Sam’s love of the water continued as he also owned a boat as well. He would get people together and would haul his boat to the Pueblo Reservoir every chance he got. All anyone had to say is “Let’s go boating” and Sam would be on his way.
Sam’s care for others and involvement did not stop there. A few of us at Doherty decided we needed to honor all those colleagues who were retiring and celebrate them with a party. Of course, Sam was one of those people. Retirement parties became an occasion no one wanted to miss, and they continued after he retired for a few more years. 
During the time of the last retirement party, I got a call in the late afternoon from Sam. He says, “I will not be able to come to the party tonight as I am in Pueblo right now.” I said “Pueblo?” Sam says “Yes, I am here waiting for the priest to arrive as Carmen and I are getting married today." Obviously, that took precedence over any retirement party. 
Sam had a way of inviting people to attend that they could not refuse. As a result, the parties were a big hit with great entertainment and great fun. Teachers were asking "When is the next party, Sam?"
Sam had kind words and encouragement for everyone. His caring demeanor and leadership skills were unparalleled at Doherty High School.
Sam will be missed by all who knew him.
Jan Parker, January 22, 2022

I met Sam after he transferred to Doherty High School during the 1980’s and collaborated with him until we both retired in 2005. During that time Sam was the Department Chairman for Special Education at Doherty High School. At one point during this time Sam asked me to “team teach” with him in the Special Ed Biology classes which we did together for many years. 
At this time, I witnessed how much Sam cared for each student in his classes. He took all the time needed to complete conversations with each student until he was confident that they understood. 
Whenever students came to see him in his office, he stopped whatever he was doing and gave each student his undivided attention. He genuinely cared about all his students. 
Sam also cared about the wellbeing of his colleagues and friends. For many years Sam would invite friends to accompany him going boating on Lake Powell for a week during the summer. He would rent a houseboat, organize the dinners for each night with his guests and make sure there was entertainment in the evening. One year Jim and I were privileged enough to go along on this excursion. It was great fun.
To be continued...

Fun times with Sam.  Always had a good time with our primo, Sam.


Sam - a brother, a friend, a confident, an uncle to our daughters.  All of these and more are who Sam is to us.  We met as young adults in our 20’s and lived intertwining lives into our 70’s. We had many shared experiences as we moved through life.  We laughed - and cried.  We drove the streets of small town Raton searching for nightlife. We walked the hills of Sugarite Canyon with our bow and arrows- never shot a deer but shared many stories. Sam was there through the many stages of parenthood. He always listened to our daughters problems. They loved him. He opened his home to us when we needed a break from the small town. When life’s problems became overwhelming, he was there as a support for us both. His friendship had no limits.
We loved him. Still love him and will miss his presence. Rest easy, Sam. You will live forever in our memories.  Love, Anna and Rod

Samuelito (Vato Loco),  how heavy my heart is to say, "Hasta luego" my friend.  I am happy that you are no longer suffering as you did for so long, but I will miss you.   Thank you for all of the good times we spent together on the water, on our bikes, and on the tennis and raquetball courts.  We argued and we fought, but we always had one another's back.  Thank you for recruiting me to DHS and for introducing me to my beautiful wife, Marilyn.  You fought the good fight, primo.   You will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Tu amigo from the south side of Alamosa.  Manuel v. Gomez

T

OUR LOVING MEMORIES OF SOME OF OUR TRIPS TOGETHER:
Swimming with Stingrays in Cayman Islands,
Snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico
Cruise to Mexico in the Royal Caribbean Ship
Swimming with the Dolphins in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Appreciating the wonder of Hoover Dam in Nevada



Dear SAM: When I met you I was blessed. That was 24 years ago.   You were so soft spoken, so gentle and respectful that I fell in love with you that day.

You encourage me to be adventurous, daring.
You taught me how to ride a bike, how to fish and snorkel. 
With you, I did so many things, went to so many places that I could only dreamed of.   Your dared me to swim with the Dolphins in Mexico, swim with the Stingrays in Cayman Islands, even to swing along the forest  zip line in Roatan, Honduras. 

