Russell Sample

Hailey, Idaho — Russell W Sample, 82, died Saturday, June 2, 2018 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

He leaves his wife of nearly 50 years, Johanna; his daughter, Eltiena and her husband Bill Campbell; two grandchildren Connor and T.J. Campbell; his brother Randell Sample, many close friends, extended family in the US and the Netherlands and his “doggie” Coco. Russell is predeceased by his son Frits Sample.

Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, Russell was the son of Henry F. and Bessie W. Sample. In 1956, Russell graduated from the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, and he subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from American International College in 1958. He then received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Massachusetts in 1959.

In 1961, Russell received the prestigious award of Gold Medal for the highest achievement among peers, in the Massachusetts examination for certificate to practice as a CPA. Russell’s career began in New York City working for Price Waterhouse & Co, followed by a tenure as Assistant Controller for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, also in New York City. Russell also held the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the world's largest anti-fraud organization.

When living and working in New York City, he spent every weekend in the mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont. Winter weekends were spent skiing in Killington, Vermont, where in January of 1968 he met the love of his life, Johanna van Griensven, of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Johanna was working on a grant research at Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research in Yonkers, N.Y. when they met in a ski club in Vermont. Russell made her French toast for breakfast one morning, and the rest was history. They later married in Johanna’s native home in Holland.

In 1971, Russell transitioned his career to New England through employment at National Life Insurance Company of VT, and then as co-owner of Wagner Woodlands, Inc. in Lyme, NH. In 1973, he and Johanna purchased Village View Farm, on Baker Hill Road in Lyme, N. Here they spent many subsequent years raising their two children, Eltiena and Frits, renovating an old farmhouse, organic gardening and managing the farm overlooking the valley below. Russell was very proud that he and Johanna had done all of the renovations and gardening themselves – from installing plumbing and electricity in the farmhouse, to painting, dry walling and finish carpentry. Russell and his family spent weekends skiing, in Killington, Vermont. As one of the original investors in Killington Ski Corporation, Russell had a “life-time” ski pass - and made good use of it. In fact, as part of the Killington Ski Club, he won the golden toilet bowl for the “Most Runs” in the 1986-87 ski season.

Russell had a passion for skiing, biking and carpentry. After retirement, in 2007 Russell and Johanna moved to Idaho to join their daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons in Hailey, Idaho. Russell loved skiing Baldy with his family, especially Seattle Ridge, holiday dinners at Round House, and in his later years skiing on Dollar Mountain. Russell also loved biking on the Harriman Trail, and exploring the remote towns of Idaho, especially those only accessible by unpaved roads. At home, Russell loved working outside in his yard and gardening with his wife Johanna at their home in Hailey. Russell was a proficient cook, and his family regularly enjoyed his homemade waffles, fruit pies, specialty breads, barbecues and stews. His never-ending sense of curiosity, humor and love for life will be remembered by his loved ones in perpetuity.

A private family remembrance will be held both in Hailey and in Holland later this year. Share a photo, story or memory and light a candle at www.woodriverchapel.com