We remember Sam's joy, intelligence, warmth, energy, and keen sense of fun. We remember so many happy days of dancing, playing, building, reading, chasing, laughing, trampoline-ing, music-ing, and limitless adventure-ing together in Texas. We remember always saying that Sam, with his curly hair and long eyelashes, was just about the cutest kid we'd ever seen!

Most especially, we remember the joy Sam brought to the Mitchell family and how very, very much they loved him.

Marilou, Kelley, and Andy -- thank you for sharing Sam with us. We love you and are sending so many hugs from Texas.

Lauren, Nathan, Lisa, and Jim Haley

Dancing curls.  Wry grin.  Quick wit.  Sam brought more to this world than most do in an entire lifetime.  I am grateful for knowing Sam, for seeing him grow in a family of love and support and adventure.  For seeing him try hard things.  For seeing him know great things.  I am grateful for basking in his deep and embracing love which he spread easily across a needy world.  I know I will  be warmed forever by his gentle glowing spirit that graces everyone who knew him.  

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Sam. We remember him as a kind and thoughtful young man who always tried to do his best. He was a friend to all the scouts in troop, and the troop was lucky to have him as a member, a role model, and a leader.  We will never forget his smile and excitement the night of his Eagle BOR. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his family and all who love him. He will be missed. 

Sam was my roommate in Marine Drive for 3 years. I got to know Sam very well and he became a close friend of mine. Sam was such a smart and caring person who felt a deep sense of empathy towards others. I shared many great memories with Sam. We always enjoyed singing together and going to Karaoke. Whenever a song plays that we used to sing, it reminds me of Sam and makes me smile. 

Our hearts are broken hearing of your loss.  Sam was an adventurous soul and a true leader.  Troop 511 wouldn't have been the same without his spirit, drive and leadership.  He was an inspiration to my son and always seemed to have a light in his eye.  I was personally so impressed by his drive and kindness and quiet leadership. He led by example and seemed to take any challenges on.  The world is a  dimmer without him in it.  We will never forget him.  Sending love and sincerest condolences to you all. In my thoughts and prayers.   

For Sam's loved ones,

Thank you for giving the world Sam. We were fortunate enough to be in his presence, and we are grateful for the time we shared with such an incredible soul.

We shared first year together. In each memory I hold, we were always smiling or laughing about something. His nature was so pure - he was kind, curious, humble and calming. I was always so glad to run into him. Whenever people spoke of Sam, it was with respect. He was brilliant. He had a truly good heart.

I hope the love and light that radiated from him, that drew us closer to him, in awe of him, is where he is held now in protection, and at peace. 

May you find strength as you hold him close in all your beautiful memories, and trust that he is in a better place.





Sam was one of the first people I met at UBC and we remained friends throughout our whole time there. I wanted to share some memories from that time.. 

Sam was a real genius- and I mean that literally. When he was healthy and attending classes, he would be getting grades that didn't seem possible to the rest of us. I remember he used to come over to our apartment in Marine Drive, find a random text book for a class he had never taken and just start learning it. 

He had this fantastically jaded sense of humour and would always drop hilarious one liners into conversations.

We used to spend evenings in first, second and third year roaming around campus and finding cool and hidden spots to just hang out- whether it was the roof of the marine parkade, nitobe and the areas around the asian library, the trails behind MOA or other little niche locations we found over the years. --

The picture I attached is one of my favourites of his. At the peak of a back to school party, in front of almost 1000 people at the UBC farm, Sam got up and started dancing. It was so funny, memorable and beautiful.

I will miss him greatly and wish I could have shared these memories with him earlier. My heart goes out to his family at this time.

So, so saddened by Sam’s passing. I will always remember the smiling boy who helped clean up my yard in the summer, the polite young man who invited me to share in his Eagle Scout Rank Court of Honor and the fine, generous person who helped me so much at the time of my move from Calgary. Goodbye, dear Sam.

I knew Sam mainly through two of my extremely good friends- back in 2015 I went to visit them in Vancouver, having been years since high school, I was excited to finally get a glimpse into the lives that my friends were living all the way across the globe in Canada. 

