Chief Warrant Officer 2 Willard Sampson (retired), 64, of Lancaster, CA passed away on October 11, 2022 at his home. Will was born in Vancouver, WA on July 19, 1958, to Richard and Myrna Knutsen. He demonstrated a talent for athletics at an early age, playing baseball and football and competing in wrestling. Following high school graduation in 1976, Will proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned many honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Presidential Service Certificate, among others. In 1985, Will was stationed in Quantico, VA where he served with Marine Helicopter Squadron One during the Reagan administration. During his time in the Marine Corps, Will earned his Associate degree in liberal arts and Bachelor degree in social psychology from Park College. He also earned his Master’s degree in management from Webster University. In 1996, Will retired from his beloved Marine Corps after 20 years of service.
Following his career in the Marine Corps, Will became a teacher. He taught third and fourth grades for 24 years at Desert View Elementary School in Lancaster. Will made a tremendous impact on the students he taught, striving to make learning fun and providing memorable experiences for every student. When he was not planning lessons for the students, Will enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, spending time with family, and rooting the Lancaster JetHawks and Los Angeles Angels to victory.
Will is preceded in death by his son Brooks J. Sampson. He is survived by his wife Jennifer; daughter Amy Sampson of Vancouver, WA; father Richard (Rosalie) Knutsen, Sr. of Washougal, WA; brother Richard (Kathy) Knutsen, Jr. of Vancouver, WA; three grandchildren; several half and step siblings; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 5 at Joshua Mortuary and Memorial Park. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 a.m.at Joshua Mortuary and memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or to make a donation online go to https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847/#!/donation/checkout and check the “Dedicate my donation in memory of someone”.
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