You took me to so many beautiful places and cruises to Mexico, Caribbean, Virgin Islands that I felt like a princess in a Disney movie.
We also went in a couple of trips and cruises with your sister Margaret to Mexico, San Diego & Las Vegas.  I really enjoyed her company, she was so much fun!

When you asked me to marry you 12 years ago, I was the luckiest woman on earth & the brightest star in the firmament. 
You were so kind, never raised your voice at me or complain when the eggs over easy turned out scramble or if the toast got too toasty. You were my counselor and advisor when many times I had bad days at work.

When we were not working or traveling, I enjoyed so much the time together at home watching movies and falling asleep in the middle of it to later rewind it and watch all over again.  I enjoyed watching Western movies as you watched the same movie a few times.

I could go on and on forever detailing what a wonderful husband you were. 

Vato Loco, I will forever love you. If I was to be born again, I want to meet you sooner, so I can love you more. 
	
I’m not saying good bye, but I’ll say “Hasta luego” when I see you in eternity.




Grandpa Sam. We miss you already. I am so glad my Tita and you found each other. You really saw her, and were the kind of love a girl dreams about.  Watching you both set the bar really high for my husband and thankfully I am well loved.  Thank you. Your presence has been a cold hard reality at times because the look on your face says cut the bull especially because I needed to. Your presence has been strength, support, and motivation. It is the cornerstone of the strong moral compass by which I am guided. You have had so much love and patience with us. You are everything we could hope for in a Grandpa and truly deserving of the title. With one look you could straighten me out and yet I felt no judgment from you and only wanted to redeem myself and make you proud. You always praised my accomplishments and it means alot because you don't waste words on anyone. Rest in peace Grandpa. If you are sticking around, I still need help. I love you. 

Dear Carmen, Sam was a good neighbor and friend.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to you as you adjust to him being gone.  May he rest in peace and may his memory live on.  Ben and Leone Chavez

Dear Sam:   Thank you for being the “Best Brother-in-law and a Loving and Caring Husband
to my Sister Carmen”. Thank you for all the wonderful memories, travels and all the beautiful places: Orlando, San Diego, Las Vegas, Roswell New Mexico, Albuquerque,	       Taos, Santa Fe, the many trips to Ojo Caliente, Española and Alamosa.	     
	       May the Lord Jesus Christ, keep you under his wings.
       Rest in Peace. 
                      Love, Tina


Dear Sam:   Thank you for being the “Best Brother-in-law and a 
                           Loving and Caring Husband to my Sister Carmen”. 
                          Thank you for all the wonderful memories, travels and 
                           all the beautiful places: Orlando, San Diego, Las Vegas, 
                           Roswell New Mexico, Albuquerque, Taos, Santa Fe, the 
                           many trips to Ojo Caliente, Española and Alamosa.	     
	                   May the Lord Jesus Christ, keep you under his wings.
                           Rest in Peace. 
                           Love, Tina


Thanks for the memories, jefe. Your humor, knowledge, and compassion enriched the lives of all who knew you, especially your students and coworkers. Our decade working together will forever be cherished, and I thank you for the time we shared at Doherty. Rest well, my friend.

So many memories. To many to put down. But will always be thankful for Sam. We love you and will miss you so much. Sam was my moms cousin.

I will miss my Brother so much but happy to know he is in God's hands resting peacefully.  I have so many memories of all our trips including Hawaii and a cruise we were able to visit so many places.
I am also thankful I have a wonderful sister-in-law, Carmen, cousins
and friends to share our loss.
Margaret Sanchez Castleberry

From school shopping trips in the "big city" to boating on Pueblo Lake, I will always remember Sam in my heart. He was family and always there for us as we were growing up.

My Cousin on my Father's side.

Johnny Sanchez

I am so sorry for your loss.  Cousin Sam was a wonderful person.  I will remember him particularly from the trip to  Lake Powell.  He organized a Riverboat Cruise and we all had a great time.  Rest in peace,  Sam . 

Rest in peace Sam, you were an Angel to my sister and a great person. May God bless you.
Forever in our hearts. 

OBITUARIO

Solomon Rafael Sanchez

26 octubre, 1946 – 7 enero, 2022

Memorial Gardens Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery

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