IAN MICHAEL SAMMIS

Ian Michael Sammis Passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2011 due to complications from congestive heart failure. He was 70 years old. A long time resident of Novato, CA, Ian was born on February 7th, 1941 in Berkeley and grew up in the cities of San Carlos, San Francisco, and Tiburon. He was the son of Arthur M. Sammis and Eugenia (Genie) Rutherford Sammis. Ian received a BA in English from UC Davis and his JD in Law from UC Hastings. He opened his law practice in Marin County specializing in Elder Law and served the community for over 40 years. Ian volunteered at the Whistlestop providing legal advice and contributed countless hours of community service through the Mill Valley Rotary. He was a long standing member of the St. Francis Episcopal Church and its folk choir, the Genealogical Society of Marin, and the Philosophical Society of Marin. Ian enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, going out to fine restaurants, playing bridge, and spending time with his family. Ian is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Lee Sullivan Sammis of Novato; two brothers, Theodore Sammis (Susan) of Los Cruces, New Mexico and Robert Sammis (Suzanne) of Greenbrae; two daughters, Mary Jean Fischer (Paul) of Wahiawa, Hawaii and Catherine Hunsaker (Thomas) of San Ramon; eight grandchildren, Peter, Samantha, Paul Jean, Alan, Kera, Haylee, Ian, and Wesley; nieces and nephews, Matthew Sammis (Margaret) and Laura Hatton (Nathan), Melinda Sammis-Chapman (James) and Jeffrey Sammis (Karen); cousins and many kind friends. A memorial celebration for family and friends will be held on Saturday, June 18th, 2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at the St. Francis Episcopal church in Novato, CA http://www.tributes.com/show/Ian-Sammis-91620442