DR. JUDITH G. HILL, CLASS OF 1981, General Practice Residency 1982
Dr. Judith Grimm Hill died on May 13, 2016 while traveling in London. She was 67. Dr. Hill was born on Dec. 12, 1948 in Denver. She graduated from Aurora Central High School in 1967 and the University of Wyoming in 1971. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority and maintained those friendships throughout her life. She married William Hill in 1972 and they divorced in 1982.
Dr. Hill obtained her DDS at the UW in 1981 and entered the Air Force in 1982, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2002. She completed her dentistry career in Denver, working for the Salud Clinics in Fort Morgan and Commerce City, and retired in 2014.
She was an avid reader, loved her independence and was the epitome of a free spirit. She was happiest when cooking and laughed easily.
Dr. Hill is survived by her brother, Russell (Deb Frye), of Denver; aunts Catherine Grimm and Connie Christian of Mesa; stepmother of 40 years, Mary Grimm; very best friends Patty Martin of Wyoming and Tamara Koss of Florida; beloved “furry son” Atticus the Catticus; and “furry nephew” Spencer Schnauzer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nancy Grimm and Robert Grimm. (Denver Post)
DR. DONALD G. SAMPSON, CLASS OF 1981
Dr. Donald Gary Sampson died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Richland, Wash., surrounded by family, on Dec. 11, 2020. He was 69.
He was born on Sept. 18, 1951 to Blaine and Eleanor (Sours) Sampson in Seattle. He enjoyed a childhood full of friends and mischief, frequently organizing activities and testing boundaries (those of his parents, the law, and physics). He was a graduate of Shoreline High School, Shoreline Community College, and Central Washington University.
Dr. Sampson built a successful and respected dental practice in the Olympia area with his wife, Alice. He spent countless weekends and weeknights on call, responding to patients’ emergencies. He also lent his time and talents to teaching at local dental hygiene programs in Thurston, Pierce, and Benton counties. He was active in many local organizations, including Capital Lakefair, Tumwater Rotary, Creative Theater Experience, the Tumwater Chamber of Commerce, and the Thurston County Dental Association.
Dr. Sampson furthered his understanding of the sciences and history even on vacations. Every fall Friday night, the Sampsons were adorned head-to-toe in green and gold and in their seats for Tumwater High School football games. He loved the music of his adolescence and played guitar. The Sampsons hosted innumerable jam sessions in their home, eventually spawning a band called “The Flying Pigs In Heat.” He and his dear friend Ray Lohr transformed a jam session into an annual event dubbed “La Palmefest,” and eventually raised money to support a scholarship at the local high school, which continues today.
The Sampsons explored the world and sought tirelessly to improve their local community through their professional and charitable works. During the last two of their 45 years together, Dr. Sampson cared for his wife as she battled terminal breast cancer. To their children, he was a coach, master builder, music history educator, road trip co-pilot, world-renowned dentist, landscape artist, and sounding board.
Dr. Sampson is survived by his children, Tyra (Josh) Taff and Tony (Mitzi); six grandchildren; siblings Rick, Susan, Brent, and Steve; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice; and his parents.