It is with great sorrow that the family of Lionel Murray Sampson announces his passing on November 27, 2016. Lionel will be deeply missed by his wife, Anna Kinastowski who was the love of his life. He will be missed by his sons Shawn Ginger (Nicole) in Kelowna, BC, Michael Culkin (Sonya Chiang) in Toronto and his lovely granddaughters Ava and Sophia Ginger. Lionel was predeceased by his parents Donald and Johanna Sampson and his beloved older brother Donald. Lionel will be fondly remembered by his sisters Johanna Davenport (Brian), Aileen Glinski (Frank Segato), Barbara, sister in law, Margot Sampson, and nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by his special feline friends Malcolm and Kitcha.

Lionel was born in St. Boniface Manitoba on July 27, 1947, spending the first 10 years of his life in Kilmessan, Ireland before returning to live in Toronto. Lionel was a Corporal in the Canadian Army serving with the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) stationed in Edmonton and Winnipeg. Lionel went to Cyprus twice with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force and was awarded the Peacekeeping Medal. He was also stationed in Germany and awarded the Special Service Medal. After his military service, Lionel joined the Toronto Police Service and later became a fire fighter with the Mississauga Fire Department. On the night of November 10, 1979, a train derailed in Mississauga and caught fire. Exploding cars led to the risk of a poisonous chlorine cloud resulting in the evacuation of 200,000 people. For his service during this disaster, Lionel was awarded the Ontario Firefighters Medal for bravery and received a citation from the Peel Regional Police. Lionel went on to work for Elections Ontario and later ran his own home inspection business.

Lionel had a special gift of making people laugh with his quirky sense of humour. He always had a great story to tell about his many adventures and enjoyed chatting with friends and neighbours. At home and on his travels, Lionel never met a feline that he didn’t fall in love with.

Thanks to the many medical professionals who treated Lionel over the lengthy course of his illness. Special thanks to Dr. Buchman and the wonderful team at the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital who made it possible for Lionel spend his last days at home surrounded by love.

Visitation at the Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre- 375 Mount Pleasant Road on Thursday, December 1 from 5-9 pm. Memorial in our Chapel on Friday, December 2 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations Sunnybrook (Odette Cancer Centre) and Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care would be appreciated.