Samir Boukerrou

In Loving Memory of Samir "Sam" Boukerrou

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Samir "Sam" Boukerrou, who left us on Monday, February 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. Sam was 40 years old.

Born on December 29, 1984, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Sam spent his early years in St. Paul, Minnesota, before moving to Waterloo and Parkersburg, Iowa. He attended Kingsley Elementary and Dike Elementary, later continuing his education at Dike New Hartford Middle School. The family then relocated to Tamarac, Florida, where Sam completed his high school years at Taravella High School. Throughout his time at Taravella, Sam stood out not only for his academic accomplishments but also for his drive, ambition, and unwavering work ethic.

From a young age, Sam demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance hard work with determination. In junior high, he sold sweet corn by the side of the road in rural Iowa after school and on weekends, earning pocket money. During high school, he juggled a full-time class schedule while working 40 hours a week at two businesses-Florida's largest furniture chain and a department store. He also worked behind the counter at a fast-food ice cream shop. Sam's ability to multitask with ease and purpose earned him the nickname "super baby"-a title he lived up to throughout his life.

Sam's dedication led him to Florida State University, where he attended on a Bright Futures Scholarship. He pursued his passion for numbers, earning dual bachelor's degrees in Economics and Finance. At FSU, Sam worked in the finance department of a department store and at the FSU Foundation. During summer and winter breaks, he interned at the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California and spent time at the FSU Study Center in Valencia, Spain, part of a three-month transformative trip exploring Europe with friends.

A passionate and intellectually curious individual, Sam was always eager to share his knowledge with others. His sharp mind, combined with his kind and generous heart, made him a beloved friend, son, and colleague. Sam's ability to balance intellect with compassion left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.

Beyond his academic and professional life, Sam had a deep love for life. He was known for his infectious laugh, constant curiosity, and strong connections with friends and family. Sam thrived on new experiences and embraced life's boldest moments with open arms.

As a world traveler, he formed lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. He was a true adventurer, always seeking the next exciting experience. Sam explored the world, traveling to countries like Norway, France, Croatia, South Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, Spain, Greece, Italy, and so many more. His zest for life was contagious, and his adventures were always filled with stories, laughter, and new friendships.

Sam embraced life's boldest moments, running marathons, participating in an Ironman competition, running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, taking part in the world's biggest food fight at the Tomatina Festival in Buñol, Spain (luckily wearing goggles), and meditating atop a dune in the Sahara Desert as the sun set. His adventurous spirit knew no bounds-he crossed the United States on his red Honda CBR 600 motorcycle and even commuted to work in downtown Jacksonville on is boat.

Sam was also deeply passionate about cars, motorcycles, and sports, particularly his FSU Seminoles. For three consecutive years, he never missed a home game, even buying a green Cadillac limousine to make the trip to Tallahassee in style with friends. His love for life's little joys and his adventurous spirit defined him.

Though Sam's time with us was far too short, his resilience, kindness, and strength will continue to inspire us. His legacy lives on in the countless memories he created and in the hearts of all who knew him.

In remembrance of Sam's life, we would like to share the comforting words of Henri Scott-Holland, which were shared with us after Sam's passing by a friend of over 50 years. It speaks of death not as an end, but as a natural part of the journey, encouraging those who remain to continue living as they did before. We, who are left behind, find comfort knowing that Sam's spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.

"Death is nothing at all"

"Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped away into the next room I am I, and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference in your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner. All is well. Nothing is past; nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before-only better, infinitely happier, and forever we will be one, together."

We invite those who knew Sam to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page. Every story shared helps us to keep Sam's memory alive and honors his lifelong accomplishments.

Sam's journey was one of resilience, kindness, and strength. A celebration of Sam's life will be held at a future date-details will be announced later. In his honor, the family asks that in of sending flowers, donations be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (see link to pledge below).

Sam is survived by his father, Lakhdar; his mother, Cheri; his brother, Mo; his sister, Linda; and many friends whose lives he touched deeply.

Rest in peace, Sam. Your name will always be spoken with love, and you will never be forgotten. Your memory will live on in all of us, and we will continue to build new memories in honor of everything you accomplished and the joy you brought into the lives of so many.