With profound sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sam, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, best friend and mentor. At the age of 78, Sam passed peacefully at home, as was his final wish, surrounded by his family.
He is survived by the love of his life, Carolina, married 52 years. Sadly, missed by daughter Jett (Bert), son Ryan (Daniela) and son Stefano. Grandfather to Tawni (Scott) and Dylan (Danielle) and great grandfather to Quintin, Cayden, Kaylee and Kane. Brother to Victor (Joanne), Joe (Susan), Josie (Tony) and his very close friend Rob. He was predeceased by his parents, Giovanna and Francesco.
Born February 6, 1941 in Villagrazia, Sicily and immigrated to Winnipeg in 1952. In 1961, he met Carolina Cantafio at a church event and they married 5 years later. They welcomed their first child, Jett, followed by Ryan and then Stefano. The whole family moved to Sooke in 1980, opened Salvatore’s Hair Salon and quickly became beloved members of the community.
In Winnipeg, Sam was a member of the Optimist Club. In Sooke, he was involved with Stage West Players in a variety of roles; actor, director, playwright, producer and stylist. Stage West recently made him an honorary lifetime member. He was a longtime lodge member of the Sooke Freemasons, also acting as Master Mason. In Victoria, he was involved in the Victoria Operatic Society, a Victoria Barbershop Chorus member, along with several quartets.
Sam was a dedicated, loyal and selfless man with the patience of a saint. You could always rely on him to warm up any room with a friendly smile and had a sense of humour all his own. He will be greatly missed by many but will live on in our hearts.
A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 3:00 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, officiated by Gordon Thurston and Erik Trovall.
Our service today is being live stream. If you are unable to attend, please click on the link below.
The entire family would like to convey our deepest gratitude to the staff on 4 South and the Home Dialysis Unit at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria Hospice and Home and Community Care Nursing. Special thanks to Dr. Saunders, Dr. Weir and Dr. Maskey for your compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to one of the following; Victoria Hospice or the Kidney Foundation of Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
62 Responses
Dearest Carol and family
Hugs from Ken, myself, David, Jason, and Lisa. Sam will be missed. We have so many wonderful memories of him and all our family times together. Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you and what a lovely family you are for ensuring that Sam had such support and love from you all right to end of his life….a life well lived.
Cara Carol,
Siamo veramente dispiaciuti per l’indimenticabile Sam. Ti siamo vicini in questo momento così difficile e ti mandiamo un abbraccio sincero.
Zia Felicia, Rachele, Piero, Ivan e Ilaria
So sorry for your loss. Sam was loved by so many. Our family enjoyed many great memories and laughs with San during our Victoria visits over the years. We will miss you and your great sense of humor and positive mindset. Best regards to the family at this difficult time.
I am happy to have met your beloved father before his passing and your mother Stefano. It is clear where you get your honour and your selflessness.
My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
Christopher
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Sam made the world a better place.
With great love
Lesley, Rob and family
Dear Victor and family! With such love he will always be in your heart and memory!
Thinking of you at this time.
Warmest regards
Vivian Billingham
Stefano, Carol and family. I am so sorry to hear of Sam’s passing. The world lost a lovely man. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Tasha
Dear Carol and family words can’t express on how we feel about your loss.we will be thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. Love Cousins Perri and Dave.
Dear Carol and family
Words cannot describe the sadness I feel for your loss. Meeting and working with Sam back in the late 70’s was an honor. I will remember his smile and gentle soul. ” I’ll see you again someday Sam and in the meantime you’ll always be in my heart ”
Sincere condolences
Arlene Mar
Carol and family
I give thanks to have been a friend of Sam and grateful to have known this wonderful family, and lucky to have a cousin in this family too. You were everything to Sam and he was always more concerned about everyone else, ahead of himself. A role model for all of us.
Lots of love to you all from my family.