Sam Suznevich

Sam was the person who always made me feel welcome at Rotary, with a big smile and a welcoming handshake . You never walked into the room unacknowledged .

After our final visit with Sam in November 2025, we were in awe that Sam never lost his sense of humor. Although speaking was difficult, he used the devise to communicate. John was saying to Sam how handsome he still was and how awesome his hair was. Keep in mind, John was completely bald at the time. With his eyes he used his devise to communicate to John that he liked his hair too! ????

This is Sam, Mike Latsis and me at Sam's place down in Palm springs about 4 years ago. Sam was a good friend, and a man of God!

30 years ago Sam and I were talking at Creator Lutheran Church and Sam asked if I was going on the mission trip to Mexico to build a house for a family in need. I told him I would love to go but there was no way I could afford it. A week later I received a call from the youth director informing me that someone had paid for me to go on the mission trip. I instantly knew who it was. I approached Sam the next Sunday and told him I couldn’t accept his offer as it was just too much. He gave me his trademark smile and said it’s done, pack your bags. We had a great trip and I have such fond memories of the time we spent together.

When I think of Sam, I see his infectious smile and definitely, love for God. The musicians were so good and when I saw the song “Come to Jesus” their song was beautiful. There’s another that was in my mind —and felt Sam-like too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_hV8L65Rqo

Fly to Jesus, Sam. Well done faithful servant.

The Quote for John Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913),

“I commit my soul into the hands of my Savior, in full confidence that, having redeemed it and washed it in His most precious blood, He will present it faultless before my heavenly Father; and I entreat my children to maintain and defend, at all hazard and at any cost of personal sacrifice, the blessed doctrine of the complete atonement for sin through the blood of Jesus Christ, once offered, and through that alone.”

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬
Hide me Lord in your Holiness-Amazing marvelous grace of God!

Sam -

Thank you for being such a loving father! I don’t think you realize how special it was that you were there for all of it. Tinkering in the garage. Goofing off at the birthday parties. Taking us out on the boat. Crashing our movie nights. A lot of dads weren’t around, but you were there with a big smile and always wanting to know what was going on in our lives. You and Janis created a home away from home. Something that now, as a parent, I look forward to emulating when my boys get a bit older. How special to have your house be the safe haven for so many kids over the years!

I think you were the first man that I ever witnessed diving into scripture. Setting an example of what a loving, God-fearing husband looks like. Setting the bar for what your daughters, and their friends, should expect in a partner. Thank you for giving us a wonderful example of what a partnership in marriage looks like, in a time where most of our generation’s parents were getting a divorce. I hope you realize how special that is!

I hope you and my dad are hanging out on the deck somewhere, watching the sunset over the lake, bragging about how amazing your daughters are ;)

- Jenna Benena

Sam,

I couldn’t believe I may have found my match in silly exclamations when at 13, we moved in across the street from you. In short time, you and I made it our regular greeting to holler ‘hey buddy!’ at fairly far distances from one another which always made me cackle, not dissimilar to your knack for embarrassing Kristi in front of her friends, or even conning us into watching ‘a movie you think we’d love’ just so you could see 3:10 To Yuma (again).

Over the years, I grew to know you as a devoted father and husband, a cherished friend, impressive cyclist, and above all, someone who really lived with love.
I am so grateful for the memories I have of you, and the family that you’ll live on through. If they’re any testament to a life well-lived, you outdid yourself. Thank you for always being such a bright spot and a dear family friend; you are so lovingly missed. Rest in peace, Buddy.

The Suznevich house was a staple hangout spot when I was in high school. Without fail, Sam was right at the door with a huge grin and a "Hello There!". When Sam greeted you, it was like it was his birthday and Christmas all rolled into one. That's how much he loved the people in his life. There was no one more welcoming than Sam Suznevich.

My favorite memories of Sam would happen as the evening was winding down. We'd have a group of friends in the downstairs basement watching a movie or playing games and without fail we would hear a quiet voice coming from the stairs... "Sweetheart? Hello?" He'd poke his head around and walk over to where Kristi was so he could make sure that he told her that he loved her before he went to bed. He'd wish the rest of us goodnight and quietly sneak upstairs. You could tell 1.) he was so happy to have people enjoying themselves and happy in his home and 2.) he loved his daughter more than he could even express. As a parent now, I think back to those times in the basement goofing around and not even realizing the special moments I got to witness.

I am so grateful to have known Sam Suznevich. We were so blessed to have had him in our lives.

Link to "Don't Lose Heart" Song: https://tinyurl.com/bdzmey3k