April 14, 1953 - September 4, 2006
John Thomas Sams passed away peacefully on September 4, 2006, in Richland, WA, at the young age
of 53. He currently resides on a heavenly mountain top with lots of pine trees, a flowing stream
and a small log home with a view that stretches for miles.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his exceptional children, Kristina, Melissa and Brian;
his wonderful grandchildren, Matthew, Mackenzie and Morgan; his delightful brothers and their
wives, Mike ('65) and Mary Bennett ('69) Sams, Chuck ('67) and Sue Sams, Dick and Shauna Sams;
his special sisters and their husbands, Mary and Stan McCue, Patty and Todd Robinson; his
supportive step-father John Damaskos. There are also numerous nieces and nephews who enriched his
life.
John was born in Richland and raised his family in Richland. He enjoyed the Tri-Cities' beautiful
seasons, warm weather, gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.
His favorite musicians were Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young. He was an avid reader of history. His
favorite place on earth was Cannon Beach. He was a loyal Boston Red Sox fan and loved everything
about the game of baseball. John had a natural gift for craftsmanship and woodworking. He
recently returned to college at Gonzaga University, proudly earning his MBA. He appreciated
sipping his favorite scotch, Oban.
John loved his children with every inch of his soul. There was nothing he wouldn't do for them,
supporting them through good times and tough times. The influence he had on his children can be
seen in their own strengths and accomplishments in life. Each one of them made his last few days
on earth highly memorable.
He was able to take in one last Mariners game at Safeco Field, visit the Jimi Hendrix Experience
Museum and visit Mt. Rainier at Paradise and Ohanapecosh where he went camping with his family on
numerous occasions.
John enjoyed being a grandfather to the tenth degree and beyond! He took his grandkids to parks,
donut shops, and 7-Eleven for slurpee wars (brain freeze). He went on bicycle rides, dug giant
holes in the sand at Cannon Beach and chased the ice cream truck down the block with his
grandkids. He always made sure they had unlimited spending for books. Mackenzie said he was the
greatest grandpa in the whole entire world. He took her to the park, and the very tree, where as
a kid he had looked at baseball cards.
Mackenzie told Grandpa Sams that she was going to be a professional soccer player and that she
would be playing for him.
Matthew was introduced to 'good music' i.e., Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, by his grandfather.
Grandpa Sams always told Matthew to remember "I love you with all my heart no matter what."
Morgan says that Papa was tall as a tree and they enjoyed feeding the neighbor's dog JakeJake
together. Morgan also says that "Papa is in heaven playing baseball."
John and Carol met in their junior year of high school and married in 1972. They loved each
other, heart and soul, through thick and thin. He was a man of strength, character, charm,
understanding, and gentleness. I'll love you forever and always.
During his brief illness, coworkers from Bechtel National volunteered their time, energy, and
supplies to create a beautiful front and back yard for John to enjoy each and every morning. This
brought a great deal of joy to him while he sipped his morning coffee and enjoyed the incredible
sunshine and blue skies.
We also thank friends, family and co-workers who e-mailed messages daily. He was overwhelmed with
the loving support he received from so many people. Thank you.
A celebration of John's life will be held at the Sams' family home on Saturday, September 9th,
from 11am to 3pm. At 1pm, the family will say a few words in memory of John. Dress is backyard
casual. Message phone 392-1204.
Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.