Dale Bender

Sam passed away suddenly but peacefully on March 24,2014 in Courtenay. He was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan on February 15, 1955.Sam spent many years playing and coaching baseball at Hampton and Layritz parks in Victoria, playing and coaching with The Gorge Soccer Association and golfing until he was 50, and more recently, taking up the game of curling and it became his passion. He curled at Victoria, Juan de Fuca and the Comox Valley Curling Clubs. His competitive nature did not diminish even though his sight did. Sam retired from DND (CFB Esquimalt) after a long career with BCEO.

He loved to fish with his friends and walk the trails in nature with his dog by his side.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Michael and David, his infant grandson, Owen, and his father-in-law Rusty.Sam will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by his wife, Debbi; his sons, Nicholas (Lyndsay); Matthew (Alena); his grandsons; Aidan and Ethan, (and their mother, Krystal); his granddaughter, Kalia and new granddaughter-to-be. He leaves his parents, Mickey and Lorette Bender; his sisters, Debbie (Alex), Wendy (Rob); his brothers, Tim (Nancy) and Paul (Kristine).He also leaves his mother in law, Shirley, his sister-in-law, Donna and brother-in-law, Craig (Lisa). and their families. As well many aunts, uncles, great nieces, great nephews, cousins and friends will miss his laughter and spirit. He will be very much missed by his beloved Maggie.

Sam now joins grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who have passed before him and are happily awaiting his stories. At Sam's request, there will be no service but a celebration of his life at a later date.No flowers by request, donations can be made to bcguidedog.com in Sam's memory.