Samuel "Sam" Crites

Samuel Joseph Crites, known affectionately by all as Sam, embarked on his final adventure on November 14, 2023, at the age of 62. Born on April 7, 1961, in the heart of Carson City, Michigan, Sam's journey began as a spark that would ignite a lifetime of creativity, love, and an unquenchable spirit for life.
Sam was a man who lived by the simple creed that every day was an opportunity to make a difference. As a "Tree Doctor" he not only nurtured the environment but also the hearts of those he met. His hands, always willing to work the soil or mend what was broken, were a testament to his dedication to the craft he so loved.
His life was a rich tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of his interests. Sam was a tinkerer at heart, his mind and hands never idle, always fixing, always collecting-a bit of everything. His passion for nature was evident to all, as he found solace in the whispering trees and the silent wisdom of the great outdoors.
Sam's adventurous spirit led him to explore the farthest reaches of imagination and possibility. He was spirited in every endeavor, his energy infectious, inspiring those around him to seek their own adventures in the everyday. His creativity was a wellspring that never ran dry, fueling innovations in his work and play, and leaving a trail of inspiration in his wake.
Family was the cornerstone of Sam's world. He was a loving father to Tiarra Welch, Quinn Welch, Katrina DeGroft, Daniel Silvernail, and Karana Maxwell. His role as a grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren was one he cherished with every fiber of his being. Sam's siblings, Levi Halliwill, Marla Blumberg, Millie Nolan, Lynn Kline, and Rhonda Driscoll, shared in the tapestry of his life, each a unique thread in the beautiful weave of his existence.
Sam's journey was shaped by the memory of those who preceded him in passing, his parents LeRoy Mettert and Eleanor Thrush, and his brother James Halliwill. Their spirit and love were his guiding stars, leading him through life's ebbs and flows.
To speak of Sam is to speak of a life lived with gusto and an unyielding zest. He was a beacon of light in a world that often needs reminding of the beauty in the mundane, the potential in the overlooked, and the adventure in the everyday. His story is not one of sorrow but of celebration-a celebration of a life that was lived fully, fearlessly, and with a heart wide open to the wonders of the world.
As we honor the memory of Samuel Joseph Crites, let us carry forward the torch of his spirit. Let us be adventurous in our pursuits, spirited in our joys, and creative in our solutions. In doing so, we keep alive the essence of a man who was, in every sense, a true force of nature.
Sam's legacy is not etched in stone but written in the hearts of those he touched. It is carried on the breeze, through the rustling leaves, and in the laughter of children at play. His story is a reminder to us all to live with passion, to cherish our connections, and to always reach for the light, even when the path is unclear.
Today, we do not say goodbye to Sam; we say thank you. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the love. Your journey continues within us, and like the mighty trees you cared for, your roots run deep in our souls. Rest well, Sam, until we meet again on the grandest adventure of them all.
Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Sam's Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Sam may be made to Quinn and Tiarra Welch. Arrangements entrusted to Jansen Family Funeral Home - Columbiaville. Share memories, condolences, and pictures with the family at www.jansenfuneralhome.com.