Sam (Garnet Samuel) RICHARDSON

SAM (GARNET SAMUEL) RICHARDSON
With heavy hearts and great sadness the family of Sam Richardson announce his passing on January 21, 2016 at 82 years of age.
He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Kay, his parents Vi and Mel, and his sister Marge.
Sam would say he was born in a manger, but he was actually born in Stoughton, Saskatchewan on November 6, 1933, the youngest of 3 children. His hardworking parents encouraged their sons to curl but only if they were dedicated and were good at it; it turned out they were! The Richardsons' curling record is unsurpassed with 4 Brier wins and 4 World Championships. The Richardsons broke records and are true legends.
Sam left Stoughton to work with his father and brother Ernie building fine custom homes throughout Regina. Today, many still look just like the day they were built. He met and married Kay and raised two children, Brenda and Bob. They were happily married for over 58 years when she passed in 2012. He truly missed her each and every day. Though he accomplished much in his sports career, there was no higher achievement he was more proud of than his family. He was a devoted and loving father, who provided guidance and always had time for his family. His close relationship with brother Ernie was one of mutual respect and lifelong admiration.
Sam enjoyed a successful real estate career at Sutton Realty and was a renowned after dinner speaker on the banquet circuit. He charmed his way across the country with his dear friends Terry Sproat and Bob Hughes, who described Sam's voice as a combination of gravel and pearls. Sam had the uncanny ability to make his audience, Laugh, Cry and Think. He had the crowd roaring when he stepped in as speaker for an ill John Diefenbaker at the 1976 Brier. This same year he coached the Jack Macduff team to Newfoundland's only Brier win. He was considered an unofficial Ambassador of Regina and the Province of Saskatchewan. He never let go of his roots, and was extremely proud to call Regina, Saskatchewan his home. He was awarded the Order of Merit, the Province's highest honour, was inducted to the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. His biography "Say It Again Sam" is a tale of his successes, setbacks, and his curling legacy, plus a thousand stories. His nephew Jim will proudly ensure that the lasting legacy of the Richardson Curling name lives on.
His love of live music took him on regular trips to Vegas, where he and Kay saw all the "great ones" including Elvis. He would comment "even bad live music is better than none." He loved to travel with good friends to see his beloved St. Louis Cardinals play and enjoyed his daily dose of Fox news to keep up-to-date on his political views, which he happily passed on to anyone who would listen. The Friday gatherings at Boston Pizza South where Sam held court were legendary. He will be greatly missed by all who attended.
Some would describe Sam as fun-loving, colourful, kind, generous, positive, passionate, a great storyteller, someone who treated everyone equally. Most who knew him would say he was a friend to all. This was evident in his many lasting friendships. Life was not always easy, but Sam managed to always persevere and firmly believed "Attitude is Everything."
There was only one Sammy. His memory will be cherished and he will be dearly missed by his daughter Brenda (Chuck); son Bobby (Lorraine); granddaughters, Jenny (Dave) Jessica (Scott); great-grandchildren, Cole, Myla, Grace, Zoe, Isaac and Marcus, Brother Ernie (Rikki) and many nephews and nieces, family and numerous friends throughout Canada and across the world.
The family would like to thank all the friends who visited Sam regularly, and for the kindness and care of the Solace Care Home in Regina.
A Celebration of Sam's Life will take place Monday, February 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Regina Funeral Home, 4001 East Victoria Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada, In Memory of Sam Richardson, would be greatly appreciated. http://donate.parkinson.ca/SamRichardson 610 Duchess St. Saskatoon Sask. S7K 0R1