9 May, 1986 – 11 December, 2009
The loss of our beloved Sam broke many hearts. For 23 years, his infectious smile shone with love and all who met him were better for it. A gentle, sensitive spirit, he filled so many lives with joy. His gifts of music, poetry and art confirmed his true compassion and understanding. His heart saw only the best in people and he did his best to cause no pain. We may never understand the why of Sam’s passing when all so loved him, but know that he is free and at peace from a darkness that became too great. Sam is survived by his grandmother, Nancy Duncan; his parents, Roger and Virginia; brothers, Mike (Melissa) and Cam (Hannah) and his partner, Lia. He is remembered with love by scores of friends and family.
Sam’s life will be celebrated in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets at 1:00 pm on Friday, December 18, 2009. Reception to follow in McCall’s Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Archie Courtnall Centre, 1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8 or generosity to talented buskers.
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Rayne Hartshorn
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Dan MacIsaac Roger,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. As I mentioned in an earlier e-mail, we have had a similar tragedy in our family, so I know the pain you are going through. Now more than ever, family is important. I hope you gather strength from those you love.
Take care Roger,
With my prayers,
Dan
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Adriana Reynoso I hope that you and your family are able to get through this difficult time. My heartfelt condolences go to you and your family.
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Pasi Puttonen Roger and family,
My deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with your family.
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Bill Beese Roger, Virginia and family
My deepest sympathies for your loss. My prayers are with you. This hits very close to home; our son Chris will be 23 in January.I believe our being is spiritual, so Sam lives on.
Warm regards,
Bill
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Geoff Spence Roger and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Sam. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.
Geoff.
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Lavina I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and my heart are with you.
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Sheena Guest My heartfelt condolences to Ginny, Roger and Nancy and family
with love
Sheena
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Karen Leslie I know words cannot begin to comfort you and your family at this time, yet often they are all we have to give. My thoughts are with your family as you work through this dark time. Life will shine its bittersweet light on you again.
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Rod, Barb, and Victoria Hughes, and Diana Rushfeldt Ginny, Roger, Mike, and Cam,
Over the years our families have shared such joy together, now we share such sadness. Please accept our condolences at such a sad time. We will all miss Sam so much.
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Lynn Hanman Dear Roger, Gini, and family
All of us were saddened to learn of the death of Sam. We remember him as the little boy in the neighborhood. Our hearts go out to you. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
The Hanman family
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Tad Woods Roger and Ginny: Just this minute heard of your loss, so very sorry to hear that Sam in gone. My thoughts are with you both.
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Lorna Rennie Roger and Virginia and Family,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your beloved son. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I can’t imagine how sad this is for you.
Love,
Lorna (Rennie)
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Mme Helen Money I remember Sam [ and Cam and Mike ] very well and was so sorry to read of Sam’s death. My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time. Remember the smiling Sam; I will.
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Patricia Perkins Roger,
I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words – my thoughts are with you and your family.
Patricia Perkins
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Carolyn Knight Ginny, Roger, Cam and Family,
Sigh. As a mum, I send you my prayers, condolences in a small way to let you know that I care about what your family is facing at the loss of your boy, Sam. Peace to your hearts and minds at this time. All best regards to each of you. I am sending up prayers for Sam too.
Carolyn Knight
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Frederik Vermote My deepest condolences to Cameron and family
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Jennifer Clark My condolences to the family of this fine young man no one can measure the grief, and words merely struggle to comfort.
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Elaine Kilmer Dear Virginia, I wanted you to know how sad I am to read of your son’s passing. My heart goes out to you and your family and i will be remembering you all in my prayers.
Elaine Kilmer
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Sandy and Monty Fulton Dear Roger and Ginny, Mike and Cam. Monty and I were stunned to hear of Sam’s passing. We remember him as a sweet, chunky little boy who filled the old neighbourhood with his chatter and fun. Words just don’t do justice to a loss of this nature. Please know we are thinking about you all. Kindest wishes, Sandy and Monty, Liesl and Kaj
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Freda Woodworth My deepest sympathy to Roger and Virginia and their sons and Sam’s grandmother at this sad time in their lives.
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Patricia, John, Angela and Jeff Zukowski To the Whitehead family, our family is so saddened by your loss and we extend our deepest sympathy. I remember taking Sam to Karate with Angela and Jeff and we frequently saw him around the ball park. Always an extremely pleasant boy. Our thoughts are with you.
The Zukowski family
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Phil Van Huizen My deepest condolences Cam and family.
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Jennifer MacDonald Dear Ginny and Roger,
My heart aches for you. Sam was an amazing boy- so bright and full of talent. He is a person not easily forgotten, and someone I thought of often over the years. I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
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Maureen Cain Dear Ginny and Roger,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sam was a bright and shining star and his light will be missed by so many.
Maureen
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Jean-Martin Lussier Roger,
Je partage avec toi la douleur de la perte d’un être cher.
Je souhaite la paix à toi et tes proches.Jean-Martin Lussier
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Kilah Whitehead Please accept my sincere condolences Whitehead family. I only met Sam a couple times through mutual friends, but he came across as a very sweet and friendly person. My heart goes out to you, and to everyone who knew, and cared for Sam.
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Loretta Sands Dear Roger, Ginnie, Mike and Cam
We are so sad at Sam’s passing on. We were delighted when Katrina told us Lia was dating Sam and enjoyed hearing of Sam through Lia and Katrina. Although we never personally knew him as a man, we remember such a nice “kid”. We hope and pray for strength for you all to walk out the days ahead.Glen and Loretta Sands
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Charis and Brian Faught Words cannot convey our feelings for you at this time; however, we offer our sincere condolences and are sending prayers your way.
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Sally Tinis Roger and family – I am so very sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers.
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Brett Foord I am sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts are with you.
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Patrick Murray My sincere condolences!
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Richard Lee Dear Roger, Gini, Nancy, and Family
We’re unable to express how we both feel regarding the loss of Sam. Although we didn’t know him well, he endeared himself to us and we will miss seeing his smiling face and hearing his cheery ‘hello’. Our hearts go out to the family, and may the thoughts of knowing that Sam has now found peace, help you recover and heal.
Richard and Sharon.
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Rene Alfaro Dear Roger and family: Please, accept our sincere condolences in this trying moment.
René and Hilda Alfaro
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Lise Milliard My sincere condolences!
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Simon Shamoun Dear Roger & Virginia,
it is with broken heart that I would like to extend the Shamoun’s family condolences to you and the whitehead family. May Lord rest Sam’s soul in peace, and may he give you comfort and courage during this time.
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Randy Butcher Roger and family please accept my condolence.
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Morgan Cranny My deepest sympathies for you and your whole family Roger. I am very sad for your loss, my thoughts are with you.
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Anne McCarthy I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I wish it was not so.
I’m so sorry to hear about Sam. I went to elementary school with him and later Esquimalt. I occasionally saw him around town and I just learned of his passing. Although it has almost been a year, I know the pain of losing a close loved one does not go away and I am thinking of his family and friends at this time. He will be missed.