If you met Arthur Sampson, he probably told you almost immediately that he was from Chicago and that he was a Leo. This was Arthur's way of letting you know how he saw himself: resilient, independent, and determined. He faced many challenges in his life, and the fact that he survived those challenges, found love and happiness, cultivated lifelong friendships, and pursued his passions is a testament to those traits.

Born on August 5, 1957, Arthur grew up in Chicago and graduated from Mather High School. He joined the U. S. Navy in Oct. 1976 at the age of 19, and received a medically-related honorable discharge the following January. Arthur went on to become a line cook and banquet prep cook in Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and hospitality venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For several years, Arthur served as a loving, essential caregiver for his wife, Sue Son Sampson, who preceded him in death. Most recently, Arthur worked as a Product Demonstrator at Costco. He was recognized in a Club Demonstration Services newsletter for his "consistent positive behavior and enthusiasm" that "creates a great impact with members."

Arthur was creative, and although he never learned to read music, he taught himself to play guitar and piano by ear, composed and recorded numerous pieces, and produced CDs of his music. He loved to perform for others and would do so anywhere he had access to a piano or keyboard. Arthur's favorite musical groups were Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeplin, but he enjoyed so many artists and went to numerous concerts over the years. He was also passionate about sports, bowling, fishing, and cooking. He was so proud of the meals he created that he'd frequently text photos of his finished products. He enjoyed cuisines from a wide variety of cultures and had a special place in his heart for Sue's kimchi. With a great sense of humor, Arthur enjoyed telling jokes and would sometimes tell one with such a straight face you might not know he was joking. He was generous with those less fortunate than himself, often using his meager resources to make and distribute sandwiches to unhoused people.

Arthur struggled to make the best of end stage renal disease, receiving dialysis three times a week since March 2020. After being diagnosed with dementia, Arthur was determined to live as independently as possible, which he was able to do with the support of loving family and friends and the assistance of dedicated in-home support services providers.

In addition to Sue, Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Sampson and Thelma (Moscowitz) Sampson. He is survived by his: step-children Annie (Hesselberg) Schneider (husband Chase Schneider), John Hesselberg (wife Lisa Hesselberg), and Steven Owen (fiancé Melanie Cosgrove); daughter Jamy Bailey (husband Tyler Bailey); and grandchildren Jaxon, Logan, Dylan, John, Cameron, Alexis, and Amelia. Arthur is also survived by his sisters, Roberta Swidersky (husband David Swidersky) and Debra Boogaard (husband Eduard Boogaard), and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends who were as dear to Arthur as family.

Arthur died on October 10, 2023 in Pittsburg, CA at the age of 66. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.