Passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a brief but hard-fought battle with cancer at his home in Arthur on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Betty for 60 years; his life-long dance partner. Father of Sue Green and her husband Robert, Ian Fraser and his wife Sheryl Joyner, Ann Cesar and her husband Ed, Helen Jackson and her husband Mike, and Beth Kapsimalis and her husband Tom. Proud Granda of Ryan, John and Kyle Green, Claire and Drew Fraser, Ewan and Alec Cesar, James and Ella Jackson, and Henry and Bette Kapsimalis. Survived by his sister Beth Duncan, in-laws William, Robert, Georgina, Andy, and Archie Jones. He was predeceased by his brothers Willie and Gerald; all of Northern Ireland. Born at Killylane, Northern Ireland. He met Betty in 1961 at a young farmers dance. Married at Belfast Castle in 1965 and quickly immigrated to Canada to work as a farm manager in Chatham. He was soon offered a job at Dow Chemical and they moved to Point Edward, where they started their family. Town life wasn’t for them and they purchased a farm in Courtright. He enjoyed cash cropping and sheep farming on their 100 acre farm. After retirement Sam and Betty continued their adventure by purchasing a small maple syrup farm in Ayton. In 2020, they settled into town life again, purchasing a lovely bungalow in Arthur. Sam embraced the communities he lived in and donated his time to help them thrive. He was an active member of the local community as an Elder, Treasurer, and Board member of Knox-Moore Presbyterian Church and founding Board member of the Thompson Gardens retirement home. He volunteered annually as a member of the Moore Agricultural Society. More recently, he volunteered with the Saugeen Conservation Authority for their annual Christmas in the Country event and was an active contributor to planning the Canadian Foodgrains Bank fundraisers. He was someone you could count on. For 31 years, Sam was a Millwright with Dow Chemical Canada where he made many friendships that lasted his lifetime. In his retirement years he also worked for Ontario Hydro, Polysar and Purdy Fisheries continuing his passion for fixing and solving mechanical problems. He enjoyed wood working and painting in his spare time. More recently he enjoyed Friday nights at the curling club. A calm and steady supporter at countless hockey games, tractor pulls, dance events, ski races, graduations, competitions, and birthday parties, his kids and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Sam and Betty were travelling partners and active in the outdoors. They enjoyed travelling, camping, cruising, and touring across Canada and beyond. Sam especially enjoyed driving the countryside. The family would like to thank all of the support staff at St. Elizabeth’s and Bayshore, with special thanks to Kathy, Kristen, Kelly and Sue, and neighbour Norma. The funeral service was held from Knox-Calvin Presbyterian Church, Harriston on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 2:00pm, with visitation from 12:00 Noon until time of service. Reception followed in the church hall. Memorial donations to Knox-Calvin Presbyterian Church, Harriston, or Canadian Foodgrains Bank would be appreciated and may be made through the Hardy-Lee Funeral Home, Harriston. Online condolences may be left at www.hardyleefuneralhome.com
