Dr. Samuel James Tuthill

I will always remember Mr. Tuthill, not only as a knowledgeable man, but also as a wise soul who was kind and caring toward others. May he Rest In Peace.

May his soul fly to Heaven and his body return to the Earth he loved.

A giant the likes of which are not so common anymore in public service has passed way.

Thank you for your service to our country REST IN PEACE

Marion and I will be in Alaska and are unable to attend Sam's funeral, however this morning memories of Sam and Connie flow in our minds, and I will follow up with some of them once I write them down. I share some commonalities with Sam. We both have ties to New Jersey and Boy Scouts. And, he and Connie were hugely helpful to the Indian Creek Nature Center and the Patterson family in the 1980's. Here is a distinct memory of Sam:

Sam had a passion for butterflies and moths that, I believe, extended to aquatic insects as well. I thought the Nature Center might attract some young people and parents to a butterfly and moth exploration. Sam agreed to lead it and we promoted it. Unfortunately only one young boy, about 8 or 9 years old, came with his dad. Sam spent over an hour with him sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge. I was embarrassed that I'd asked such an eminent person to lead a program when only one participant showed, and later apologized to Sam. He responded, "No don't apologize. I had a wonderful time with this young boy. He reminded me of me when I was his age. It was an honor to spend time with him and his father and I hope I reinforced his passion for insects. It was time well spent".

This was Sam. Dedicated to people. Dedicated to the world. He will be missed.

Rich Patterson, Director Emeritus
Indian Creek Nature Center
Cedar Rapids, IA