Daily Sitka Sentinel

Services to be Sept. 5 For Gilbert R. Sam Sr.

Gilbert Roy “Gibby” Sam Sr.

Services for Gilbert Roy “Gibby” Sam Sr., a lifelong Sitka resident, have been scheduled 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at St. Michael’s Cathedral.

Gilbert passed away in Sitka on August 20, his 65th birthday.

He was born in Sitka August 20, 1955, the son of Katherine Maberry and Henry Sam Sr. He grew up in Sitka, and graduated from Sitka High School in 1974. He joined the U.S. Marines not long after graduation.

After his discharge he returned to Sitka, and married Audrey Johnson on Feb. 23, 1979, in Sitka. They were married for 29 years, and had five children, Elmenda Johnson (who preceded him in death), Isabelle Sam, Tanya Ulrich, Sharon Sam and Gilbert Sam Jr.

Gilbert worked in maintenance at SEARHC for 20 years, over the years earning numerous certificates.

An artist, he did carvings of many different subjects, loved to draw and made many paintings and designs – some of his designs were put on T-shirts.

He also enjoyed cooking for an army, either in the house or on the grill; and liked to work on cars.

His sense of humor will be missed.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his parents, Katherine Maberry and Henry Sam Sr.; his wife, Audrey; his daughter, Elmenda Johnson; his paternal grandparents John and Isabelle Sam; and other extended family members including Albert and Gail Davis, Edward and Sara James, David Davis, Frank Sam, Elizabeth (Betty) Garrity, Irma Button, Buddy Howard, Lester Davis, Ronald Davis, Philip Nielsen and Doug James.

He also was preceded in death by Audrey (Sugie) Johnson; in-laws Joseph and Agnes Johnson Sr., Cindy and Tony Johnson Sr., Wilber Johnson, Chuck Johnson, Blake Ricaporte, Virginia (Gina) Sam, Norma (Queenie) Johnson, Leonard Gamble, Art Gamble, Nick and Georgie Chercasen, and Angel Platt.

He is survived by his children, Isabelle Sam of Anchorage, Tanya Ulrich of Juneau, Sharon Sam of Sitka and Gilbert Sam Jr.; 17 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Numerous brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Pallbearers will be Henry Johnson Sr., Ernie Barnes, Ray Howard, Gilbert Sam Jr., Douglas Johnson Jr. and Demetri Lestenkoff III.