Mike Powell

He was a good friend from Junior High on and its a smaller world without him. He was honest and wise, an accomplished, well-read man. He was blessed with many, many friendships and a wonderful family.

We were fortunate later in life to have a couple of travels together.

Here from 2011 in the bar of our hotel in Deadwood

Warren Hummer

I envy your good friendship with Sam. Sam and I were "friendly" and cordial but probably not what I would consider fast friends. We didn't run in the same circles or double-date in high school. After high school I saw Sam a couple of times. During late college or early law school, Sam and Judy managed a Taco Casa on 21st Street west of Gage. My then-wife and I would bicycle there from our apartment in the university area, enjoy a taco and visit with Sam & Judy. I recall seeing Sam at Judy's funeral, sitting apart from the family and grieving like the rest of us. That was it- unitl the 55th reunion.

Followiing the Saturday dinner and program, a few of us gathered in the hotel bar to continue the conversations. Becky and I were seated across from Sam. We talked of life, law, Tiger Woods and, briefly, politics. He was interesting- and interested. He was gracious and polite. Our visit was a fitting end to an enjoyable weekend.

A few months later I received a message from Sam on the high school web page following Tiger's most recent victory. I thanked Sam again for our earlier conversation.

I would have liked to have known Sam better. I think we would have become "friends". I think I could have learned a thing or two.

Karen Newell (Bosch)

I was saddened to hear about Sam today! I always looked forward to seeing him at class reunions and sharing all the good times. Whenever I thought about my high school days I would think about Sam, football, and all the fun we shared. There has always been and always will be a special place in my heart for #81.