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Sam Kula Obituary
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30 Entries
Sandy Crawley
February 8, 2012
Sam was a real Mensch! I am only finding out now that he has left us. "We'll not see his like again..."of this I am certain. It was a privilige to have known the man.
Sandy Crawley
Barry Anderson
February 7, 2012
I wanted to express my sympathy to Helen, Sam's beloved daughter. I enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Kula in Ottawa and found them incredibly kind and Mr. Kula a fascinating cineaste. Most of all I know his daughters loved him. Having lost my parents (and one of them to cancer), I know this is a very difficult time for Helen and her family. Knowing her in university as a strong, intelligent, warm , funny person, I trust she will use those attributes to overcome and rest assured I am thinking of helen, Michael and family. RIP S. Kula - Barry Anderson (Edinburgh Scotland)
Ron, Janis, Isaac and Andrea Silver
October 7, 2010
It is with shock and sadness that we have learned of Sam's passing. We will always remember his sense of humor, his smile and his hearty laugh.
We wish Eleanor and family strength during this most difficult time.
Kirsteen Hallett
September 27, 2010
Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light... Albert Schweitzer. Having read through this guest book, many might say it was written with Sam in mind. Our thoughts are with Bunty, the girls and the family.
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Anne Hanford
September 22, 2010
I've known Sam for more than 50 years and although after our first meeting, he apparently described me as 'a tough little cookie', we became longstanding professional colleagues and friends. I was particularly appreciative of his contribution to the International Federation of Television Archives during my period as President. His high professional standards were combined with great humour and wit; an altogether formidable combination which will be much missed by his many friends and colleagues in Canada and internationally
Ken Weissman
September 20, 2010
In the spirit of Sam's most prodigious sense of humor, I would like to add this little tidbit. A few years ago while sitting at an outdoor cafe somewhere in the US enjoying a coffee, Sam and I were chatting, when it came time to pay the check. Sam said he would pick up the tab, but as he reached into his pocket to pull out some American currency, he complained that he always had difficulty telling how much a bill was worth because "all of your American money is the same size and color!" I then proceeded to decode mystery for him by exclaiming - "why Sam, I always check the big number in the corner" - I thought he was going to bust a kidney he laughed so hard. Peace to all.
James Rimmer
September 19, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Kula Family. I met Sam at Highland Park Bowling Club. Sam was always fun to play with - and against. He was a good sport in every way always finding enjoyment no matter how the game went. I will miss his laugh, his wit and spirit of fun. Thanks Sam for the memories and Good Bowling.
Sandy Crawley
September 15, 2010
I worked with Sam on the founding of the AV Trust. He was wise and caring and I am sorry to hear that he has passed on.
Steve Moore
September 15, 2010
I always enjoyed Sam's sense of humour. He also had an ability to deliver a sharp remark with intelligence and wisdom. I fondly remember one staff meeting at the Archives where the backlog was being fretted over. His comment was well, without a backlog, we'd all be out of business.
My condolences to the family.
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Kula. I photographed him at the AVTrust 2009. I enjoyed meeting him. http://www.siegelproductions.ca/ottawarocks/avtrust.
Lois Siegel
September 15, 2010
Kelly Friesen
September 14, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Kula family. Sam was a dear friend and colleague. He will forever be remembered for his generous friendship, his sense of humour and never ending passion to the cause of audio-visual preservation.
Lauren Small-Pennefather
September 14, 2010
Dear Joce and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you and may they bring you peace. I remember Sam beaming last year at your birthday party Joce; a true testament to how much he loved you and how proud he was of you! I will remember that smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Lauren, Jeff and Avah
Ruta Abolins
September 14, 2010
My condolences to the Kula family. I knew Sam through AMIA when served on the board together. He was always insightful and full of humor. I remember him most for quiet moments when I could hear him humming or singing. He will be missed.
Mary Hawken
September 13, 2010
My sincere condolences to Bunty and Jocelyn. Although I never met your husband/father, I wanted you to know that my thoughts are with you.
Terry Cook
September 12, 2010
Sam was a true original at the Public Archives, brilliant, funny, not taking himself too seriously, and always seeing through the foibles of bureaucracy while doing pioneerng work within it for preserving Canada's archival film heritage. He will be missed, and remembered, for he leaves a lasting legacy.
Michael Pogorzelski
September 12, 2010
Sam Kula's inspiration and leadership continue to be felt among so many of his colleagues and his friends. I'm another archivist that was blessed with Sam's time and patience and good advice. I miss him dearly and extend heartfelt condolences to his family.
Irving Smith
September 11, 2010
Sam and I go back to Baron Byng High School in Montreal and in fact in 1952 Sam was best man at our wedding.
