My Blog

In Memory of Sam

   Tue, September 6, 2005 - 12:23 PM
I recieved a phone call last night regarding my good friend Sam. He departed for his favorite place in the world, Burning Man, never to return. Sam had suffered a major heart attack and passed away.

Sam meant so much to me and all of those around him. He was always smiling, always offered a shoulder to cry on, was always there when you needed a friend. Sam was an amazing fire performer, always willing to share his craft, always willing to teach those eager to learn. Sam could call you on a cloudy day and make the sun shine through.

Words cannot express how heart broken I am that we could lose such a beautiful person.



26 Comments

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Tue, September 6, 2005 - 12:50 PM
Re:In Memory of Sam
I am so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences. It sounds like he lived a very happy life and shared a lot with others.

~hugs~
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 1:35 PM
I am sorry for your loss Kami (and the community's loss as well).
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 1:43 PM
Sending my deepest condolences and positive energy your way!
Unsu...
 
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 2:07 PM
Hottie McHot Hot Sammy Sam
Sam was my future ex-husband in my next life. Always a positive spirit. Never a mean word about anyone. He hugged like no bear knows how to hug. And his encouragement even when he saw that my spinning was pretty darned bad. Everytime I saw him after I had shoulder surgery he'd always make sure that I wasn't doing too much and that my shoulder was healing good. And there was the loin cloth and me screaming at him that I wanted to have his baby :) I teased him so much at DDDF he told me I was going to give him a complex. After their amazing fire performance where they received a standing ovation...I told him that he was "ok." Of course my jaw was in my lap the entire time they spun. My son finally went and sat with his dad because my screaming "SAMMY" was making his ears hurt.
I miss him when I don't see him and now I'm going to miss him forever.
That makes me so sad.
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 2:14 PM
Sam
Kami, I met Sam through you and was just starting to get to know him. He is (I refuse to say was) a wonderful person. Sam's personal magnetism made him one of those people that you just gravitate toward in a room. This is a major loss for the community.

A lot of those qualities you describe about him lighting up a room are also qualities you have as well. You may find that his spirit will endow you further with that gift.

In the meantime, I can only offer you my (far less muscular) shoulder. Tony and I will miss him too, although we had only just met him. You have our warmest thoughts heading your way.

Namaste,
-Stacie
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 3:52 PM
My condolances...
I never knew Sam, but that doesn't mean that I'm not sad for you and those who did know him.... I'm sending good thoughts and energy across the country for you all...
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 4:14 PM
Sam
I only got to talk to Sam a few times at the various Asha / CB events and parties. Sam was always eminently approachable and easy to talk to, even if he didn't know you. He exuded positive energy. Just before the DDDF, Stacie and I attended a practice for CB at a park over by the RGJ. After their practice and safety seminar, Alfred was kind enough to give me an "on the spot" spinning lesson... No the poi were not lit!... ;-). Noticing that there was a new person with some interest in learning the art, Sam came over and volunteered to help teach me a few introductory techniques. I was starting to get it a little, but I was certainly making more mistakes than not. Sam (and Alfred) were both very encouraging and made me feel very positive not only about the experience, but about the type of people who practice this art. I left and told Stacie how VERY honored I felt to have such talented people take an interest in teaching me their art.. Though only in a very small way, I was fortunate enough to have felt the generosity and positive energy that was Sam. I would not presume to have lost as much as many of you. Loss is always harder for those left behind. All of those close to Sam have lost something profound. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I'm SO SORRY.

-Tony
Unsu...
 
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 4:27 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this Kami. He sounds like an amazing person.
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 4:58 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this of your friend, Kami. So sad. I hope that he got to experience his favorite place one last time.

May he rest in peace.
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 10:10 PM
I'm so sorry...
It's so heartbreaking when people die so young... my deepest condolences.

May his memory always be a blessing!
Tue, September 6, 2005 - 11:26 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Kami. These kinds of things just should not happen.

Know that we all love you and are thinking of you.
Wed, September 7, 2005 - 6:07 AM
As I've been to Burning Man twice, I read the stories about this year's event and how a young man died of a heart attack there. What a tragedy! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings about him with us.

Sending positive energy to you and his family.
Wed, September 7, 2005 - 10:52 AM
A Bright Blessing
*Sigh*

I can tell just by what you wrote, that Sam was a bright blessing. And in my experiences... bright blessings NEVER burn out.

I am so sorry for your loss, Kami.
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 12:22 AM
Condolences
On behalf of Patrisha and I at Yaarajaan Studios we are sorry for the loss of your dear friend. You know we are just a phone call away.

Your friends at Yaarajaan.

