William Robert Sampson

William Robert Sampson Age 81, of Woodbury, MN Bob passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on October 31, 2023 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was a warrior to the end and always thought of his family first and not his illness. Bob was born on April 23, 1942, to William Robert and Alice Sampson in Detroit, MI. He earned his Master’s and Ph. D. at Wayne State University. After years of teaching and working in administration in MI, Bob moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1980 where he was Chair and Professor for the Communication and Journalism department from 1980 to 1996. He was a born educator and loved teaching, researching, mentoring his students and faculty, and creating internship opportunities for his students. He was respected on campus as a leader and left a legacy to the students he taught and friends who knew him. Bob also enjoyed donating his time, energy and service to projects and programs at UWEC. He served as the editor of the Journal of WI Communication Association. Bob retired in June of 2006 after serving 26 years at UWEC. He was granted the title of Professor Emeritus of Communication and Journalism. He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Karin Sampson. He is survived by his son Andrew Peter Sampson (Chrissie) and stepson, Mark Andrew Radcliffe, (Becky) and four loved grandchildren, Vance, Max, Charley Ann and Campbell Robert. In addition to being a lifelong learner, Bob had a passion for reading, research, writing, genealogy, cars, all things technical, home/yard improvement projects and was inspired by the beauty of nature where he enjoyed taking long walks. He and Karin enjoyed spending 17 years in Belleair FL at their condo. Bob also loved spending time with their family, friends, and traveling. He also enjoyed their Stonebrooke family home, yard, and neighbors in Woodbury, MN. Bob enjoyed helping Karin plant their many gardens over the years wherever they lived. It was a passion they shared together. Bob will be dearly missed by his family and friends and all the lives that he impacted with his knowledge, kindness, and the wonderful memories he left behind. The family will hold a private celebration of life for Bob.

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