What a great sense of humour he had. I regret losing touch with him in recent years..
Our condolences to the family.
Estelle & Irving Smith
Dan Rose
September 11, 2010
My condolences to Sam's family. As a former Archivist of the American Film Institute, Sam's assistance and information were invaluable to me. Always interesting and often insightful, the U.S. and Canada have lost a talented film historian.
Michael Gates
September 11, 2010
I was Curator of Collections for Klondike National Historic Sites in Dawson City when I first met Sam Kula in 1978. I was drawn into an unusual find at the site of the soon to be constructed hockey arena - old nitrate movie film reels trapped in permafrost underneath the future rink.
I used the telephone to contact anyone I could think of in Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto and no one seemed interested - until I was referred to Sam. After I described the unusual nature of the find to him, and sent more information by telex (remember that?), he responded with amazing speed. Before I knew it, he and I were standing together at the site along with the director of the Dawson City Museum, Kathy Jones, sketching out the details of a recovery project on the back of an envelope. I remember him phoning back to the office to dictate the terms of a small contract for the Dawson Museum to recover and identify the subject matter on the reels, and the amazing response when the first list of 425 films was sent to him. The reaction was almost instantaneous. Life was never the same for me, or for Sam.
I was always impressed by the way in which he evaluated the situation so astutely, and took a gamble that paid off - big time. That willingness to take a risk was a quality unusual among civil servants, and one that inspired me to take risks in my own career. I will always appreciate that fact and be thankful the I met him. Both my wife and Kathy are saddened to learn of his passing.
Michael Gates, Whitehorse, Yukon
Amy Turim
September 11, 2010
Such a loss of a wonderful colleague; I send my condolences to Sam's family. I knew him briefly in the 1980s when I worked in film archives and preservation, and he was generous, funny!, and welcoming to newcomers in a field he dominated so ably. His spirit will be missed, his memory much honored.
Kate Aley
September 10, 2010
Much love and prayers to Bunty, Joce and Helen from all the Aleys, across Australia, far and wide...
This is from a recent email from Jane to me:
"The Kula's are amazing; how lucky we were to have been able to spend the time we did with both Sam and the whole Kula family - great memories indeed!
He was surrounded by those who love him, and he knew - somewhere deep down -that
those who have been fortunate enough to know him will always be thinking of him.
Sam was a fine, intelligent and amazing man - let us remember him for his quick wit, sharp tongue and stories on life that always produced a smile!"
Ray Edmondson
September 10, 2010
Sam was a good friend and colleague for over 30 years. He was widely known in the international audiovisual archiving community and his strategic sense was crucial in shaping some of its most important advances. He had a wry and self-deprecating sense of humour and a rare capacity to cut through to essentials. His presence and wisdom in professional forums will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Aurore Rogers
September 10, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Kula while I was at the National Archives of Canada. He was a very special man. My sincere condolences to his family. RIP Mr. Kula
Lucie Roy
September 10, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Kula family. Sam was passoniate and interesting man. I learned a lot from him. He will be remembered always.
Linda Tadic
September 10, 2010
Sam was a valued colleague and friend. His long dedication to the international audiovisual heritage is an inspiration to all of us in the field. I will miss his insights, advice, and good humor. My condolences to the Kula family, who have lost a unique gentleman.
Chase Schulte
September 10, 2010
Sam was such a bright spirit and loved by so many. I send whatever comfort possible with these words to his family. His passion for his work and the way he became a mentor (often perhaps unknowingly) to so many around the world will remain as part of his legacy for generations to come. Blessings.
Mike Martz
September 10, 2010
My only contact with Sam was at AMIA conferences. I found him to be an extremely knowledgeable man in the field of audio/visual archiving and with a great sense of humor. A very approachable and open individual. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Ken Weissman
September 10, 2010
My heartfelt condolences to the Kula Family. I knew Sam through work and our our mutual interest in saving the world's moving image and film heritage. I had heard that Sam was ill a couple of weeks ago through mutual friend, but I had no idea how serious it was, and regret not following up. I'm buoyed by the fact that Sam passed peacefully, with his loved ones at his side. Peace to all.
Sandra Macdonald
September 10, 2010
Sam was a mentor to me as to so many others, a valued colleague and inspiring champion of the cause of the preservation of moving images. Much remains today that would otherwise have been lost. We will all miss him.
Sandra Macdonald
Drew Lahaise
September 10, 2010
I will remember always with great fondness his fascinating stories and keen wit. He enriched my childhood immensely and will be sorely missed.
My heartfelt condolences to his family and other friends.
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