Thanks to everyone who joined us for lunch last week to remember Rotarian Dick Sampson.  Rest in Peace.
 
With the exception of Larry Murray and Neal Harte, I had the longest tenure in membership with
Dick Sampson. We served together for 47 years. Rotary builds Friendships.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said in a standup routine that “according to most studies, people’s
number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death…This means to the average person, if
you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
Well, I have no fear of speaking today. I only have sorrow.
 
We are here today to celebrate the life of Richard L. “Dick” Sampson as a Rotarian.
What is a eulogy? It is a laudatory speech or tribute praising someone who has passed away. The
bigger question is for whose benefit is the eulogy written and delivered? Dick would be
embarrassed by any accolades or attention.
This is for all intents and purposes for all of us who knew Dick as a friend and a Rotarian.
 
George Bernard Shaw said:
“The joy in life is to be used for a purpose. I want to be used up when I die.”
Dick Sampson was used up. He gave it all.
“This above all;
To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not be false to any man.”
These words written by William Shakespeare sum up Dick Sampson’s life.
There is only one way to begin any celebration of Dick Sampson’s. That is with a discussion of
the Four-Way Test.
The Four-Way Test is a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their
personal and professional relationships.
The Four-Way Test was created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor (who later became Rotary
International president in 1954-1955) It is one of the world’s most widely printed and quoted
statements of business ethics. It was officially adopted by Rotary in 1943.
 
At a Rotary fire-side chat in 1977 Dick a young Rotarian sat in on an orientation into Rotary.
When Dick heard the Four-Way Test he had an epiphany. Those four principles became
engrained in his psyche and forever forward they became an integral part of his life. William
James, the noted psychologist, said, “The ultimate test of what a truth means is the conduct it
dictates or inspires.” At the heart of Rotary today is The Four-Way Test, a call to moral
excellence.
 
Dick not only took the message to heart he lived it. He not only lived it he promoted it and
spread the word of the Four-Way test.
I have one of the paperweights inscribed with the Four-Way Test that Dick would hand out. He
distributed literally hundreds of these marble paperweights. They were kept in a credenza in his
office. He placed them in the conference rooms and gave them out to a multitude of people who
visited him in his office, whether employees, friends, or even supply partners. Many of his
grandkids have them, and all have heard him talk about the value of the Four Way Test as a basis,
a set of values, for success, in school, in business, and as a person.
I know that Dick more than anything would want me to continue his advocacy for the Four-Way
Test.
 
In Dick’s honor let us all recite the Four-Way Test:
Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 
A notice of Dick’s passing appeared in the newspapers. The obituary included the fact that
he was a Rotarian, but gaining that foot note is not why he was a Rotarian.
Dick was a Rotarian because he believed in Rotary and what it stood for.
“He believed in “Service Above Self”.”
“He believed in sharing Rotary with others.”
“He believed in maintaining high ethical standards in his business and in his personal life.”
“He believed in “Fellowship” and the friendships that were born out of his Rotary involvement.”
“He believed in community service and the benefits that came to others through his efforts.”
Perhaps the poet William Wordsworth said it best:
“The best portion of a good
man’s life is the little,
nameless, and
unremembered acts of
kindness and love.”
 
Richard L, (Dick) Sampson was a son, husband, father, grandfather, friend and Rotarian.
Dick was born in Dixon, Illinois. It is also the boyhood home of former U.S. President Ronald
Reagan.  It is the "Petunia Capital of Illinois" and "The Catfish Capital of Illinois". He graduated
first in his class from Rockford High School and spent his college years at MIT in Cambridge.
He was class President his Sophomore, Junior and Senior years. He capped off his education
with an MBA from Harvard.
Gail Elizabeth “Betsy” Arnold was the love of his life and they married in 1962. Having
discussed wanting a large family they delivered on their promise and had 5 children: Richard,
Wells, Louis, Nancy and Mary.
 
In 1971 he started American Alarm and it has grown to become a major electronic security and
life-safety systems company in New England.
Dick joined the Winchester Rotary Club in 1977 and served as the 72 nd president of the club in
1996-1997. At his passing he was in his 47 th year as a member.
His classification was Electronic Systems Contractor.
 
Dick became a Rotarian during the Barn and Auction era where he quickly learned that there was
some sweat equity involved in being a Rotarian. He loved every minute of it. The camaraderie
that he enjoyed during those days at the Barn deepened his conviction and passion for Rotary. He
embodied what it meant to be a Rotarian. He was a humanitarian, possessed great wisdom and
found “service above self” to be an all-encompassing standard of life.
 
Dick became a great asset for the club and served on the Investment Committee. He was
instrumental in helping the club gain financial stability.
Two of his great loves were youth and education. He served on the Scholarship Committee for
many years. When health limited his ability to attend regular meetings of the committee he was
named an “Emeritus’ member. His counsel was sought to the end. Dick had a wonderful insight
into what makes a great candidate. He would back his choices to the hilt but was also a
consensus builder. He treated everyone with respect, fairness and dignity.
 
Dick never shied away from his duties as a Rotarian. Whether it was the Pancake Breakfast, the
Golf Tournament or getting down and dirty planting and refurbishing Davidson or Chefalo Parks,
Dick always volunteered and lived up to the commitment he made.
He had attained Paul Harris Fellow status in 1998 and went on to become a PHF +8. A
remarkable accomplishment. That is the limit for PHF’s. His support level of Rotary
International is that of Major Donor and he has donated to RI grants such as Healthy
Kids/Brighter Future an approved Global Grant. Quietly and without fanfare he has been a most
generous supporter of Rotary International.
 
Dick was truly a man for all seasons; a man of conscience. He was adaptable, resilient and
versatile, qualities that helped him navigate tough challenges.
He was a humble man whose character was based on humility, integrity, self-control and a strong
adherence to faith-based beliefs. Dick was a man of principle. He had a ready smile for
everyone.
 
Dick was not just a “luncheon” member, although he thoroughly enjoyed the lunches, but he was
an active force in promoting Rotary and its ideals. His was a vibrant, active membership, by
design, that carried over the span of 4 decades.
He was a voice for Rotary and he gave much to humanity.
 
I will sum up Dick Sampson with these words by Robert Frost:
The Road Not Taken
By Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Dick’s choice “has made all the difference in our lives.” We are richer for having known Dick.
 
What he has accomplished in service to others stays with us and will remain for eternity.
Dick we thank you for all of your contributions to your family, your employees, your church,
your community but most of all for your contributions to Rotary. You were and will remain a
giant among Rotarians. Thank You!
Goodbye Dear Friend……..we will miss you but we will never forget you.
 
Eulogy for Richard L. “Dick Sampson”
 
Presented by Jack Kean 1/23/2025
Rotary Club of Winchester
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