Earl Joseph Sampson

Glace Bay, N.S.

On Saturday, May 9, 2026, our father was reunited with our mother in heaven. Earl passed away peacefully at Victoria Haven Nursing Home with his loving family by his side. He was 97 years of age. Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Charles and Sarah (O’Donnell) Sampson.

Da would often say how blessed he was to have met Ma (Irene) in their early years. They would raise their four children, Michelle, Paddy (Mary Clare-deceased), Keith (Shirley), and Greg (Paula). Together, they celebrated 72 years of a wonderful marriage.

Dad was a career coal miner for 38 years, working as a mechanic upon retirement, and was a member of St. Anne’s Parish. He had a strong work ethic, a great sese of humor and had a remarkable way of making people feel at ease. Known to many of his co-workers and friends as ‘Jam Bottle’ he could be a bit of a prankster at work. Above all, he loved his family unconditionally and was a true gentleman.

Dad was an original Men of the Deeps member for a few years. He truly loved to sing, a talent he did not pass down to his family.

Upon retirement, he and ma loved to travel, visiting friends and family or just staying at home watching Jeopardy.

Besides his children, Earl is survived by his brother, Clarence, and a sister Ruby Deveaux; sister-in-law Mary Howley; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Along with his parents, Earl was predeceased by his wife, Irene, siblings Robert and Joseph in infancy, Charlie, Gerald, Robert, Stanford, Patrick, Wilma Broderick, Sally, and Betty Sampson, as well as Rosie Emond.

Dad felt very fortunate to have resided in his final home, Victoria Haven Nursing Home, Glace Bay. He spent the last year and a half there and during that time he made so many friends. The staff opened their arms wide open and adopted him like one of their own. He was very active and enjoyed singing, telling many stories and jokes and socializing with almost everyone. Dad became affectionately known as ‘Papa’ to the staff. He was well cared for and for that we are grateful.

We would like to thank Dr. Jamie MacLean and Shauna for their care and compassion shown to Da over the years. Also, words can’t express the gratitude we feel for the staff at Glace Bay General and, of course, Victoria Haven. A special thank you to Dr. Jurneau and Linda (RN) of Palliative Care for your kindness and treatment given to our father. To Fr. Norman MacPhee (who is everywhere), thank you for your kind words and blessings.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place under the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Glace Bay.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 1 p.m., all in Tracey’s Funeral Home, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay. 902-849-4199.

Donations may be made to the Heart/Stroke Foundation, a charity of one's choice, or do a simple act of kindness in memory of Earl.

To share words of condolence with the late Mr. Sampson’s family, please visit our website at www.tjtracey.com.

Service for the late Earl Sampson will be Livestreamed through our Facebook page.