I am stunned and heart-broken about Sam's passing. Meredith and I have been friends since high school and I know what a truly special love she had with Sam. He took us out bow-fishing when we were in Michigan and cooked us amazing food when we came to visit. He shared is culinary skills with Van Buren Youth Camp (VBYC) for the cookout and could always be counted on to lend a hand with a huge smile. My heart aches for Meredith and the kids he was a dutiful father for. I hope tears and time make this loss feel softer, eventually. Rest in Peace Sam and thank you for making our world a better place. Sending much love and great strength to all who knew and loved Sam.

Posted by Michelle Ness - Skyler, Owen & Lucky - The Ness Mess on October 20, 2020

My fondest memories of my nephew Sam was when all the kids were young. Our families on his Mom Chris's side would all get together on the 4th of July to go to celebrate. One year we went to Gilmore Car Museum where they had a small orchestra playing while fireworks went off perfectly to the music. It was great! Many years we went Caledonia Lakeside Park with all the cousins...frogs and/or turtles in hand for the races... The kids all had fun racing them in my back yard to practice 1st. Sam was the oldest cousin and led the pack as to the right way to get your critter to win! Then later years we would pack up homemade pies and go to Historic Charlton Park for a real old fashioned 4th! They had a fundraiser auction of the homemade pies brought for the pie contest...after the judges picked the best of show and best tasting 1st of course! I can't help but brag we had several winners among our families! We had fun with all the old fashioned games like the 3 legged race...looking for pennies in sawdust and of course watermelon and pie eating contests. Of course the cousins all grew up and started families of their own eventually. Shortly after Sam met Meredith he called and got us all together again to visit Charlton Park on the 4th...He with his 3 boys and Meredith's girl and boy now joining the original cousins to enjoy the festivities. It was a great reunion of our families and special to relive the memories. It was so special that he wanted to do that ...I think that day sealed the deal that he would eventually propose to Meredith and she would become part of the family! Sam you will be so missed...such a fun loving guy...always thinking of others! Love... your Aunt Judy

Posted by Judith Punt on October 19, 2020

I wish I had known him better. He surprised some of us with an offer to serve up the protein from his cooker for the 2019 family reunion and became a wonderful, main part of the festivities. He was prepared to do the same in 2020. I miss him.

Posted by Ron Porritt on October 14, 2020

Sam was an amazing person to work with. He was engaged, kind, caring, and was the most impressive first time speaker I've ever worked with. He would call and talk about how to make his presentation better for the Golf Industry Show. He is someone who will be greatly missed in our industry. Besides all that, the world needs more Sam's.

Posted by Amanda Miller on October 13, 2020

Sam was my Cousin by marriage. Sam's welcoming personality just pulls you in from the day we met at our cabin. My son Bill and I enjoyed Bow Fishing with Sam on their pontoon in Bunker Lake and the skillful grilling that Sam was well known for. We'll all miss you from the Phillips family...rest in peace my friend.

Posted by Andy Phillips on October 13, 2020

Our kids always affectionately referred to Sam as “Sam the Fishing Man.” He was an incredibly kind person who was generous with his time and talents. He loved kids and was a patient teacher & mentor. I will forever be grateful for the time he spent fishing with my husband and son and all the time he spent hanging out at our house and helping with projects. He knew so much about so much! He was such a phenomenal human and he will be deeply missed.

Posted by Stephanie Buckham on October 13, 2020

I worked with Sam for 10 years, we shared Christmas parties together my favorite was at Mike Rossen house where all the Manager of GLCC could cut loose and enjoy time together! Sam was always so kind to me, I'm so unbelievably sorry and I send prayers out to his family!

Posted by Bree Riggins on October 13, 2020