Sam passed away quickly and peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) on June 8, 2009. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 63 years Gladys; children, John (Joan), Linda (Ron), David (Anne) and Anne (Roger); grandchildren Leanne, Paul, Peter and Kimberley; nieces; nephews plus all who knew and loved him. Sam was born January 19, 1920 in Northern Ireland, and served in the Second World War with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. While he was stationed in London he met Gladys in 1944. They married in 1946 and lived in Ireland for ten years before immigrating to Canada. Sam had a long, successful career in sales, both at Eaton’s and Canada Life. Sam’s greatest loves were his wife Gladys and his family. He had many interests including, travel, exercise and gardening. He had an infectious smile, twinkling blue eyes, a very ready wit and always a story to tell.
A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Sts. on Wednesday June 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. A reception will follow in McCall’s Family Centre
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC or the charity of your choice.
The family wish to express its gratitude for all the loving care Sam received during his stay at Douglas Care Community and RJH.
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jess mansley
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Tony Angus I met Sam in 1957 when I was 19 years old and working at Eaton’s. I transferred to the garden shop while he was assistant manager and he immediately became a mentor, one of three I was fortunate to know in those years. I learned more about management from Sam in those early years than from any seminars and courses I attended in my career. He reinforced my idea of a work ethic and his integrity was a beacon for us all. I left Eaton’s as did Sam and later bought life insurance from him because I knew he could be trusted. His advice proved invaluable – as always. We moved to Vancouver and lost touch but I honour no man’s memory more. After attending today’s celebration of Sam’s life I know what I feel is true; he touched many and always with love and respect.
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Marcia Farquhar Dear John and Family,
I was sorry to read of the passing of your father. With sincere condolences at this difficult time.
Marcia Farquhar
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Michael & June Gawiuk Dear Gladys & Family
Please accept our deepest sympathy, we are so sorry to hear about Sam’s passing, his happy smile, his twinkling eyes, and
his sense of humour will be remembered by all who knew him .
He always had time and a kind word for everyone.
Rest in Peace Sam.Kindest Regards,
Michael & June Gawiuk
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Marion Craigmyle (Dempster) Gladys and Family
I will always remember Sam for his kindness and caring of others. Sam, Jack, and Ron were such a great team at St. Aidan’s and contributed so much to inspire the children in the Sunday School. Sam always had a twinkle in his eye.
I hope you will be comforted by happy memories.
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Tim Moro Years ago, when my father too worked at Canada Life, Sam was kind enough to share his love and knowledge of physical fitness and bodybuilding with myself and my brothers. His lessons and example – particularly about commitment, hard work and always learning – have stayed with us ever since and, for that, I will always be grateful.
I am saddened to hear the news of Sam’s passing. On behalf of the Moro brothers, please accept our deepest sympathies.
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Lois Hemstreet We wish to extend our condolences to Gladys and family on the passing of Sam.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely Gordon and Lois Hemstreet.
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Lynn Spence Dear Mrs. Mathers and Family: I wish to offer my sincerest sympathies to you on the passing of Mr. Mathers.
For many years I worked as a Teller at his Bank branch and I can tell you he was one of my favorite people! His happy disposition, ready humor and that gleam in his eye always brightened the day. He never left our branch without first raising our spirits, a particular blessing on those busy, busy days. He was a delightfully kind customer, considerate and patient. I loved his stories and jokes, and the way he spoke of his wife and family.
I feel fortunate that my path crossed his, even for such a relatively brief period of time.
I hope that you will be comforted at this sad time by the love of your family and circle of friends.
Sincerely,
Lynn M. Spence
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Bill Nicolson I first met Sam at a public speaking course many years ago. After, he became a lawnmower customer.
Whenever I saw Sam he always had a wonderful smile and a cheery word or 2.
Rest in peace, Sam.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Bill Nicolson
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Don, Sheila, Jared and Adam Beech Gladys, we’re all very sorry to hear about Sam. We miss seeing him on your patio and wandering down into the lower garden.
We had many a chat over the fence. I enjoyed listening to his stories. His face always lit up when he talked about you and the family.Take care Gladys, if you ever need anything, just let us know.
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Carol Sidhu Sam is lovingly remembered from St. Aidan’s United Church days . His zest for life, his ready smile and words of encouragement were an example to be followed.
My condolences to Gladys and family.
Carol Sidhu (Hayward)
Dear Gladys Ive been living in mexico for the last 3 years and my thoughts were of sam and you so decided to google sam and found he had passed please forgive me for not being at his funeral I met sam in my 20s and the lessions and insight he gave me have never been forgotten I have tried hard to pattern my life after sam but of course there was only one. My cheers to sam to the greatest man I ever met. Jess