Alan Sample

1926 - 2014

Alan Sample
July 22, 1926 - July 1, 2014
Santa Cruz
Long time Santa Cruz resident, Alan T. Sample passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Capitola Manor in Santa Cruz. He was just 3 weeks short of celebrating his 88th birthday.
Alan was born on July 22, 1926, in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He graduated from Palo Alto High School before enlisting in the United States Navy where he served honorably in World War II. After his Naval service, Alan worked for the United States Post Office before starting his career with the Palo Alto Times newspaper where he worked for 28 years as an Advertising Executive. When the Palo Alto Times was acquired, Alan was offered early retirement which he gladly accepted. He moved to his beloved Santa Cruz where he enjoyed 30 happy years of retirement.
During his retirement years, Alan enjoyed playing golf at the many wonderful courses of Santa Cruz and Monterey. He was a member of DeLaveaga and Pajaro Valley Golf Clubs and served as a Marshall at Pasatiempo for many years. He was also an active member of the SIRs (Sons In Retirement).
Alan loved to travel and took many trips during his retirement years including golfing throughout Scotland and Ireland. He also realized one of his lifetime dreams by taking a cruise through the Panama Canal. As much as Alan loved to travel, he was always happiest in Santa Cruz. When people would comment on the wonderful Santa Cruz weather, he loved to say with a sly smile, "Oh, it's just average".
Alan was an all-around sportsman in his younger years enjoying downhill skiing, fishing, bowling, hunting and always golf. He held a private pilot's license and was part-owner of a small plane. He was a history buff and had a lifelong love of reading and learning. He was also a terrific dancer, and enjoyed singing and playing the piano at parties. Alan was a true gentleman and, as one relative described him, a "jolly fellow". Alan will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Alan is survived by his two children, Rick Sample (wife Herlinda) of Sacramento, CA and Jennifer Sample Moore (husband Greg) of San Jose, CA, grandson Rick Sample and granddaughters Monica Sample and Avery and Kelsey Moore, as well as his dear friend Donna Brooks of Aptos and many other friends in Santa Cruz. He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Sample, step-mother Lois Sample and his mother, Eva Wilkins.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Capitola Manor for the care they provided Alan over the last months of his life. They would also like to sincerely thank Heartland Hospice for the comfort and loving support they offered Alan and the family during the last weeks of his life.
A private memorial for the family was held and Alan's ashes were scattered at sea. A Celebration of Life will be held in Santa Cruz at a later date.
Remembrances can be made in the form of donations to the National Parkinson Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or to Heartland Hospice (www.heartlandhospice.com). If you wish to light a candle on-line for Alan, share your memories, and receive details about his Celebration of Life, please visit: http://www.forevermissed.com/alan-theodore-sample