David J. Hampton, 81, of Duluth, died Feb. 14, in a Duluth hospital following a lengthy battle with debilitating illness.
He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., on April 14, 1940, to Harry and Dorothy Hampton. The family moved to Duluth in 1956 where David continued his education at Duluth East High School, graduating in 1958. He participated in football, track and field and theater and was elected senior class president.
He attended UMD, majoring in English, later transferring to the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, from which he graduated cum laude. He served two years in the U.S. Army after which he married Carol Schmitzer in 1965. Together they raised two sons, Scott and William (Bill), ending their marriage in 1981.
David was a man of many talents and dreams, many of which he realized. His greatest talent as a professional educator was teaching in alternative education programs. He taught for two years on Native American reservations — Fort Yates and Standing Rock. His students knew he cared for their safety, education and futures.
David was a great reader of early history, mysteries and politics and had an abiding interest in art history that included several visits to European galleries.
Throughout his life, he developed deep friendships and enjoyed discussions with friends that could last for hours. In December 1993 David married Karen Anderson Adams and they enjoyed travel and living on the shore of Lake Superior with their gardens and dogs. David was an avid golfer later in life and had an abiding interest in fly-fishing.
His parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Karen, sons Scott (Starr), Gainesville, Fla., and Bill (Traci), Charlotte, N.C., and granddaughters Rachel, Ashleigh, Amanda, Morgan, and Rory Kate, and a sister Marilyn (Dave) Arneson, Sturgeon Lake; as well as a niece Kim and nephew Mark and cousins.
The family wishes to thank many kindly friends and caregivers who supported David in his final years. As per David’s wishes there will be no service. Family and close friends will gather at a later date for a private celebration of life. Memorials may be sent to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank, 4503 Airpark Blvd., Duluth MN 55811 or to a charity of donor’s choice. Arrangements are by Cremation Society of Minnesota.
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