Robert J. (Paddy) Sampson (known as "Jim" to his family) was born in Belfast, Ulster, June 18 1926. Sampson joined the Royal Navy at only 15 by lying about his age and was stationed in the Pacific during the Second World War. It was during this time that he got his nickname, "Paddy". After the war, Sampson began working in London theatres as a lighting director but soon moved to Canada and began working at the CBC in 1952. Though he began as a stage hand, he began producing and directing in short time, and worked with the public broadcaster for over 30 years. Some of the notable programs he worked on include "Program X" and the renowned hour long 1966 music special, "The Blues". Sampson married Bette Laderoute in 1969. He retired from the CBC in 1985, but returned to produce the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He also worked as an actor, appearing in a small role in the iconic Canadian film "Strange Brew", credited as "pensioner". Paddy Sampson moved to Port Hope in 1999, where he lived until his passing in 2005.