Melvin Sampson

On Friday, December 11, 2020 the Heavenly Father called Melvin Roger Sampson to the gates of heaven freeing him from the disease and pain that crippled his body but could not succumb his brilliant mind and sense of humor. At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his family at home on the TePee S Ranch. Mel is survived by his wife and team roping partner, Betty Jean of 54 years. He leaves behind four daughters Teri Littleman (Art), Rhoda Sampson (Ed), Doreen Sampson (Josh) and Crystal Sampson. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, two sisters; Alta Sanchey and Marie Sutterlict (Gene) and many nieces and nephews. Melvin was born on April 20, 1938 to Alex and Josephine Sampson. He was raised in White Swan, WA where he spent his early days riding horses and fishing in Celilo with his parents. He graduated from White Swan High School in 1956. In high school is where Mel began crafting the art of leadership and was also an accomplished athlete. Right out of high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. He would go on to receive his Associates of Arts from Lower Columbia College in Longview, WA and then studied Psychology at Central Washington University where he nearly obtained his Bachelor’s degree. Despite not completing his degree, he would go on to accomplish countless accolades. Melvin was instrumental to the Yakama Nation and Indian Country in a vast range of accomplishments. As a Yakama Nation Tribal Councilman, he put health services for Native Americans in the forefront, in addition to funding resources he was responsible for securing the state of the art building (IHS Clinic). In his current capacity he provided national recognition skills secured both operational and structural funding to the Yakama Nation Fisheries Program, paving way for scientific and technological growth to enhance fisheries protection, preservation and production. Most recently having the new Coho Facility named after him. In addition to that, he was one of the founding Commissioners of the Indian National Finals Rodeo where his vision, dedication and tireless support helped Indian cowboys and cowgirls be nationally recognized. He was inducted into the INFR Hall of Fame in 2011. Not to mention, he was on the Board of Heritage College which is now a University. Melvin is preceded in death by his parents Alex and Josephine Sampson, brothers; Levi, Eddie, Joe Sr., Ralph and sisters; Jane and Aletha, his children Simone and Paul and grandchildren Nim McAtty Jr. and Maurice McAtty. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Kruse and Dr. Sloop, and also the doctors, nurses and social workers at Virginia Mason in Seattle. We are forever grateful to the hospice care nurses through Virginia Mason Memorial and Josh Marquez for helping us all through the end of life care. A Visitation Service will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Colonial Funeral Home in Toppenish, Wa from 10:00 am to 11:00 am for immediate family and from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm for the public. Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 11:00 am at Reservation Cemetery in Wapato, Wa. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute c/o Parkinson’s Center (Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center).

Melvin Sampson

April 20, 1938 - December 11, 2020

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Melvin Sampson

April 20, 1938 - December 11, 2020

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