Douglas A. Sampson, of rural Boyd, died on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, at the age of 59. Visitation on Tuesday, May 24, at Grace Lutheran Church from 6 PM with the Memorial Service at 8 PM with Pastor Kendall Stelter officiating; vocalist, Kelly Snell accompanied on piano by Chris Lehne, sang "Borning Cry" and "The Old Rugged Cross" and the recording of "Whenever God Shines His Light" was played. Military honors were by the Strand-Saboe VFW Post of Dawson Douglas Allan Sampson was born May 14th, 1952, to Red and Olga Sampson in Dawson, MN. There he was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church. In 1970, he graduated from Dawson High, where, in his school years, he made many friends and played ball, where he earned his nickname "Digger". While playing ball, he would stand at bat and dig his foot in the dirt,waiting for the pitch-much like a bull getting ready to pounce. After graduation, Doug enlisted in the Army National Guard. Soon after, he married his high school sweetheart, Gail Winslow. To this marriage, 3 children were born: Allison, Jessica and Doug, Jr. Doug attended Willmar Vo-Tech, where he completed classes in Machine, Tool and Die, working this trade for several years in Bloomington, MN. In 1979, Doug moved to San Diego, CA, where he went to work for the Navy. For nearly two decades, he designed and built several air craft components that are still used today. He received multiple awards and commendations for his intellect and completion of designs that would propel the Navy and USA in design and strategy. Doug shared a short-lived love with Sonya Ramirez, as she passed early of a brain aneurism. After the loss of Sonya, Doug had his ups and downs, as we all do. He started his own auto and boat detailing business, in which he stayed very busy. He found comfort thru his AA meetings and the new friends he made. Doug came home to the Dawson-Boyd area for his nephew's wedding. During that visit, he met Tracy Banks and extended his vacation. The two were constantly on the phone when they were not together. Tracy finally flew to California for a visit, which lasted for months. In turn, Doug moved back to Boyd with Tracy, and they were married on May 1, 2008. In late 2010, Doug was diagnosed with colon cancer. After removing a tumor in Montevideo, Doug went to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center for cancer treatments. Though the treatments were tough, Doug felt certain he would beat cancer. He was happy and full of hope. On May 18th, 2011, four days after his 59th birthday, he passed due to treatment complications. He is survived by his wife, Tracy of rural Boyd; his children: Allison (Chad) Dansby of Hutchinson, Jessica (Chad) Hunsinger of Fort Collins, CO, and Douglas, Jr. (Tami) Sampson of Dawson; 8 grandchildren: Cody, Taylor, Dalton & Cassidy Dansby of Hutchinson and Oliver, Crosby, Cal & Marley Hunsinger of Fort Collins, CO; sister, Barb (Dave) Anspach of Montevideo; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olga and Red; and a nephew, Christopher. Doug was a truly loving and funny man who was full of life and enjoyed riding his Harley, detailing his Corvette, and spending time with his family and friends. He will be missed by all.