Sam R. KREILING

KREILING, Sam R. 1930 - 2017 86, passed away peacefully in Boise, Idaho on Friday, January 20, 2017. Sam was born to Samuel and Anne Kreiling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, older brother to Paul. Sam's full life included a career as a hobby shop owner, corporate pilot, a violinist, a father, uncle, brother, grandfather and loving husband. He studied engineering and accounting at General Motors Institute (now called Kettering University), and learned to fly while serving in the US Army. His love of music started early at the age of eight and includes a 12-year stretch as concertmaster and co-conductor of the Butler Country Symphony Orchestra in Pennsylvania. After retiring in the mid 1990's as chief pilot for Crawford Fitting Co. of Cleveland, Ohio he moved to SaddleBrooke in Tucson, Arizona with his wife, Marty. Sam and Marty enjoyed 39 years of marriage and loved their retirement in Tucson, Arizona. He became concertmaster of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO) also served as concertmaster of the Catalina Chamber Orchestra. After initiating SASO's first appearance in SaddleBrooke, it led to a full-blown concert series. The first season sold out in one day. Over his 14 years with SASO, he also served as orchestra president from 1996 until 2002. The Kreilings also have been financial boosters for the orchestra, helping to establish the group's endowment fund and launching a campaign to raise funds to buy the orchestra a set of timpani. Sam was also active in the Tucson Soaring club serving as president for several years, and he continued his love of flight by building and flying remote controlled airplanes. He was an avid boater, fisherman, as well as a golfer throughout his life and enjoyed traveling with Marty. Sam had a great sense of humor that his children, Amy and Scott, fondly remember and it was nice to see their father who was so accomplished be down to earth in making life fun. He was a loving father, and as husband to Marty we remember how they held hands and looked at each other with love. Sam is survived by son, Scott (Cheryl); daughter, Amy (Roy): his brother, Paul (Diana) and grandchildren, Chae and Cole. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews as well as beloved friends. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Marty. The family is grateful to the staff at Plantation Place in Boise for their loving and wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra. Sam passed within a week after his wife of 39 years, Marty, so a combined service was already held with family and friends in Boise, Idaho and a violinist played one of his favorite songs that he had played many times.