Buddy R. Sampson

Buddy Raymond “Bud” Sampson, 85, of Cedonia, Wash. passed away on May 2, 2022 in Spokane, Wash. Bud was born on Feb. 8, 1937 in Spokane, Wash. to Kenneth E. and Grace E. (Hill) Sampson.

Bud grew up on the family farm in Fruitland Valley and attended elementary school in Fruitland, Wash. He spent his high school years at Columbia High School in Hunters, Wash., graduating in 1955. After graduation from high school, Bud entered the United States Army and proudly served his nation. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Bud married the one true love of his life, Donna P. Dashiell, on March 15, 1958. Bud and Donna held hands, loved, and cherished each other through 64 years of marriage.

In the early part of his adult life, Bud worked for Bekins Moving and Storage as a professional mover in Spokane. Around 1963 his childhood dream of being a farmer brought him to the Harvey Creek Valley at Cedonia, Wash. Bud and Donna, with the help of Donna’s parents Loren and Mildred Dashiell (always “DAD & MOM” to Bud), built a “Grade A” dairy from the ground up. They proudly shipped top quality milk to Darigold Farms for 23 years, being honored as Washington State Dairy Family of the Year in 1974.

Bud and Donna began growing their loving family when they were blessed with the arrival of a baby girl, Denise Ann, on May 2, 1959. In short time, they were blessed again when their second baby girl, Pamela Suzanne, joined them on March 30, 1961.

During the difficult process of starting a dairy and growing his family, Bud would work for others while Donna maintained the home and tended to the cows. Bud never shied from hard work, especially if it meant a better life for his family. Although the dairy fed the family, Bud’s dream was to “work the dirt” and grow a beautiful bounty of grains. So, in 1986 Bud and Donna sold the dairy and became full time wheat farmers. He truly loved to operate farming equipment and make the dust fly. And “work the dirt” he did; Fruitland Valley, Enterprise, Hunter Creek, on rolling fields overlooking the mighty Columbia, and of course Harvey Creek. Along with farming, he also found time to work as a logger, bumping knots and driving truck. Bud’s dreams had come true, as he “worked the dirt” until just a few years ago when he partially retired. Unable to keep his hands out of the dirt, he began helping his younger brother Wayne, right up to just days before he shut his John Deere down for the last time.

Bud loved sports and could be found attending nearly every game and supporting the kids at Columbia School in Hunters. He was a faithful follower of his children and grandchildren in sports and 4-H, and very seldom missed going to “State ‘B’ Basketball”. You could find him riding snowmobiles as far away as Yellowstone, golfing at most of the area courses, going to rodeos, boating, fishing, and hunting. A true lover of the outdoors, you could often find him bicycling, walking, running, or riding in his side by side with his faithful sidekick, “Speck”. Much of that time was interrupted while he stopped along the road to visit with anyone that slowed down. Along with his beautiful wife Donna, RV travels with family and friends took them on trips to the Oregon Coast; Branson, Missouri; Alaska; Glacier National Park; The Calgary Stampede, family gatherings, reunions with his old Army buddies, and throughout the west.

He was a founding board member in the establishment of “United Security Bank/American West Bank, serving on the board of directors for 26 years. Bud also helped establish the Chewelah Golf and Country Club, where he spent many years enjoying golfing with his Chewelah friends. The only time Bud slowed down was to enjoy good food and tell tall tales. He worked hard and played hard, so he could do it all over again the next day.

Buddy R. Sampson is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Donna Sampson of Cedonia, Wash., his daughters, Denise (John) Steele of Hunters, Wash., and Pam (Rod) Hergesheimer of Chewelah, Wash.; Nephew/ Hunting Partner/ Bonus Son, Mark (Diane) Bakken of Carlton, Wash.

Five grandchildren: Jeffrey (Mandi) Gibson of Spokane Valley, Wash.; J.R. Steele of Hunters, Wash.; Jessica Steele (Corbin Nelson) of Spokane, Wash.; Alicia (Joe) Hergesheimer Grady of Fall City, Wash.; and Jonna (David) Hergesheimer Savitz of Spokane, Wash.

Seven great-grandchildren: Adrianna Gibson, Izabella Gibson, Lyla Savitz, Brooke Savitz, Kaylyn Savitz, Charlotte Grady, and Miles “Bubba” Grady.

Sisters Margret Nevin of Spokane, Wash.; Shirley (George) Coulter of Gig Harbor, Wash.; brother Wayne (Marlene) Sampson of Cedonia, Wash.; and sister-in-law Tina Sampson of Colville, Wash.

A 50 acre field of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends, all of which he loved and shared tall tales of hunting, and golfing.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth E. Sampson and Grace E. Sampson; his brother Alvan Sampson; sisters Marilyn Lakey, Mary Louise Carter, and infant sister Carol Ann Sampson.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday May 28, 2022 and 11:00 am at the Cedonia Community Church followed by ash internment with Military Honors at the Cedonia Community Cemetery in Cedonia, Wash. with Pastor Ed Dashiell officiating.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Boone and his staff, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sacred Heart Hospital, and Danekas Funeral Home for their compassionate care and respect during this time.

Bud loved good food and a good story, so a potluck lunch and the telling of tall tales will follow the service in the church basement. If you have a favorite salad, desert, or tall tale you would like to share, feel free to bring it with you.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cedonia Cemetery Association in care of Pastor Ed Dashiell.