Samuel Takyi

Dear Carol and Jenny,

I am so sorry to hear of the untimely passing of my uncle Sam. I have always held him in high regard -I bragged of him whenever given the opportunity. His education, and career impressed me at a young age, and still. I found him to be interesting and humorous, and above all kind.

I have a few funny thoughts that reoccur whenever I think of him:
I remember being amazed when he told me that he never needed to get his haircut, because in the Canadian cold it would just break off, he laughed about it as he told me and it seemed as though he was more amused than I was!

Another thing that comes to mind is the fact that he listened to Opera. Because I was young at that time I was amazed that he like opera at all. I didn’t know anyone that liked it. I was very appreciative of his consideration to don earphones while listening, I'm sure that Jenny and Carol were too! I remember thinking to myself: how can all that operatic noise be contained in those two earphones. Ouch!

All that goodness in one person, there is no doubt he will be missed.

Jennifer and Mrs. Takyi, I am so saddened to learn of Sam's death. I worked with him in AFS during the '80's and 90's, and always found him so gracious and a gentleman. He honoured me by coming to my husband's funeral a few years ago .... it meant a lot to me. My sincere condolences to the whole family.

Dear Carol and family.
I was most saddened to hear about Sam's passing away. I had not seen him or you for several years, but I will always rememebr him as my wonderful, good natured travel partner when we went to Finland and Russia for a conference and field tour in the late 80s. Condolences from my family.

Dear Carol and Jennifer: Please accept our sincerest condolances on the passing of Sam. Everytime I have had the pleasure to spend time with him he always took the time to open up and make me feel that he truly cared about the people in his life. That smile, paired with his disarming laugh, are things I will never forget about Sam. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I wrote an entry in this book a few days ago but since then I have had the feeling that I should add one more memory of Sam that in my mind illustrates what caliber of man he actually was. In 2001, when Carol and Sam were in Minnesota, Sam asked if it was OK if he accompany me to work one day. I said,fine, but since I was a city bus driver and to my mind had the most boring and routine of jobs, I could not understand his interest-Not to speak of the need to get up and out of the house at a most ungodly hour! To my surprise, he did not seem to mind in the least sitting on my bus while I made a whole roundtrip which lasted several hours. Quite the contrary, he really enjoyed himself, was full of questions, and was not the least bored. A unique and unusual man and more than a few cuts above the run-of-the-mill.

Dear Carol and Jenny: Since Sam was married to my wife's sister and he was a few years my senior, it was natural for me to regard him as an older brother. As older brothers are often wont to do, Sam was always ready with advice, suggestions, what-have-you. Being a died in the wool old hippie, I did not always take kindly to this treatment at first, but when his face broke out into that magnificent sunlight of a smile, I understood his concern for me perfectly.

Dear Jennifer & Mrs. Takyi, - Margie & I were very saddened & shocked to hear of Sam's passing! During my days with A.F.S., I had the occasion to call upon Sam for technical advice, which he always readily provided with much expertise & passion. More recently we received a bottle of his homemade beet wine & we regret that we won't be able to exchange "tastings", but we shall toast to his generousity in fond rememberance. May your warm memories & those of other family & friends help you through this most difficult time. Don Fregren (past Director A.F.S Land Use) &family.

Jennifer:
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I was truly shocked. I have a "Reclamation Site - Please Do Not Disturb" sign in my office that used to belong to him. You are welcome to have it, as a memory of his time with the Forest Service.....I wish you and your Mom all the best during this difficult time.
Donna & The Cats

Jennifer,
When I think of Sam I remember a man with a friendly demeanor, a big smile and a distinct laugh. Hold tight to the memories of your Dad and in that way he will be with you always. My condolences to you and your family.

Dear Carol and Jenny,

Adolph and I were very shocked to hear of Sam's passing. He always seemed the picture of health. Even though we just got to really know him in the last few years he was a great man, very caring and friendly always seemed to love being around all the family here in San Diego. He said it reminded him of his family in Ghana, alot of people. Although it is difficult now it will get a little better and all the wonderful memories of your long life together will give you both comfort. Our thoughts and love are with you both. Just let us know if you need anything.

Mrs. Takyi and Jennifer,

I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. We worked together at the Alberta Forest Service in the late 1980s and I will always remember warm smile and infectious laugh. We ran into each other frequently at antique auctions; I particularly remember his antique camera collection!

All the best to you during this sad time. My thoughts are with you.

Dear Carol and Jenny,

He will be missed by all. He was the warmest kind of gentleman that was an example for all to admire. I can only say how I feel and that is, I am glad I knew Sam. During your few short visits to San Diego I felt a close bond.

I hope you find peace in this new phase of your lives. Being married and loved for 48 years is very special. You have been blessed.

I'll remember both you and Sam in my prayers.

Dear Carol & Jennifer,

What a shock to open my e-mail this mormning & learn about Sam's passing! You mentioned the up-coming surgery to us & it seemed to be almost routine. How mis-leading that can be!

We were looking forward to seeing you when you made a trip to Sierra Vista. Our deepest sympathy to you & I will let Jim & Tom know as you requested.