Upon arriving, I remember the beautiful cherry blossoms, the massive UBC campus, the spacious neighborhoods, and stunning environment that British Columbia was. Back in Subic, our home town didn't have much, but what it had was good people- what we took away from it was the quality of our relationships. Everything else aside, when I met Sam- I remember he was the most comforting part of that trip for me. Because the moment I met him was the moment I knew my friends had found a person that could make them feel at home. 

Sam didn't know me, but we immediately connected because of the people in our lives. He treated me like I was his closest friend and made me feel as through I was right back at home

 

Sam was a beautiful, beautiful human, and I’m so lucky I got to call him a friend. He was thoughtful, kind, and beyond generous in every sense of the word. Sam and I connected over our shared darkness,  and knew each other struggled with deep depression. He would always reach out when I opened up about my mental health and was so receptive to talking about the hard stuff. 

Though we weren’t the closest of friends, in 2015 when I was hosting a Defeat Depression run, he was one of the first to enthusiastically sign up and was one of the most generous donors. He showed up the day of the run in the pouring rain with a big smile on his face. Because that’s the kind of guy Sam was - selfless, helping others, and supportive. 

Sam was also so fun to be around when we were out, I remember him convincing me to sing along and dance to “Uptown Funk” with him - his smile and laugh were contagious. 

I’ll never forget one of my last conversations with Sam - he reached out when I was struggling and said “We aren’t alone in this.” 

My deepest condolences to Sam’s entire family, please know he left a mark on my heart that will never fade. 

Sam and I met in fourth grade where I had the privilege to get to know him well during a school trip. His humour, boundless energy and magnetic personality left a lasting impression on myself and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. We reconnected at UBC where he remained one of the brightest and hardest working individuals I have ever met. Alongside his unmatchable work ethic, I discovered firsthand that he was also extremely compassionate and willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. Sam deserved all the happiness in the world, and it pains me greatly that he felt he could not find it. My heart and deepest condolences go out to his family who he always fondly spoke of.

Sam and I worked together on an internship in Seal lake oil sands while we were both in university. We used to share stories of all the crazy things that would happen at the plant each day. Instantly, I could tell Sam was a compassionate person, with a determined work ethic, and aspirations to be the best person he could possibly be. Always lending a helping hand, and an ear to listen. We would fly up to site together, share meals together, and have a few well earned drinks together at the Boston pizza in Peace River after the 14 days straight of shifts. I’ll cherish these memories of Sam and I for the rest of my life. My prayers and condolences go out to Sam and his family. 

We were fortunate enough to have been able to meet Sam last Fall while he was visiting his sister Kelley in Toronto. A tragedy to have lost a son, brother, and friend - our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

After reading these warm and inspiring comments, I wish I had a memory to share, but I have only met Kelley, Sam’s amazing sister. My heart aches for Kelley and her family. I can only imagine the terrible sense of loss and sorrow . My heart is with you.  

I met Sam in first year and quickly grew to like him for his sharp wit, honesty and care for others. At the end of first year, the residence was holding an event shaving heads to raise money for cancer. Sam, already planning to shave his head, urged me to participate. He knew how much I loved my hair and jokingly convinced me to take part if he could come up with over $100 in my name in 24 hours. Having underestimated Sam I showed up to the event and watched as others went up turn by turn and selflessly shave their heads. Out of nowhere, Sam tapped by shoulders and handed me a wad of cash and said “It’s your turn buddy...” He laughed and smiled, while I thought of ways to get out of the situation. But after thinking about how Sam actually went out to raise money for a great cause, from cashless University students, I realized that I had no choice. As a final joke, while shaving my head Sam and others decided to leave the little swirl at the front of my head as an homage to my hair. This is one of the fondest memories from my University life and it is that way because of Sam. You will be missed for all the great qualities you had: your kindness, free spirit, intelligence and great humour.

Sam and I met through the UBC biochemistry program in 2nd year of university. We were really close friends in that year of university but as university ended and I left Vancouver, we drifted apart. Even though we were not in the same city, often, Sam would still message or comment on my instagram and we chatted back and forth. 

Sam was such a kind, caring, and smart (incredibly smart!) person. He was the few people in our classes who achieved a 90+ % on calculus or organic chemistry exams. And Sam used to spend his energy and time teaching me (honestly I passed Calculus III and O-chem because of Sam!). He was always there to calm us down when his friends were stressed. Sam was so loving and selfless. 

