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Samuel Dickson Obituary

Samuel David Dickson
July 31, 1947 - July 28, 2021


Samuel David Dickson "Sam" passed from this world on July 28,2021 in Palm Springs, California. With a big smile for everyone he met, Sam was a cherished and generous friend of many. Born in Blythe, Arizona, July 31, 1947, he was the son of the late David and Annie Ruth (Buttrill) Dickson Purpus.

Sam travelled extensively as a child, as his father's work in the Army Corps of Engineers took the family to far off places. He would often tell stories of his years living in Bangkok, Thailand, cementing a lifelong affection for the Thai culture and especially Thai food. Back in the States, his family settled in South San Francisco, where Sam attended South San Francisco High School, graduating with the class of 1965. He attended College of San Mateo and earned his bachelor's degree and teaching credential from Cal State, Hayward (now Cal State, East Bay).

Sam was a dedicated and beloved middle school teacher, spending over 30 years at Bowditch Middle School in Foster City. His students saw him as tough, but fair. He managed to turn around even the most reluctant among them to become excited about learning.

Sam was a talented artist during his youth, sometimes painting under the pseudonym D.L.Robinson.

Sam's homes in San Francisco, Mexico and South City were elegant comfortable places where he entertained friends, collected art, and enjoyed a good laugh.

He lived for 20 years in the Duboce triangle neighborhood of San Francisco, where he made friends walking his beloved pug "Toby" in Duboce Park.

Sam enjoyed travel. Especially memorable was his trip "down the Nile" with longtime friend, the late Robert Wiggins. And who could forget the stay at the villa in Florence, or travel around the Greek Isles.

Sam recently moved permanently to Palm Springs where he thoroughly enjoyed desert life and his friends there.

Among his closest companions were the late Michel Aufrère, the late Shari O'Connor, and Omar Alhayli. He leaves behind many friends from education, especially in the San Mateo-Foster City School District. Among other friends and loved ones who will miss him dearly: Glenn, Veronica, Michael, Betsy, Mary, Rose, Diane, Greg, Jim, Richard, Philip, Virginia, Tony, Steve, Mara, Audra, Michelle, and many, many others. He will be especially missed by his close cadre of three longtime college friends: Suanna, Judith, and Alfred, who celebrated 55 years of friendship together this year.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date when it is safe to gather. If interested in attending, please email "Sam Dickson Celebration" to: [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 27 to Aug. 29, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Kathy O OConnor

October 5, 2021

Sam was the most special kind of person I had the pleasure of knowing! Or time together was always brief but I have only fond memories of my friend Sam !

Stephanie Kuster

August 29, 2021

He is the teacher my girls would work hard for because they respected and loved him. He expected more out of each of them while making learning exiting and fun. Thank you Sam Dickson for the joy of learning you gave to each of your students. (One of my girls went on to become a junior high teacher herself.)

Toni Sanchez

August 29, 2021

I will be eternally grateful to Mr. Dickson. As a new School Resource Officer at Bowditch Middle School, he welcomed me with open arms! He also gave me plenty of teaching tips! You will be forever in our hearts!

Lisa Giuliacci

August 29, 2021

I loved working with you at Bowditch. God has received another angel. May you Rest In Peace my friend.

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