Sam Hachem

SAM HACHEM ‘A time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out-those who have done good will rise to live… ‘ JOHN 5:28-29 Sam Hachem passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved wife Laurice, his daughter Mechelle and some of his close friends and family in Tampa, Florida on March 31, 2016 at the age of eighty. The cause of death was complications of Lewy Body Dementia, an illness, which cruelly robbed him of his beautiful mind, yet never dampened his spirit. Sam is survived by the love of his life Laurice, their wonderful daughter Mechelle and their extended family. Sam was born on June 1st 1935 in Beirut, Lebanon and arose from humble beginnings. When he lost his father at an early age, his mother returned with the children to Damascus, Syria. Unable to afford an education Sam began working at the young age of nine to support and provide for his mother and family. He was the apple of his mother’s eye and he maintained a strong devotion for her throughout his life. To all who knew Sam, his filial love was only later matched and surpassed by his love for his wife, Laurice. Sam lost his mother as a teenager. Devastated, but spurred on by his industrious nature, he traveled across the Middle-East and the gulf where he began to achieve success; first as an electrician, then exporting Mercedes and later in business. From the Middle East he moved to Munich, Germany and subsequently to the Canada, where he became a Canadian citizen. In the early 70’s Sam moved to the United States where he became a U.S. citizen in 1994. Up to this point, Sam was a self-made man speaking five languages and had achieved considerable success. However, it wasn’t until he met Laurice that Sam found a partner who matched and complemented his wits, as well as his drive and determination. She was his flower and he was her butterfly. They worked tirelessly and played as a team, but most of all they wanted to be around each other every second. This led them to traveling around the world and maintaining a very active social life with their extended network of family and friends. Laurice was the brain for Sam’s brawn for almost thirty five years. Their relationship blossomed and business endeavors were met with success. Sam was known for his big heart and generous nature. His positive spirit was untamable. He enjoyed playing games and always had a special place in his heart for children for whom he loved by doing magic tricks. He was a selfless man, except when it came to always wanting Laurice by his side, as she did, too. Sam and Laurice were passionate about supporting causes, such as youth and education at the local, national and international levels. They were a major contributor to St. Joseph’s Hospital, YMCA, Florida Medical Foundation and to Layla’s House, a home for educating young mothers, in Sulphur Springs. Sam was honored as a lifetime member of The William W. Root Society at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine for his contribution and an Honorary Member of the Lebanese Boy Scout’s Association. Sam also received the Cedar & Maple Leaf Chamber of Commerce & Industry award for his contribution to the Canadian Economy in 2003 and received the Rene Moawad Foundation award for his ‘Distinguished Lifetime Achievement and Community Service’. Sam was a member of the Baden-Powell Fellow of The World Scout Foundation, of which King Carl Gustav XVI of Sweden is President and was Pasco County’s Official Good Will Ambassador in 1996 to Sweden. These are among some of his achievements and contributions to society. Sam was the best husband to Laurice, best second father to Mechelle & was a great friend to all whom were blessed to have known him. Sam, as he wished, will be buried in California next to his beloved father-in-law, Abraham Malouf Ellis. In Tampa the following services will be held for him: Service: Blount & Curry Funeral Home – Carrollwood Location: 3207 West Bearss Avenue, Tampa, Florida Date: Friday, April 8th Time: 4 PM to 8 PM Service: Mass at Sts. Peter & Paul Church Location: 6201 Sheldon Road, Tampa, Florida 33615 Date: Saturday, April 9th Time: 11 AM In Lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to: Sts. Peter & Paul Church, 6201 Sheldon Rd., Tampa Florida 33615 Mercy luncheon to follow, location to be announced. Tributes may be posted on Facebook at Laurice Hachem and/or Mechelle Meredith pages. ‘Be strong in the Lord and in His great power’. EPHESIANS 6:10