Samuel Dean Diana

DIANA, Samuel Dean
6-8-1949 - 2-16-2011

Samuel Dean Diana was born in Spokane to Carl and Oliven M. Diana. He went to St. Charles, Glover, Shadle and graduated from North Central in 1967. He attended Spokane Falls and Radio Broadcast School for short periods.
Sam was formally diagnosed with M.S. in 1969, but was drafted into the Marines anyway. He came home a month later with his first major exacerbation of M.S., which was obvious by its symptoms ever after.
Sam was well known as a fighter in high school, and thereafter, as an inspiring and courageous fighter of his M.S. Sam had difficult moments when his words could hurt, but he was mostly a gregarious person, and an inspiration to many, with a heart and soul full of peace, love and rock and roll.
In 1981 Sam became famous as the first person to establish "Medical Necessity" for his medical use of marijuana for his M.S. in the State and U.S. His battle has helped multiple medical marijuana patients, and has helped change society's attitudes.
More notable was Sam's extraordinary courage, persistence and perseverance in his battle with M.S. He had a love of life, a love of people and nature, and great appreciation for the kindness and assistance of others. Despite occasional harsh words fueled by pain and frustration over his ever declining physical ability, Sam usually was silent about his pain, and seldom complained unless things were really bad. In truth, Sam really was a big softie.
Sam broke a leg when bucked from his wheelchair on February 13. His health spiraled, and after his last valiant battle, he passed away in the presence of his family.
Sam was one of a kind and will be truly missed!
Sam was preceded in death, by his parents and brother Tony. He is survived by his brothers George and Carl J. Diana, his sister Mary Diana Harris, numerous nieces and nephews, a grandniece and grand nephew, two uncles and an aunt.
An informal memorial service shall be held for Sam on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at the Sunset Memorial Chapel at Fairmont Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley, Spokane. Sam's ashes will be buried at Spokane Memorial Gardens at a later date.
The Diana family extends its sincere appreciation to Sam's many friends and caregivers, whose efforts and company made Sam's long survival possible, and to the entire Sacred Heart family for its sensitive care without regard to Sam's resources.
Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the M.S. Society in Sam's name.