Sam S. Kadlecik

Sam S. Kadlecik May 4, 1928 - August 30, 2013 Wherever Sam walked, the world was a brighter and better place. He was a fountain of creativity. He was a skilled engineer and craftsman as well as an avid photographer and outdoorsman. He was also a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather and great-grandfather. Born in San Francisco, California on May 4, 1928, Sam was talented with his hands from an early age. As a teenager he built model airplanes, worked as a studio photographer, and developed a love of jazz music, all passions he would explore and share with others for the rest of his life. As a young boy and man, he and his family went on excursions to Yosemite where he developed a strong appreciation for the wonder and beauty of nature. During a celebrated career in the oil industry, he frequented the Russian River and Lake Tahoe areas where he designed and built homes for family and friends, and enjoyed dancing, skiing, day hiking and backpacking. In 1986 he moved to Trinidad, California where he spent many active years restoring vintage cars, building furniture for family and friends, working in his photography lab, and donating his skills to the local community. During this time he frequented the American Southwest and was in awe of indigenous cultures of the desert. Sam was a curious, fun-loving, industrious, and caring man who had an eye for beauty and the ingenuity to craft his dreams. For several years Sam fought a courageous battle against Lewy Body Dementia and on August 30, 2013 he finally found peace. He will be greatly missed by his wife Barbara Kadlecik, his children Maureen (Kadlecik) Hartje (husband Ken), Steven Kadlecik (wife Michelle), Darlene Peck, Laura Kadlecik (husband Mike Wilson), grandchildren Gina, Lisa, Sebastian, Shane, Nigella, and Nova, great-grandchildren Brittany, Kyle and Jack, and adopted daughter Gaylyn Mikolowski. Memorials are being planned in the Humboldt and San Francisco areas. The family would like to express gratitude to the staff at Eureka Internal Medicine, Humboldt Neurology, Visiting Angels, Timber Ridge-Renaissance and Hospice of Humboldt, as well as many friends and neighbors who assisted Sam in the past several months. If you are inclined, please consider making a donation to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA.org) or the Humboldt Senior Resource Center (humsenior.org) on behalf of Sam to benefit people and families affected by dementia diseases. Please also sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.