Buzz Sampson

On Monday, August 5, 2024, Charles Sampson, known by all as Buzz, passed away at the age of seventy-six. Born in Evanston, IL, to Grace and Charles H. Sampson, Buzz was raised in Northbrook, IL, by Grace and Robert "Bob" Peters alongside his sisters, Cathy Delap, Linda Klein, and Barbara Grefe. In 1965, he moved to Colorado to attend Regis College, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Business. Shortly after that, while working at Your Father's Mustache bar in Larimer Square, Buzz met Laura, his future wife. They were married on August 14, 1971 - nearly 53 years. The couple moved to Evergreen in 1977 and eventually divided their time between Colorado and Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

Buzz was a beloved figure in the Evergreen community, known for his kindness and readiness to assist anyone in need. In 1977, he opened Evergreen Entertainment Extravaganza, a stereo and audio store in the Canyon Commons Center in Evergreen. He later managed Evergreen's main sporting goods store, the Sports Mine, and in 1987, he acquired The Snow Leopard, a locals' favorite ski & snowboard shop in the octagonal barn of Bergen Park. Buzz provided many Evergreen high school students with their first jobs at The Snow Leopard and was a generous contributor to local Evergreen causes. He continued to run the shop with his son, Matt, until his retirement in 2002.

A passionate sports fan, Buzz spent many Sundays with Laura and their sons, Matt, Adam, and John, watching Bronco games at Mile High Stadium. In the 80s, he was a founding member of the SUDS softball team in Evergreen and was well-known at the Pepsi Center, where he and Laura attended most Avalanche games. Buzz's grandkids cherished attending hockey games with him, especially during playoff season when he frequently sported a painted Avs logo on his head and a bright white playoff goatee.

Buzz was also a dedicated volunteer, contributing his time to Rocky Mountain PBS in Denver and various Evergreen community groups, including Evergreen High School's After Prom parties. At RMPBS, he and Laura participated in the Channel 6 Auctions, Membership drives, and the Station's Archives project. In 2008, Buzz was honored with the "From the Heart" award for his nearly 50 years of service at RMPBS.

Buzz enjoyed traveling with Laura, skiing with his sons, spending time at his Lake of the Ozarks home, watching ANY hockey game, fishing with his best friend, and being an active community member. Above all, he cherished time with his family. Nothing was more important to Buzz than time with his wife, Laura, his sons, his grandkids, and his dogs.

Buzz is survived by his wife, Laura; their three sons, Matt, Adam, and John; their daughters-in- law, Erin, Karen, and Emily; their grandchildren, Ben, Jacob, Abby, Mattias, and Isabelle; and their dogs, Max and Denali.

Family and friends of the Sampson family are invited to celebrate Buzz's life at The Barn (Evergreen Memorial Park) on Monday, October 21, at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Rocky Mountain PBS or Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice in honor of Buzz.