Samuel Pack

It is with great sadness and sorrow that we report the passing of our amazing father, grandfather and husband on Thursday, August 13, 2009, at the young age of 82. Sam was surrounded by his children and grandchildren when he passed away. Those who know Sam knew that he loved his children and grandchildren with a passion and he was a powerful influence in all their lives.

Sam was born on March 3, 1927, the first identical twin, his brother Samuel Lloyd resides in Texas. He was born in a small town in Texas, Lorenzo, to Samuel and Mary Pack. His older brother Leslie died in combat during WW II. Sam also had two sisters Laverne and Janelle. There is a family story that as young men Floyd and Lloyd would play "catch" with their infant nieces and nephews much to their sisters dismay.

Sam married the love of his life Peggy Jean Ply on February 25, 1949, in Corpus Christi Texas. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. The love the two shared gave strength to their children. It also provided hope to the grandchildren that the perfect life partner is out there for everyone, and with work and love a marriage can survive all obstacles.

Samuel F. Pack joined the U.S. Marines in late 1944, and served the remaining months of WWII in the Pacific. He also served in Korean War. Sam incorporated much of what he learned as a Marine in his life and relationships. He was a strong compassionate man. When he was discharged from the Korean War he rushed back to Texas to be with his wife and two small children and return to his job as an engineer.

In 1953, Sam left his beloved Texas and brought his family to Southern California where he worked at Brea Chemical Co. Sam returned to college and graduated with his degree in engineering. Then in 1958, in a brave leap of faith Sam brought his family to Fresno where he worked for Valley Nitrogen, which later became Simplot in Helm, Ca. He worked for Simplot for over 30 years.

In his golden years Sam became a huge contributor in the Fresno Community. He was a founder and past Chair of the Central California Democratic Party. Sam also loved to share his thoughts and opinions with Letters to the Editor at The Fresno Bee.

Sam enjoyed many things in life such as home improvement projects, working or directing work on cars, going on road trips, and being a pillar of strength for "his" neighborhood. He would spend hours sitting and working in his garage and all his neighbors would stop by and visit. He was the father and grandfather to the adults and children in the neighborhood.

Sam's greatest passion for life was his grandchildren. He loved watching them grow up and become strong, caring young adults. He enjoyed hanging out with the oldest grandchild Jason and laugh about everything and anything especially late night movies; his other grandson Garrett received "Papa's" knowledge of cars. Sam rarely missed watching his oldest granddaughter Stephanie play softball. He recently attended his granddaughter Jaclyn's college graduation. On three occasions Sam drove to Colorado to watch his granddaughter Jessica play volleyball. His youngest granddaughter Janna and Papa spent many hours talking and enjoying each other's company.

Sam is survived by his wife Peggy, who still lives in their home of over 40 years; oldest son, Samuel Michael resides in Fresno, Ca.; daughter; Sharon Bailey and her husband Jack reside in Ridgefield, Wa.; and his son, Gerald Jay and his wife Joan reside in Clovis, Ca. There are six grandchildren, Jason Hagen of Vancouver, Wa., Stephanie Hagen of Vancouver, Wa., and Jessica Bailey Ridgefield, Wa. Jason and Stephanie's father is John Hagen of Vancouver, Wa. Garrett Pack resides in Clovis, Ca., Jacklyn lives in Fresno and Janna lives in Clovis. Jaclyn's mother is Jeannie Martin who lives in Fowler, Ca. Perhaps the most important family member to mention is Sam's faithful Tubby.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Clovis Funeral Chapel, in Clovis, Ca., on Tuesday August 18, 2009, at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation of Central California in honor of his wife Peggy. CLOVIS FUNERAL CHAPEL 1302 Clovis Avenue Clovis, Ca. (559)298-7536