DaVid & Patrisha
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 1:57 PM
Inanna’s Ascent
by Deanna Emerson

I have seen the piercing eyes
of the dark goddess
as she stands naked in the silent shadows
planting the seeds of vision
reached into the arms
of my deepest sorrow and
looked into the eyes of death
yet the world dance did not cease.
By the light of the waning moon
I have seen the faces
of the shining ones and
taking the sword of wisdom
cut the cords that bind me.
Armed only with love
I have entered the healing
power of the moon
drawing it down around me
to enter the sacred womb
of the dark goddess and
turning pain into power

I have returned.
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 2:56 PM
Kami,
On Tuesday, Jan, Morgan, Tom and I poured over some of the poetry and thoughts he wrote in a spiral bound notebook. He had some really amazing things to say about you in that book. He thought the world of you. If you can't make it to the service to read it, just ask me or Tom and we can send you copies of what he wrote. It was as beautiful to read as it was to know him. I'll always remember him.
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 3:47 PM
Kami, I'm so sorry to hear about you losing your friend. doesn't seem right. maybe he was more needed in the afterlife.
sending love to you,
~ Babs
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 4:14 PM
Sam
Although I didn't know Sam My heart goes out to you Kami and anyone else feeling this lost. It is never easy....
Warmest thoughts,
Tanya
Thu, September 8, 2005 - 10:35 PM
Circle of the Spirit
"The Angels came.... and there was loveliness. I did not ask... and yet I heard, and the voice was music, and all things turned wondrous at its sound... and Peace was Everywhere!"
Joan Walsh Anglund

Kami I hope that you and Sam's loved ones find comfort soon.
Fri, September 9, 2005 - 9:48 AM
Hi everyone,
Hope everyone is dealing with this tragedy the best they know how. I just wanted to say that although Sam and I weren't super close, I feel like I lost a best friend. It was his caring and magnetic personality that made him such a special guy to everyone that he came in contact with. I will miss him and his smiling face, and I know he is smiling down at all of us right now.
Fri, September 9, 2005 - 12:47 PM
Thank you, Kami, for posting your blog. I am touched by everyone's writing and reaching out to our community. They are beautiful and comforting text hugs.

I miss Sam a great deal and am so hurt that he is gone. He was too beautiful to die. He gave the greatest hugs and everytime he smiled or laughed, I had to smile or laugh with him.

Watching him perform at Wingfield Park with you and the rest of Controlled Burn is a solid memory that will always live with me. He was amazing--as a person who felt passionately, cared deeply and was a contribution just waiting to happen.

I hope you will be here on the 21st to celebrate his birthday.
Hugs and tears,
Elaine
Fri, September 9, 2005 - 5:57 PM
Many blessings and love were sent to Sam in the fire's at BM. I did not know him personally, but felt the weight from fellow fire dancers that knew him well. In the fire conclave someone passed out silver arm ribbons for the fire dancers to wear as they danced to the man. I wore mine and sent out some fire dance blessings to him. On the day after the temple burn some fire dancers from Reno stopped by our camp and talked about him....he sounded like a shining light. I offered them some wood and a pen to send him a message to place in out burn barrel. Sam's presence was felt by those that did not even have the honor of meeting him, may his spirit always burn bright in the memory of those that did.

~tamara bliss butterfly~
Tue, September 20, 2005 - 9:47 PM
Sam
I feel so incredibly sad that I did not have the honor to meet Sam. Its always so painful when someone who is so giving leaves the rest of us behind. I didn't even know him and I can feel it. I'm sure those of you who did know him must be feeling it exponetially. My condolenses to all of you.
Unsu...
 
Sat, September 24, 2005 - 8:36 PM
I almost know how you feel. I almost lost my dad to a heart attack about a year ago. It was horrible. I am so sorry for your loss!
Sat, October 22, 2005 - 11:11 AM
Sam's memory
When I got to Burning Man Thurs. evening I found out about Sam. We were all stunned. During the burn of the man I was on Lelanni's ship and watched from the deck as we chanted to Sammy. A super bright fire ball came hurling out from the man and seemed to burn the memory of Sam. I'll show you the video when we see each other again. His memorial was beautiful. The family was so happy to see so many there who loved him. As you probably heard, many stepped up to tell tales of Sam. Monique did a beautiful goodbye, Jill sang so sweetly. We all went to Idewild Park to meet with the family and spin fire for them, I drummed. It lasted until dark, then we went to the Green room and danced for Sam. We missed you but felt your energy. Take care. I'll see you soon. Love ya, Kathie
Sun, October 30, 2005 - 12:17 PM
He did leave something behind: a handprint on your heart... Love you mija...