In loving memory of Kerry Sample


May 18th, 1963 – July 1st, 2025

Kerry Michael Sample a devoted family man, skilled craftsman, and passionate outdoorsman, passed away in Elma, Washington. He was 62 years old.
Kerry was born in Olympia, Washington, at the old providence St. Peter Hospital. He spent several years of his early childhood in Spokane before his family moved to McCleary in 1975—a place that would become his lifelong home.

Not long after settling in McCleary, Rainmaker Canopy became an important part of the Sample family's story. Kerry worked with his dad, building custom truck canopies with pride and precision. Their work became well-known in the community, and those years working together left a lasting impact on Kerry. He worked side by side with his dad until the mid-80's when his dad closed the canopy shop. Kerry then carried on the spirit of their work by opening Rainmaker Collision; a business he poured his heart into. He served neighbors and friends with the same hands-on care and craftsmanship he had learned from his dad. In 2015 Kerry closed the business and began working for Grays Harbor County as a maintenance supervisor, where he demonstrated the same dedication and hard work every day.

When not working, he could often be found outdoors hunting, hiking, biking, or racing. He was a true enthusiast of dirt track and drag racing. He proudly earned Rookie Of The Year, Sand Drag National Champion, and Elma Dirt Track Season Champion. A lover of hot rods, NASCAR, and Super Cross. Kerry had a passion for speed, craftsmanship and adventure.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa Sample (McCleary, WA); his son Justin Sample (McCleary, WA), and bonus children Amelia (Elijah) Cole (Olympia, WA) and Bryan Rowland (Elma, WA) he was the proud grandfather of two grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings Kelly Sample (McCleary, WA), Doug Sample (Olympia, WA), Jeff Wilson (Granite Bay, CA) and Debbie Sample (Olympia, WA) his parents, Franklin and Ann Wilson of California, and Joyce Powell of McCleary. In addition, he leaves behind a wide circle of family including aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his father Michael Clell Sample and sister Denise Littlejohn.

Kerry will be remembered for his strong spirit, generous heart, and the way he always made time for the people and passions he loved. His presence, stories, and laughter will be deeply missed by all who knew him.