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Norris Samuelson Obituary
Funeral: 10 a.m. Tuesday at Laurel Land Memorial Chapel. Burial: Laurel Land Memorial Park of Fort Worth. Visitation: Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Norris Samuelson was born Feb. 7, 1937, in Canyon to Otto Norris Samuelson and Bessie Blanton Samuelson. He was raised in Canyon, attended West Texas State University and received a Masters of Music Education from Vandercook School of Music. Mr. Sam taught throughout the Texas Panhandle before settling in the North Central Texas area. He was the director of bands at Everman, Alvarado and Kennedale.
Survivors: Wife of 41 years, Gretchen Donovan Samuelson; sons, Norris D. Samuelson Jr. and wife, Alana, of Benton, Ark. and Eric Samuelson and wife, Dana, of Austin; grandchildren, Drew, Thad and David Samuelson; sister, Anna Lou Ashby of New York, N.Y.; brother, Bobby Samuelson and wife, Cindy, of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephews, Jason Samuelson and Greg Geisler; and niece, Chelsea Samuelson.
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Memories and Condolences
for Norris Samuelson
Jane (Johnson) Comer
February 21, 2003
I met Mr Sam through my band experiences at Everman ISD from 6th grade at E Ray onward. Mr Sam was one of the (too few) truly caring and supportive adults in my life as a teenager. I was 15 years old when I had become pregnant and ultimately lost my baby. Mr Sam never judged me, lectured me or labelled me. He asked me a hug and said, "Jane, I'm so glad YOU are OK. Try to remember that our experiences strengthen us." He was right! Words can not describe the greatness that was Mr Sam.
He'll be missed by all who knew him...And... by all who never did!
Laurie (Weeks)Wilford
February 20, 2003
Mrs. Sam, Tiger and Eric: It was with great sadness that I received the news of Mr. Sam passing away! What a great loss for all of us! Yet I know so many things about music and life because of his influence!! I fondly remember all the 7:30 marching practices...it is still amazing to me that he could take 150 9th - 12th grade boys and girls, and begin on Monday, and by Friday evening, we were a polished, cohesive single entity, able to execute conplicated patterns for a crowd....and he did it 7 out of 10 weeks every football season!!! Todays band directors can't hold a candle to our Mr. Sam!! He will be sorely missed!!! Mrs. Sam, Tiger Eric, may God comfort you in your great loss! Tiger & Eric, I have lost both my parents, and I pray that god will especially become the Father you no longer have with you on this earth!!! God be with you all!!Love
DAVE TAYLOR
February 20, 2003
TO MRS SAM AND THE BOYS,
MY HEART IS SO SAD TO LEARN OF MR SAM'S PASSING. HE WAS SUCH A GREAT
LEADER TO ME.
IF IT WASNT FOR HIS PUSHING ME TO LEARN TO PLAY TRUMPET,MY LIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH LESS THAN IT IS.
HE WAS A GREAT INSPIRATION WATCHING HIM OVERCOME HIS OWN DISABILITY AND INSPIRING OTHERS TO FORGET THEIR SHORT COMINGS AND STRIVE FOR ECCELLENCE IN THEIR OWN LIFE AND USE THEIR GOD GIVEN TALENT...
HE WAS A GIANT IN MY HEART AND I WILL SURELY MISS HIM
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU IN YOUR TIME OF GRIEVING AND SORROW.
I LOVED HIM FOR WHAT HE WAS.
DAVE TAYLOR...PROUD GRAD OF BAND 74...
David Weeks
February 19, 2003
It is with great sadness that I received notice from my sister that Mr. Sam had passed away. My High School days were great because of the attitude and encouragment he displayed to us daily. He was a great teacher and pushed us to do our best in everything we did. This was in our playing as well as things like the Chili Supper, working in the concession stand or setting up the stage for a concert. I am praying for his family and Mrs. Sam in there time of need.
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Jackie (McKnight) Carey
February 19, 2003
I was not in the band, but was member of the Everman Drill Team in the late 70's. Although the Drill Team/Band relationship was not as close as it could have been, I appreciated and respected Mr. Sam's attention to detail and his initiative in creating the terrific Jazz Band that graced all the basketball games. I did not know Mr. Sam well, but I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, Mrs. Sam, Tiger & Eric. May God give you comfort and a heart full of happy memories.
Shirley Farmer
February 19, 2003
Sorry to hear about Mr.Sam. We really missed him at Alvarado High School. I worked with Mr. Sam when I drew the short straw and was "assigned" the job of drill team sponsor. Mr. Sam really helped me through that year and was kind about having the band learn special songs the girls wanted to dance to. One thing he wouldn't abide though, was having any of the girls raise their skirts up, it was too undignified. Mr. Sam was one of those rare gentleman that we seem to be in short of. My condolences to Eric and all of Mr. Sam's family.
Diane Buice-Allen
February 19, 2003
I would like to offer sincere condolences from myself and my family. My sisters, Linda and Ellen, my brother-in-law Randy Smith, and I were all lucky enough to be in the Everman High School band under Mr. Sam's direction. We have so many wonderful memories that include Mr. Sam and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Sammye McGlaun
February 19, 2003
Kenneth and I were very sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Sam. I enjoyed working with him through the Alvarado Band Booster Club. Our prayers go out to all his family. May God Bless you all. Thanks for the memories Mr. Sam !
Sammye McGlaun
February 19, 2003
Kenneth and I were sorry to here about the passing of Mr. Sam. I enjoyed working with him through the Alvarado Band Boosters. Our prayers are with his family, and my God bless them. Thanks for the memories Mr. Sam.
Cindy (Wojtaszek) Hess
February 18, 2003
I will always remember Mr. Sam for pushing us to do our best. I will also remember our "Texas" routine and our trip to Florida, which he made possible. He was always there for his students and will never be forgotten.
Patricia McGlaun-Miller
February 18, 2003
It was a pleasure being a band student under the direction of Mr. Sam. He was a wonderful man. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. I know he's in a much better place than we are. May God be with his family and comfort them at this time of sorrow. Thanks for all the wonderful memories Mr. Sam!!!!!
Billy Johnson
February 18, 2003
Mr. Sam was an inspiration and true gift to all his students (rather they realized it or not). I thank God for allowing my life to pass by Mr. Sam's... I am a better man for it.
Dawn Huffer
February 17, 2003
Although I was not in band, just by being around Mr. Sam was enough to change my life. He always had a can do attitude and he put blood, sweat and tears into his work. This is a lesson I have taken with me through out my life.
Linda Leverett
February 17, 2003
Tom and I are so sorry to hear about Mr. Sam. He was a great teacher! I enjoyed working with the band boosters during the time he was in Alvarado.
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