In December 2019, Sam and I chatted briefly on instagram. He told me he was proud of me that I was doing well in law school. And I knew then that he was pursuing his new interest in scuba diving. 
How I regret so much in this moment that I didn’t reach out to him more, and just hop on the phone and ask how he was doing. I am really grateful and blessed to have met a friend like Sam, and your son is an absolute angel. 

 I am donating to the North and West Vancouver branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Sam’s honour. 

My deepest condolences to Sam’s family. 


It was wonderful getting to meet Sam last year. Learning about him through Kelley and roaming through the fields of art while he was in Toronto. Sam, just by talking to him you can see his sense of adventure and enthusiasm. Even though our time together was short, I’m glad I had the chance to see that dashing smile and sweet dance moves in person. 

He brought a warm and sincere energy with him. Seeing the joy of him and his sister together makes me happy that I was able to be a part of that. Thank you for allowing me to meet you Sam. 

My love and comfort to Kelley and the family.

I had met Samuel once back in October when he came to visit his sister Kelley in Toronto and we had all gone out to explore art in the city. You could immediately tell that he was a warm and kind soul. 

My condolences to the Mitchell family. 

I always looked forward to my time with Sam. He was one of those people that you just always have a good conversation with. He was so clever and had a dream of travelling the world, diving for a living . Every time we talk I get excited. A true deep loving person. I am so sad to not have him in my life. He was a truely sincere and amazing person. I wish I had more time with him. This is a deep loss for the world. 

During their high school years, Marilou and I car pooled whenever our sons had after-school band practice. 
I remember Sam was kind and considerate, had the best anecdotes and was extremely funny. Underneath his boisterousness, however, was a shy, inquisitive lad who was so lovable. 

My heart goes out to you, Marilou, Andy and Kelley during these sorrowful days. What’s left is a profound sadness at the loss of such a lovely young man.  

Lenora Hanwell



I am so grateful to have met Sam last fall, after hearing many wonderful stories about him from his sister, Kelley. He was exactly how I'd imagined him - he had an infectious smile and could out-dance the best of us. It honestly felt like we'd all known him for ages! 

To Sam's family: may the memories shared by the many people whose lives he touched provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences. 

I met Samuel and his family when I was in college, and I remember the sparkle in his eyes and the energy moving through him. His fingers were tapping, finding these secret rhythms in the world. Sam showed me how to do a basic beat. I'm not very coordinated, so he had to show me slowly and repeat it quite a few times until I could copy what he was doing. Up-down-down-up. And I still know how to drum it. That one lesson, that one beat, stuck with me.

My heart wells up with sadness for this unimaginable loss. Sending thoughts and love and comfort from Montreal to the Mitchell Family.

Although I only met Sam once - his vibrance, humour and intelligence made you feel like you knew him a lifetime. I will forever treasure his visit to Toronto and dancing to Caravan Palace after eating copious amounts of pizza with Kelley. 

Sending all my love, strength and support to the family during this difficult time. 

Samuel has always been such an inspiration to me. He is a man who rightfully reveled in his brilliance and took every moment to elevate those around him. Growing up together, going to school together, even going to church together, Samuel was such a defining part of my childhood. I feel like we shared the quintessential boyhood- fighting, tussling, playing, learning, and growing together. I am so grateful that fate (and our mothers) brought us together. Samuel was so unique in so many aspects and just absolutely incredibly smart. I remember walking up to him during recess one day while we were all playing tag and he was sitting there with the latest Artemis Fowl book, deciphering the hieroglyphics that decorated every page. The genius had literally translated the entire book and was loving every moment of it. Samuel was a true and loyal friend, through and through, and I am crushed by his loss. All of my love to Samuel and his family.

We are profoundly sad and shocked to hear this brave and thoughtful young man lost his battle with depression.  He was such a ray of sunshine to his family who loved him and took such pride in his many accomplishments.  My first memory of Samuel dates back to January 1994 and the nursery room that awaited his arrival.  Deepest sympathies to you all.  

OBITUARY

Samuel Andrew Mitchell

January 7, 1994 – March 12, 2020

First Memorial Funeral Services & Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

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