Samuel Candia

home with family as he wanted to be.

Samuel was born on May 1, 1970 to migrant workers Reynaldo and Anita Candia in Seattle,

Washington. He attended Burlington Edison High School and graduated in 1988 where he

achieved athletic success in football and wrestling, he was later recruited to play football at

Wenatchee Community College. Samuel lived most of his life in Burlington, Washington where

he worked as an armored car driver with GardaWorld until he decided it was time to take care of

his health and moved to Harlingen, Texas in 2014, or as he liked to call it the armpit of America.

He spent his last 6 ½ years surrounded by family and a multitude of friends.

Samuel was an avid Oakland Raiders fan, Texas Longhorn, and loved to play pool. He always

greeted everyone with his smile and belly laugh. Whenever he could he would make sure to

give a helping hand to those who needed it. There were no bad days for Sam “just tired days”,

as he would say.

Samuel is preceded in death by his father Reynaldo Candia and uncle Seferino Islas Trevino Jr.

He is survived by his spouse , Araceli “Sally” Mata. His children Samuel Michael Candia,

Savannah Marie Candia, step-daughters, Ashley (Seferino) Sanchezcandia, and Natalie De La

Cruz. He is also survived by his mother Anita Candia, sisters, Rosalinda (Gerald) Sanchez,

Zenaida (Juan) Candia Luna, Reynaldo Candia Jr, and sister-in-law Cynthia (Ray) Garcia. He is

also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. As well as his

two dog companions, Kira (poopies) and Reret.

A memorial BBQ will be held at a later date to share memories of Sammy.

“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”

The family would like to thank Dr. Brajesh Bhatla and staff at Kidney and Hypertension

Specialist, as well as the staff at Davita Dialysis Harlingen for all of the care that you gave to

Samuel.To all of Sam’s pool hall buddies/teammates thank you for giving him something to look

forward to every Tuesday and Wednesday.