Sampson, Donald C. (Donald Calvin), 1909-1987

Donald C. Sampson was born on 3 Feb. 1909 in Cheney, Spokane County, WA. After graduation from the University of Washington, Sampson was a state civil service examiner for the city of Seattle from 1937 to 1942. He was an employee of City Light, administrative director of the regional War Labor Board and president of the Seattle Personnel Association. From 1946 until 1953, he worked as a municipal research consultant. In 1950, he was elected one of the freeholders to draft a charter for King County. He served as executive secretary of the Legislative Council, research arm of the Legislature, from 1953 until his retirement in 1970. He was vice president and later president of the National Legislative Conference in 1967 and 1968. He published several articles on state and local government and was instrumental in research on legislation affecting every aspect of urban development. Sampson's career began at the University of Washington as a consultant with the Bureau of Governmental Research in 1946. In 1953 he became executive secretary of the Washington Legislative Council, a position he held until 1970. Sampson was active in the National Legislative Conference and was its president from 1968-1969. Sampson passed away in April 1987.

Senate Bill No. 334 was read the first time on February 2, 1961 during the 37th Regular Session of the Washington State Senate. S. B. no. 334 was often called the "Proposed Coroner's Act" while it was being researched, formulated and written. In 1959 the Legislative Council had decided to study Washington State's coroner system. Donald C. Sampson was serving as executive secretary of the Legislative Council during this time and he corresponded with different individuals for their input and formulation of a coroner's systems act that would include coroner districts, which was known as the "Proposed Coroner's Act". The bill was introduced in the Washington State Senate by Senator Rasmussen. S.B. No. 334 was an act relating to deaths and dead bodies; creating district coroners and medical examiners; abolishing the office of coroner as now provided by law; prescribing certain fees and procedures; prescribing powers and duties of certain officers; providing penalties and amending certain sections to existing laws. The Bill was referred to the Committee on Cities, Towns and Counties. By resolution March 9, 1961 it was indefinitely postponed. Portions of S.B. No. 334 may have appeared in S.B. No. 47 of the 38th Regular Session of the Washington State Senate in 1963.

The Washington State Legislative Council was established in 1947. It is a fact finding council that was established for the Washington State Legislature.

From the description of Washington State Library's collection of Donald C. Sampson's county coroner system files, 1959-1961. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 326879240