Robert C. Sample Sr.
May 13, 1937 – February 16, 2026
After a prolonged and valiant battle with illness, Robert C. Sample Senior passed away peacefully on the afternoon of February 16, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by the love and legacy built across eight remarkable decades. In many ways, the time his illness afforded was itself a gift — precious years for family and friends to gather, reminisce, and simply be together with him. Though he dearly missed his beloved wife, Virginia "Louise" Sample, who preceded him in passing four years earlier, as well as a daughter Gigi who passed away in 2023. He continued to find purpose, joy, and gratitude in his final chapter.
Eighty-eight years of life, that is the real story.
Bob was born on May 13, 1937, in Laramie, Wyoming. During his early childhood, he and his mother, Gretchen lived in Sidney, NE and Carmel, CA while his father was stationed abroad in the United Kingdom during World War II. After the war, the family relocated to Nebraska, eventually settling in Scottsbluff, where he was raised alongside his two younger sisters, who came after the war. He was an athlete from a young age — playing basketball, football and other sports, such as track and shot put, throughout high school — and carried that competitive spirit and love of teamwork throughout his life, as well as sharing it with his children.
Bob attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a proud alumnus and participated in the Navy ROTC program. During his college years, he answered the call to serve and was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Navy. He served aboard an aircraft carrier and was stationed abroad before receiving his honorable discharge in the summer of 1961 while stationed in San Diego. It was in San Diego that he met and married his wife, Louise. Together they began building the family and life that would become his greatest pride.
After earning his Master’s degree in Engineering from San Jose State University, Bob worked with Lockheed and later as a civilian with the U.S. Navy in missile design and defense. He and Virginia raised their three children in Cupertino, California, witnessing firsthand the remarkable transformation of what would become the heart of Silicon Valley.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bob was an accomplished classical pianist, a devoted family man, a loyal friend, and an explorer at heart — including many meaningful (15+) adventures to Finland over the years. Louise & him had retired to Arizona, where they spent over 28 years together building new friendships, embracing hobbies, and enjoying well-earned adventures.
He will be laid to rest alongside Louise with military honors — reunited once more. The width of Bob’s legacy is reflected in those he leaves behind: his sons, Warren and Robert Jr.; daughter-in-law Annina; grandchildren Tarynn (great-grandchild Sage), Sebastian, and Inessa; his sisters Nancy and Tricia and their families; sister-in-law Kathryn; and many nieces and nephews stretching from Arizona to Minnesota to Florida and beyond. Each carries forward a piece of who he was through the lives they now lead.
Thank you for your service — to your country, your family, and your community. Godspeed, Bob. Dad. Go find the ones who’ve gone before, and happy adventures as we carry on here until we all meet again.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7
