Samuel F. Wormington

07/19/1920 - 04/05/2011

WORMINGTON,
Samuel F.
(Age 90)

Passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 in Sandpoint, Idaho. A Memorial will be held May 22, 2011 at 2:00pm at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sandpoint, Idaho followed by a reception at the Elk's Golf Course. Sam was born in Cranbrook, B.C. on July 19, 1920 to Samuel and Winnie Wormington. He grew up in Kimberley, B.C. and as a 10 year old, made his first pair of skis (complete with rubber band bindings). Soon he and his friends were jumping 160' on their self made ski jumps. So began a lifetime passion for Sam. From the mid 30s to 40s, Sam worked running a pack string carrying supplies for the federal government for forest fire suppression and hunting groups. During this time he also worked as an underground miner in Kimberley. What never stopped though, was his love for skiing. In his spare time, he and friends hand-cleared runs to be able to ski and long jump. He represented the Kootenay area in slalom at the Banff Championship in 1940, also receiving his judging certificate for ski jumping. In 1944, Sam was offered an all expense paid tour of Europe by the Canadian Army. He landed at Normandy, France on day 6 of the invasion as a gunner in an anti-aircraft crew. Sam returned home in 1946, and married the love of his life, Elsa Carlson. Together they opened a ski shop, and in 1958 he became manager of North Star ski area. In 1962 he became president of the Canadian Amateur Ski Association. Their only daughter, Colleen, was born in Kimberley, B.C. In 1963, the family migrated south to manage a new ski area called "Schweitzer Basin". Sam built and managed Schweitzer for 14 years. Sam and Elsa loved to travel and visited many countries around the world, often taking their grandchildren. In 1978 he was recruited to manage Mt. Spokane by Riblet Tramway where he worked until 1992. In 1980 he wrote a book called "The Ski Race", documenting the beginnings of skiing in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. When Sam gave ski reports at Schweitzer or Mt. Spokane, you always knew it was a good day, if he started with a yodel. During Sam's time at Mt. Spokane, and for years following he oversaw construction of numerous ski areas, and chair lifts across Canada, Alaska and the northern US. Sam's retirement also lead him to Europe many times for the D-Day Veteran celebrations in France, Belgium and Holland. Additionally, he volunteered in Bonner and Boundary's search and rescue programs with his German Shepherds, Sabina and Astra. Sam is survived by his daughter Colleen Neu, (Larry) of Sandpoint; three grandchildren: Kim, Cherise (Eron), Chris (Kate); and five great- grandchildren: Elsa, Cooper, Dakota, Darby and Olen. Sam was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings; Charles, Lance, Roy, Agnes, and his beloved wife of 46 years, Elsa. Sam's place in time and accomplishments are unique. All who knew him will miss him. Go with God Sam and rest in His peace. Memorial donations may be made to Bonner Community Hospice, PO Box 1448, Sandpoint, ID 83864. Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Sam's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.