Myron Sambad

1934 - 2022

Myron Sambad

October 1, 1934

February 18, 2022

Myron Sambad, loving husband, father, loyal friend, outstanding community contributor and long time Prince George business owner passed away peacefully at the Kelowna General Hospital on February 18, 2022, with his daughter Laurel and Shirley's son Michael at his side.

Even though Covid was listed as the cause, it was beaten to the finish line by 87 great years of community generosity, an exuberant life, much laughter and a great love for his wife Shirley. Shirley was Myron's world for 36 years. They were business partners, international travelling companions and playful kids. They were in love. Without a doubt, Myron is holding her hand right now.

It is cliche to say that someone had an amazing life, but Myron truly did. He was born in Montreal Quebec on October 1, 1934 to Russian Jewish immigrants Maximillian and Esther Sambad. Maximillian was a tailor who sewed the suits he wore to school; Myron was the best dressed kid in school.

After graduation Myron started his working career as a furniture upholsterer, and then recognizing a greater calling went into commercial electrical work with Hume and Rumble in Vancouver. In the early 70's he moved to Prince George where he started his own successful electrical company Sambad Electric. In 1983 he purchased the oldest electrical motor rewind company in town, Bater Electric which he operated until finally selling in 2019.

Decades of generosity defined Myron's community leadership. It is an impossible task to list all the volunteer and philanthropic work he did over the fifty plus years of being a driving force in the creation and support of the community foundations and organizations that made Prince George the community that it is now. Myron either sat on the board or was past president of almost every foundation and organization in Prince George.

In 1991 Myron became a founding member of the Prince George Regional Hospital Foundation which later became the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and served as their first president. At the 25th Anniversary of the foundation he was acknowledged as a Patron for his tireless work as an advocate, contributor, and fundraiser for the foundation. In particular was his dedication and proudest achievement as founding president and board trustee of the Prince George Regional Hospital Association, continuing to hold that prestigious seat for 9 years and then 11 years as Board Trustee on the Vancouver General Hospital. Myron was also a proud founding member of the Interior University Society (UNBC).

Myron enjoyed a fifty plus year membership with the Prince George Shriners, Gizeh Temple. He looked so good in his burgundy fez and wore it proudly. For those old enough to remember the Prince George Hospital annual TV Telethons, Myron was the Jerry Lewis of the telethon. His Shriners tassel would bobble and bounce around that stage for days as he opened reluctant wallets from across the B.C. Central Interior. He would cajole until he was hoarse. Millions flowed.

• He was president of the Prince George Construction Association.

• He was president of Rotary International.

• He was president of the Electrical Contractors Association.

Myron was always kind and generous to his family often taking them on family vacations, golfing and sharing his love of scuba diving with Michael up until his 80th. birthday. The highlight of his and Shirley's days in the Okanagan were the many fabulous gourmet family dinners at their daughter Laurel's house in Peachland.

Myron could laugh. I mean REALLY laugh. His eyes would sparkle as something tickled his humour. One day the cupola from his roof blew down. Chuckling, he hauled it off to the front of his driveway and nailed his house number to it! Myron was easy to smile but not one to waste.

Myron was predeceased by his brother Colin and sister in-law Trudy. He leaves behind the love of his life Shirley, Shirley's son Michael Windsor (Esther), grandchildren Noah and Nathan Windsor, daughter Laurel Heynsbergen (Jack), son Richard Sambad (Margaret Lee), grandchildren Kailee and Zachary and their spouses, his great grandchildren and also cousins from Montreal; Edna Eisenberg (Seymour), Marilyn Scheffer (Joel), Thelma Campbell, Harvey Savage, Selma Savage and Mark Liflan..

Myron was Shirley's world and she will miss him terribly.

Don't go too far Myron. We'll all be along shortly.