Sam Woodruff: Feb 28, 1949-Nov 12, 2012
Editor's Note: This tribute was written by George Fischer, Sam Woodruff's partner for many years. George sent us the photo of him and Sam. The other photos here were taken from Sam's Facebook page, including the banner above, a photo that Sam commented on by saying, "This is a picture of a happy man!!!" (April 18 at 8:03pm). The photo with the children below is Sam with his grandchildren, Jack and Anna Wallace, who he loved dearly. The photo to the left is a photo of a display of Sam's art. If you would like to add anything here, we welcome your comments and condolences on this page. Sam will be missed by the Merida community.
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Sam Warren Woodruff was murdered early Monday morning on the 12th of November. He died a violent death that should never be the fate of anyone let alone a gentle and trusting soul like him.
Sam was one of those rare individuals who never said anything bad about anyone, never lifted a finger to hurt anyone and always thought the best of everyone. I have gathered my thoughts about this man and I am honored to be able to share them with you.
To my good friend Sam:
I thought of you today when the sun came up. Actually, I have thought of you ever day for nearly 20 years. We have lived and loved together as brothers and shared so many good things in life. You enriched my life and of my mother, Maria Luisa also. You cared for her as a son and made a great difference in her life as you did in mine.
You and I, we were so different in so many ways Sam. We had difficult times, but, our friendship survived. You pushing me to open up, to relax, to take in all the wonderful fun things in life. To run and scream and shout with abandon. And me, trying to rein you in a bit, coming behind you to collect some of the things you scattered in the wind. Always, looking ahead to see if there was something in the road that would hurt you. You up front, smiling and laughing, and urging me on to run.
You are gone now. Some nameless and shameless person took away your life, your future and our joy. Well, nothing can hurt you again Sam and my job looking after you is almost done.
You leave behind a host of friends who love and care for you… your legacy is your smile, your gentleness and your complete honesty with those in your life. A friend once asked you how you would like to be remembered, you said, “I want to be remembered as an eccentric old artist.”
That you were, my dear Sam. You lived life to it's fullest and enriched the many lives you touched during your 63 year journey.
Goodbye, my dear friend, Sam the man.
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Watch Sam's memorial service on video here.
Comments
Mark Callum 12 years ago
George, thank you for your beautiful heart warming tribute. Sam was a wonderful, kind and generous friend. He was always the life and soul of the party. He leaves a hugh hole that will be hard to fill. Many hearts are aching in our Community, but one thing I know for sure, Sam would want us to pick ourselves up and carry on partying and living life to the full. We will never forget you dear friend. x
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Pearl and George Ashley 12 years ago
Like many others, we are deeply saddened both by Sam's death and the manner of his death. We have known Sam as a good friend since he and George moved to Merida almost a decade ago. We loved his work as an artist. We enjoyed talking with him at his house and ours, and as we sailed in the Gulf. We were so happy to hear his stories last year about the time he spent with his grandchildren. Like many of his friends, we were both startled and thrilled by his impulsiveness and enthusiasm for what ever he was doing at the moment or wanted to do next. He was as much a force of nature as the norte wind that is blowing palm branches in our yard as I write this. We will miss him.
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Julie L. 12 years ago
What a wonderful tribute, George. As you have been a part of our family for so many years, I am grateful for all you have been and done for Sam. As you carry out his final wishes, our thoughts and prayers are for your strength and comfort. We treasure the excellent care you have given Sam, especially during the last two years. I have often thought that those last two years Sam was on this earth were a bonus we would haven't had but for the care and motivation you gave to him. Love you Much!
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Mary Maas 12 years ago
What a wonderful portrait of Sam! Thank you George. We're gonna miss that boy from North Carolina.
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RICHARD CASSTEVENS 12 years ago
I'm Sam's cousin. I have not seen Sam in many years, but growing up with him was fun and his good spirit will be missed greatly.
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Tyler Temple 12 years ago
So terribly sorry to hear about Sam. He was a gracious caring man.
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Donna Woodruff Ross 12 years ago
Thank you for your heartwarming tribute to Sam, my dear, sweet brother. You have captured in words the essence of who Sam was as a person, friend, and brother. We are heartbroken that Sam has been taken from us too soon, but he will live forever on our hearts and memories. The memories will give us cause to smile and appreciate the gentle and caring soul that was our beloved brother Sam. Godspeed, Sam. Rest in peace with our heavenly father.
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susan loeppky 12 years ago
I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. I didn't know him but now I will never meet him. My dream is to live in Merida when I retire. I am so sorry to hear that it is becoming a dangerous place to be.
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Chris Zimmermann 12 years ago
WOW! Thank you to Ellen for posting this and to George for writing this. INSPIRING to say the least! Every word is true and you are a courageous man for finding the words to express what SO MANY of us lack the volition and courage to say. Sam was part of my 'extended' group of friends here and I feel blessed to have known him and have fond memories of him. He WAS always smiling and ALWAYS happy, no matter what the situation! He was BEYOND GENEROUS with his time, positive vibes and BOUNDLESS ENERGY!!! We'll MISS YOU SAM!!! XO Chris Zimmermann
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