Sandra Brown Williams said:
Reading Sam’s obituary, beautifully written by Sam and Ellan’s daughters, has given me courage to finally write. Yet in doing so it confirms the reality of the loss of Sam’s energy, flow of ideas, and light he graciously shared. He was a unique and positive force with a contagious spirit of joy and love for all. What can I bring to the conversation about Sam’s life? I think it is to be able to say I am a witness to his life through my connection with his wife Ellan. Ellan and I met in college at North Texas State University in Denton, Texas. We became roommates as well. I am blessed to have known her parents, her astounding musical talent, the launching of her teaching career, her courtship with Sam, and I was a bridesmaid at their wonderful wedding celebration. My husband Jeff and I had the experience of learning all about “South Dakota of All Places.” We had a tour never to be forgotten as Sam and Ellan showed us every nook and cranny of the state! We celebrated the wild and wonderful church youth group tours, and we shared the joy of the growth of their family: Janna, Joellan, and David. We witnessed the launching of their lives together as partners, parents, and servants of God. A life based on loving others and a desire to make this world a better place for all people everywhere. When I think of Sam, I think of Ellan, too. Sam as an individual was inspiring, full of infectious joy, bubbling with ideas, full of passion. He challenged others to forgive and include. I wish he could have finished his book on forgiveness. He knew a lot about it, and he believed in it. Once I tried to explain that I had forgiven a long time friend for a behavior that I found quite hurtful and frustrating, but I just needed to take a break from any dealings with her. Sam said, “I think you should talk to her.” He made me think about what total forgiveness is. He was a preacher, but he did not preach at you. Sam had a fount of joy. Sam had a profound love for Ellan. Young Sam played the role of Lincoln with his tall hat, and all who saw it could not forget Sam in the role. I think the words of John Updike in “Perfection Wasted” apply to Sam: “And another regrettable thing about death is the ceasing of your own brand of magic, which took a whole life to develop and market — the quips, the witticisms, the slant adjusted to a few……the whole act. Who will do it again? That’s it: no one.” My husband Jeff also knew Ellan in college. He sends his love to Ellan and all of her family. He loved Sam very much and was also a witness to the journey we have had with Sam. Our son Ben sends his love as well. We will all continue our journey with our dear friend Ellan. Love, Sandra Brown Williams