county fair.
Don was known for his colorful bow ties which earned him his moniker Mr. Bowtie. Often he received mail from former customers simply addressed to Mr. Bowtie Missoula MT.
In May 2010 his beloved wife of 62 years, Jean, died. He is survived by four children Pamela Medley (Randy Ulberg), Connie Sampson, Robert Sampson (Jeanne), and Lawrence Sampson (Cheryl Vinje); six grand-children Jeffrey (Carolyn) and Scott (Ellen) Medley, Christie Kraft (Mike), Jessica, Connell, and Carlyn Sampson; three great-grandchildren Jonathan Gump, Alana Kraft, Katherine Medley and one grand-dog Charlotte.
Don loved traveling, pouring coffee at his restaurants, visiting and sharing his personal philosophy on life. He shared his point of view by publishing an article in "The Messenger" called "The Cheerful Side". This weekly article ran for four years and was the origin of Don's tagline "The man who never had a bad day in his life."
He was a kind, caring, honest man truly a member of the greatest generation. We will miss him and Mom; they made a great team!
Visitation for Don Sampson is on Friday, January 17 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7405 Mullan Rd Missoula from noon to 5pm. Services will be on January 18th, 2014, at the Grace United Methodist Church located at 1756 South 10th Street West, Missoula MT at 11:00 am. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be placed at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com
Read Donald Sampson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.