Sam Hayes Creswell

Sam Hayes Creswell 1925 - 2012 Sam Hayes Creswell, 86, died February 16, 2012. He was born December 11, 1925, the son of William Herbert and Lucy Yeates Creswell on the McMillan Ranch in Prowers County, Colorado. Sam attended several rural schools getting there by horseback or walking. His father worked on ranches as a stockman and horse trainer. He attended secondary schools in Gunnison, Pueblo, and Canyon City, Colorado. At 14 he began working in horseracing as a jockey, groom, and later as a trainer. He joined the Navy on July 13, 1943 and was sent to Faragut, Idaho for training. He was then sent to the Pacific with stops at the islands of Samar, Calcowne, Laiti, and Taicobin. He transferred to the Seabees when they had a serious shortage of construction machinery operators. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Sam attended Colorado State Teachers College at Greeley, Colorado on the GI Bill. His first teaching position was at Walden, Colorado, where he taught Industrial Arts as well as introduced and coached football and coached basketball. He moved to Shafter in Kern County, California, where he was a teacher and coach for football and baseball. It was in Shafter that Sam met a first year teacher, Shirley Ann Moore, who became the love of his life. They were married in Riverside, California on June 23, 1956. Sam had a teaching job in Sacramento, but they wouldn't hire a married couple, so they both found jobs in Courtland, a suburb of Sacramento. Sam and Shirley taught there for 8 years and were favorites of the students at Courtland High School. Son, Steven Thomas, joined the family in 1966 and they began looking for a good place to raise children. Sam found a position at Nampa High where he taught for 26 years in woodshop, drafting and "See You at The Top". He was a caring teacher and a favorite of many students, an assistant golf coach and the force behind the success of the Rodeo Club. In 1968 son, Stanley Herbert joined the family, and Sam was active in their lives. Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Moore Creswell; parents, Herb and Lucy Creswell; brothers, William Creswell and Boyce Creswell; and sisters, Althea Hunter, and Jo McMillan. He is survived by sons, Steve Creswell and Stanley Creswell; grandsons, Bryson and Bentley Creswell; and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Melissa Parks and staff, Dr. Don Stritzki and staff, Dr. Kerry Pulver and staff, Nurse Sara Elmore, and Mo and staff of Legacy Hospice. And wish a special thank you to Florian Ghighina, Chery Peppley, and Debbie and Gary Hampton for such loving care of Sam. A gathering of friends and family will be held Wednesday evening, February 29th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. followed by a Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1st, both at First United Methodist Church, 2717 12th Ave. Rd, Nampa. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dakanfuneralchapel.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Boise, Idaho, 83705.