Obituary of Denis Hill Wood-Samman

Denis (Sammy) Hill Wood-Samman passed away at home on Monday, June 21, 2004 at the age of 85 years. Denis was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland on July 8, 1918. After his education at Sedbergh Public School in England, his interest in aviation led him to become a Flight Lieutenant with the R.A.F. from 1940 to 1946 and during that time he spent three years in Canada as a Flying Instructor. Denis returned to Canada after demobilization to complete a pilot’s course at Trans-Canada Airlines in 1947. Later he become Service Manager with Northland Automatic Appliances in Calgary before embarking on a career in farm equipment leading to the position of General Manager of Alberta and British Columbia for Allied Farm Equipment and then finally to Director of Distribution. He enjoyed many years of association with The Royal Canadian Legion No. 1 Branch, the Aircrew Association (Southern Alberta Branch), the Mosquito Aircrew Association, UK, and the Glencoe Club. In 1943 Denis married Jean Perkin of Calgary and together they shared a wonderful life for sixty-one years. Denis is survived by his loving wife Jean; his daughter Lesley (Gary) Lee of Calgary; his son Richard (Debbie) Wood-Samman of Ardrossan, AB; his granddaughter Catherine (David) McGrath of Invermere, BC; two grandsons, Darren Lee of Calgary and Kevin Lee of Kanazawa, Japan; and three great-grandchildren, Parker, Nathaniel and Zoe McGrath, all of Invermere, BC. He is also survived by a nephew, Daryl (Wendy) Mullins; as well as a niece Gay (John) Hamilton-Williams, all of the UK. Denis was predeceased by his parents, Stanley and Iza Wood-Samman, a sister Pat Mullins and brother-in-law Ray Mullins, all of the UK. Sammy will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered for his wonderfully positive outlook on life and his lifelong enthusiasm for learning. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca. In living memory of Denis Wood-Samman, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.