SAMUEL ‘GEORGE’ FREDERIC HAMPTON

George Hampton passed away suddenly on Monday, Jan. 2, 2006 at his home in Crozier, Ont.
He was born April 17, 1928 in Indian Head, Sask. George came to Rainy River, Ont. in 1938 with his parents and siblings by railcar, and a year later the family made their way to Crozier.
His parents built and operated Hampton’s store at the corner of Highway 611 North and Highway 11/71 in Crozier, and George married the girl next door, Elsie Christina Gustafson, in 1949.
Together, they purchased a small house 1.5 miles north on Highway 611, which became the family home.
In 1962, George’s father passed away so George and Elsie moved to the store, which they operated for two years. When the store was sold, they moved back to their home on Highway 611 North, where they raised their family.
George’s passion was driving truck. Over the years, he drove for Clark Robertson, Jack Edwards, Elmer Wood, Bob Kitowski, Alton Pollard, Dennis Robinson, and himself.
In 1964, he went to work at the paper mill in Fort Frances and earned his millwright certification. He retired in 1987 and most often could be found mowing his lawn, having coffee at A & W with friends, and especially helping in his community.
He was an active member of the Scandinavian Club, Knox United Church, Royal Canadian Legion, and New Democratic Party of Canada.
Surviving are his wife, Elsie; son, Howard and wife, Shelley, and grandchildren, Sarah and Jonathan; son, Ken and wife, Christine, and grandchildren, Rianna and Ryan; and daughter, Christine, husband, Glenn, and grandchildren, Justin and Lyndon.
Also surviving are his sister, Marion Greenner and brother, Paul Hampton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lily and Paul Hampton; and infant sister, Dorothy.
George will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who was always there to lend a helping hand.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, Jan. 6, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, Ont., with Rev. Marietta Marshall officiating.
Lunch to follow at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #29 in Fort Frances.
Honourary pallbearers will be his good friends, Alton Pollard, Dennis Robinson, Doug Mills, Robert Gadd, George Robinson, Murray Meyers, Anthony Weir, and Don Hammond.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations can be made to the Knox United Church, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1E1 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 920 Frenette Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N4.
Miss me but let me go,
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in gloom filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
And each must go alone
It’s part of the master plan
A step on the road to home
So when you’re lonely and sick at heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,
Miss me . . . but let me go.