Sam L. Daniels

1961 - 2015

Samuel Laland Daniels passed away, at the age of 53, on the morning of Sept. 10, 2015, at his second home in Ketchikan, Alaska. Sam was born in Ketchikan to Nancy Jo McMillan Daniels and S. Laland Daniels on Dec. 28, 1961. Sam and his older sister, Nancy Louise Daniels, and younger brothers, Jon and Joe Daniels, grew up on their father's commercial fishing boat, the "Christian." This is where Sam's passion for the sea began. After graduating from Kent-Meridian High School, he was accepted to the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo, where he studied to become a mariner. Sam worked as a Mate and Captain on several fishing boats working on the Bering Sea before beginning his employment with the Alaska Marine Highway System. With AMHS, he worked his way up to Captain of the Fast Ferry Chenega. Sam received several awards in his time with the ferries, including the Admiral of the Ocean Sea Plaque for Heroism after rescuing three fishermen outside of Whittier, Alaska. After 10 years with the ferries, Sam achieved his dream of becoming a Pilot in the Southeast Alaska Pilots' Association, where he worked for two years guiding the cruise ships and other vessels that visited the Alaskan waters between Ketchikan and Yakutat. Sam was known for his infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor and his eager willingness to help anyone in need. He died a happy sailor and proud father. Sam is survived by his wife, Sandy; and children, Kramer and McKenzie. Donations to Sam Daniels' Children's Memorial Education Fund at any Wells Fargo branch. Details on a memorial service will be published in the spring.