David William Sampson

David William Sampson, a lifelong resident of Silverton, Oregon, passed away on September 10, 2026 after a 2 year battle with cancer, at the age of 41.

David was born on October 12, 1984, in Silverton to Guy William Sampson and Minetta Eileen (Abernathy) Sampson. Silverton was always home to David. He grew up there, attended Silverton High School, and remained a part of the community throughout his life.

David was a remarkably gifted and creative artist who had the ability to see beauty and possibility in the world around him. Self-employed as an artist, mechanic, and welder, he combined creativity with an extraordinary ability to work with his hands. Whether he was drawing, painting, creating three-dimensional art, or shaping metal, David put a part of himself into everything he made.

He especially loved building custom motorcycles and creating custom gates and fences. What might have been simply metal, paint, or mechanical parts to someone else became something unique in David’s hands. His artistic vision, craftsmanship, and imagination allowed him to create pieces that reflected both his talent and his individuality.

When he wasn’t creating or working on a project, David enjoyed the quieter pleasures of life. He loved fishing, gardening, and listening to music. David also enjoyed tinkering with and flying his remote controlled airplanes. He found happiness in making things, working with his hands, spending time outdoors, and pursuing the interests that meant the most to him.

David will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Guy William Sampson and Minetta Eileen (Abernathy) Sampson; his siblings, Joseph Sampson and Emma Sampson; and his nieces and nephews, Gavin Sampson, Taylor Sampson, Lilly Riches, Liam Riches, and Jacob Brandtner. He will also be remembered and missed by his partner Gina Sterling and her family. His memory will also live on through the family, friends, and community members whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert Abernathy, Eileen Andrew, and William Sampson.

David leaves behind more than the beautiful things he created. He leaves memories of a talented artist, a skilled craftsman, a beloved son and brother, a cherished uncle, and a man whose creativity made the world around him a little more interesting and beautiful.

His hands created art from canvas, wood, metal, machinery, and imagination. Though those hands are now at rest, the things David made, the memories he gave us, and the love his family holds for him will remain.

David will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s honor to:

OSU Extension Office – 4-H Program

1320 Capitol St. NE, #150

Salem, OR 97301