Donald Joseph Samson

"Imagine, love, laugh and live"; this sums up Donalds' philosophy towards his life. Born in Quebec City, Canada, June 17th, 1931, Don was the eldest of his siblings, five girls, Rita, Rolande, Geraldine, Nicole, Huguette and one brother, Denis. Along with his brother, Denis they spent summers on their Grandparents farm. As a youngster, he had a passion for drawing and making things. Into Dons' teens, his creative spirit was expressed in dressing in the latest styles, singing, dancing and being social with his friends. Taking some classical singing lessons, he had a beautiful voice and was always singing, dancing or listening to music. Don had a set of bongo drums that he would often play, as well. When he was eighteen years old, Donald joined The Royal Canadian Air force, where he met his future wife, Claire Loan. They both possessed an adventuresome spirit, which made them a perfect match. Don said " I saw Claire get off the bus at the base and I knew that she was the one". They married on May 17th, sixty five years ago. Don and Claire joined his parents, Donat and Therese Samson, in Buffalo, New York in 1952 and became US citizens. While building a new life in upstate New York, they produced a loving family; four boys, Stephen, Martin, Donald, Glenn and one daughter, Carol. In 1971, Donald's brother, Denis, with his daughters', Lisa and Tammy, also joined his family. Starting his career as a Master plumber, Don was self taught in all of the other trades and moved the family to Lakeview, New York, where he launched his Business, "Samson Homes". He loved to create and looked at each of his projects as a work of art. He built his custom home, building business, one home at a time, and earned the respect of other tradesmen, builders and clients with his beautiful, well constructed creations. He was hardworking, honest and enjoyed the process. Later on Don and Claire moved to Florida where he became Chief Engineer for the world renowned resort, Turnberry Isle, Miami. Donald had a passion for vehicles and boats. He loved Motorhomes and always had to have a new project; which led to Don and Claire's travels across the United States. They lived in Canada, Buffalo, New York, Florida, Houston, Las Vegas, New Mexico and four years ago they returned to Florida. When Don was seventy eight years old he built a log home in Bryson City, North Carolina. He did all of the finishing work himself. He was very handsome and very young, both, physically and mentally. Don never lost his zest for living and doing. He was planning on getting a boat and loved overseeing projects. In Pompano Beach, Florida, Don and Claire have made wonderful new friends in their community and his best friend of over sixty years, Andy, lived next store. Their social life was full and he was always smiling and joking or offering a helping hand. Claire, his children, his ten grandchildren, friends and acquaintances will miss him dearly and Claire says " I wouldn't have changed a thing". A funeral Mass will be held on Friday May 26, 2017, 10:30 AM at St. Colemans Catholic Church, 1200 S. Federal Highway, Pompanon Beach Fl. 33062