Samuel Kamin

CUMBERLAND – Samuel Kamin, 89, of Cumberland died peacefully on Friday, September 2, 2016, at Maine Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 30, 1927, Samuel is predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis Berger Kamin and survived by his children, Amy Beth Anderson of Portland, Oregon, Marcy Ann Kamin of Cumberland, and Kathy Kamin Peasley of Portland; grandchildren Rebecca, Samuel, Daniella and Ryan; and his sister Esther Tockerman of Schaumburg, Illinois.

Sam reluctantly consented to a blind date with his future wife arranged by their sisters in February 1952. They were engaged in March and married in April of that year; a union that was destined to endure for 63 wonderful years until his wife, Phyllis, passed away on June 30, 2015.

Sam attended college in Chicago and had a successful career as a marketing and merchandising business executive. His true love, though, was writing. He was a passionate and eloquent writer and shared his wisdom and insightful opinions in many contributions to the Portland Press Herald Editorial page. Sam never hesitated to speak up and write about injustices both large and small. He was deeply concerned about politics and social issues and even in declining health felt strongly that he could make a difference by sharing his opinions and encouraging others to discuss important issues or take action. He volunteered for many years at the Preble Street soup kitchen, Maine Medical Center, and political campaigns.

Sam’s other true passion was traveling with his wife and before their health declined, they were fortunate enough to see and enjoy London, Paris, Italy, and many other European destinations. He would often return home from one of their trips and try to recreate some of the wonderful cuisine they had enjoyed, which eventually earned him a reputation for making the “best French Onion Soup ever”!

Sam had a great love for his family; he was a very sentimental man and extremely proud of his daughters’ and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He always maintained a great love for all Chicago sports teams – but was especially a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and was convinced that this would be their year to win it all. Favorite past-times also included dining out, movies, and Broadway shows. His intelligence, sense of humor, smile, and twinkling eyes were irresistible.

Sam and Phyllis joined the Unitarian Church, affectionately known as A2U2, and discovered an extended family who helped fill a spiritual void in their lives. They found compassion and comfort in a welcoming community. Sam became very involved in the finances of the Church and was instrumental in improving the financial health and well-being of the Church.

Sam’s last years were spent living in senior housing in the Town of Cumberland, where he found solace in another welcoming community from officials of the town and especially the Fire Department Emergency Medical Services team who transported him to dialysis three days a week for many years. He became buddies with many of them and his family cannot express enough their deep gratitude for the great care and peace of mind he was given knowing they would always be there when he needed them.

Sam’s family invites his family and friends to join us in a joyous celebration of the life of a man we all loved and will always remember on Saturday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Allen Avenue Unitarian-Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland, 797-7240. For additional information and to sign Sam’s’ guest book, please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in appreciation of their loving care of their friend and neighbor, Samuel Kamin to:

The Cumberland Fire Dept.

366 Tuttle Road

Cumberland, Maine 04021