The following will be published in the Alaska Dispatch News, Wisconsin State Journal, and The Northwoods River News of Rhinelander, WI:
Samuel Giles Weis loved wooden boats, slow breakfasts, a celebratory beer after catching his first fish of the season, riding his bike up hills (yes, up the hills), gliding on snow through the woods, and telling stories in an overly detailed fashion. Sam died on May 9 in his home in Anchorage, Alaska of leukemia. Sam fought cancer courageously and with immense determination for four of his 31 years. Though he would have been entitled to, he never complained. While his struggle and insights because of his disease shaped him and many around him, he was much more than a cancer fighter. Sam was an individual dearly loved by his family and friends, as well as an inspiration to countless more as he openly shared his experiences with cancer and leading a “carpe the effin’ diem” lifestyle. He was a fisherman, conservationist, adventurer, and lover of the underdog. Sam spent his career fighting to protect rivers in his home state of Wisconsin, and later in Alaska. Sam was influential in halting the Gogebic Taconite mining proposal in northern Wisconsin, as well as the proposed Chuitna Coal Strip Mine in southcentral Alaska, both of which would have harmed pristine waterways, local indigenous culture, and treasured wilderness. Sam showed us how to lead a full and meaningful life; ceaselessly prioritizing what is important and not sweating the small stuff. Sam is survived by his wife, Jenny; parents, Debi and Jim; sisters, Kate and Sarah; grandparents, Duane and Carolyn Giles, and Jim Weis; dog, Birkebeiner; and many others. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the charities listed on this page: www.bit.ly/sgw-celebration A celebration of life will be held at at the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI on May 22, and on Facebook Live at that time. Doors will open at 9:00 a.m. central, and the family will be present. The service will start at 10:00 a.m. central. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service. Sam requested no one wear black.
Em
5/19/2017 04:51:29 am
Sam and you are having a big impact on a total stranger, right now. I'm originally from Madison, and aging, and have developed a (probably unhealthy) obsession with the obituaries - that's how I've come to know about you two (3 - never forget the dog). I think that my obit compulsion has something to do with an increasing awareness that I never really learned how to live, and I don't want to squander my life but I'm not sure how to change. I hope to learn through obituaries, and some of them have had an impact. I think your blog is going to be my "bible" for the next few weeks, as I read through your experiences and lessons. Thanks to Sam, and you,and Birkebeiner. (P.S. I've been a lazy blood donor, recently - upset that the Red Cross isn't more efficient. Their inefficiency no longer matters to me. I'm making my next donation appointment.) Comments are closed.
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