Love, Alan & Dorothy

Dear Carol and Jennifer,

I was so saddened to hear of Sam’s unexpected passing. The word “gentleman” comes to mind when I think of Sam. I remember him as the quintessential host - always so hospitable and considerate - and as having a good eye for photography, in addition to his many interests and hobbies, his truly generous nature, and his interesting life that was to be lived on three continents and in several cultures. I was surprised to read that he was 74. I probably could have figured that out, if doing so wouldn't have brought to mind my own age! Nonetheless, he seemed to somehow escape aging like the rest of us, seeming far younger than his chronological years.

Trust that, in time, sorrow and grief do soften and good memories will rise to the forefront.

Dear Carol and Jen,

I'm very sorry to hear about Sam's death. I wish I knew more about him, but I can't recall having met him before (if I did I was likely very young). My thoughts go out to you both during this unfortunate time.

love,

-Sam

Carol & family
I am saddened to learn of Sam's passing. He was such a good and interesting gentleman. Just a few days ago I was thinking of you both and that it was long past time to get in touch. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mrs Takyi and Jennifer:

I worked with Sam in the late 70's when we were both members of the Department's former Reforestation and Reclamation Branch. One project we collaborated quite extensively on was a thinning/fertilization trial we established south of the town of Edson. I still fondly recall the fun the two of us had with this project, a project I believe Sam was very proud of.

Sam's distinctive laugh remains fresh in my memory. It was a priviledge to have known and worked with him.

Please accept my deepest sympathies in his passing.

Unfortunately I didn't get to know my brother-in-law as well as I'd have liked to, but I've heard many stories of his generosity and kind spirit, great legacies for anyone to have left behind. My sincere sympathy to Carol and Jenny during this difficult time. I hope that your many wonderful memories of Sam will help sustain you during this difficult time.

hi jen and carol jesse from nc. what a shocker. momma told me. i never met sam but he was always nice to me over the phone. well i hope he has peace forever.

Jennifer,
I am so sorry to hear about Sam passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you.

Dear Carol and Jenny,
I have many really good memories of Sam. The problem is its never quite enough is it. It is not possible to have such a wonderful face without having a wonderful inside. Sam had these. His life will have continued value in this world, especially through the two of you, plus the many others who shared his life.

Jennifer,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. As you know I worked with Sam in the Forest Land Use Branch when I was just new to government. He was such a pleasure to work with and I loved his sense of humour. I have many fond memories of him including visits over the produce counter in Safeway. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Dear Carol and Jenny,

How sad that Sam is gone. Steve and I can only express our heartfelt condolences to you both. I have many great memories of visiting you and Sam's being such an excellent host. (Although I do think he could have let me win just one Scrabble game.) He was always so generous, had a very giving spirit and a great laugh. I will remember Sam as someone who never missed a thing. I was impressed by his keen discernment in many areas - music and art to name only two. He will be missed.

May you find peace.
Your sister and aunt, Kathryn and (from afar) Steve

Dear Aunty Carol & Jennifer,
We (Aunty Nellie, Astrid, Ann, Charmaine and I) are all saddened to hear of Uncle Sam’s sudden passing. He was always a picture of good health in our minds. We remember his enthusiasm when helping us with our garden while on a short trip to England and his interest in museums and other heritage sites. We will hold onto the good memories and pray that the happy memories you have of him sustain you through this difficult time.

Jennifer,

I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jennifer
I was sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I had the pleasure of working with your father over the years on various projects. I will always remember him for his knowledge, his sense of humour and his hearty laugh.

If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane. We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken. No time to say goodbye.You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why.Our hearts still ache in sadness and secret tears still flow.What it meant to lose you No one will ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more. To remember all the happy times. Life still has much in store.Since you'll never be forgotten.We pledge to you today. A cherished place within our heart Is where you'll always stay. We'll miss you Sam.

Jennifer and family,

I will always cherish fond memories of working with Sam during my stay in the Robb Ranger District. He was a pleasure to deal with and we will miss him greatly. Our prayers are with you and your family.

It is hard to believe that my good friend Sam is no more. I have known Sam for over 30 years but I really got to know him when as the president of the Ghana Friendship Association of Edmonton, I worked with him on the successful Display of Ghanaian Artifacts at the Provincial Museum of Alberta in Edmonton in 1984
Sam was quiet and always worked behind the scenes in the Ghanaian community. He was kind and generous. My family and I will greatly miss him.
Carol and Jenni, please accept our sincerest sympathy.Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.

My wife, children (Henry, Mercy, Angeline) and grand children solemnly send to Takyi and all the his kith and kin our sincerest condolences for the passing of his beloved father.

Signed: Henry O. Tetteh-Wayoe

Jennifer, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He used to sit in the office next to my cubicle on the 6th floor, and I remember some of the unique decorations he had in his office, including some of the dried flowers that he grew in his garden. It was a privilege to have known him. May your grief be short and your memories of him last forever.

Mrs. Takyi and Jennifer - I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of Sam. I remember him fondly all the years that I worked with him. I will always remember his laughter and humor. My prayers are with you during this tough time.

Jennifer and Carol

I am so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. The world, for sure, has lost a shining star.

Love Terry