Obituary of Samuel Nkosikhona Nleya

October 18, 2007 – Calgary, Alberta

November 21, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

When you realize how short life is, you ought to celebrate life even more.

- Caroline Dhavernas

Samuel Nleya passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the age of 17 years. He was born in Calgary, AB, on October 18, 2007, at the Peter Lougheed Hospital.

Samuel had his first visit to Zimbabwe to meet some relatives in 2009. His family moved to Fort McMurray that same year, where he learned how to skate and play hockey. Some years later, his family moved back to Calgary, where he continued pursuing his passion for hockey.

He was in Grade 12 at Bishop McNally High School, where he was actively involved and participated in a variety of sports. He was also a trainer for his school volleyball team and the assistant captain of the U18 NBC 2 hockey team.

Samuel loved his sports; in addition to his dedication to playing hockey, he was also a referee and occasionally taught young kids how to skate during his spare time.

He was an adventurous young man. His most memorable vacations were when he went to Mexico and Hawaii, where he swam and played with the dolphins.

Samuel was a leader, a goal achiever, who had a brilliant mind and enjoyed asking questions to understand what was happening and why.

Samuel is survived by his Mom and Dad, Sazi and Ngoni Nleya; sisters, Samantha and Zoe; grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends.

Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives we have touched.

- Judy Blume

He Will Be Greatly Missed!

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Samuel’s Viewing prior to the service, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Centre Street Church “Central Campus” (3900 2 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 9C1) on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., with Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Graveside Service will be held following the Funeral Service at Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery (243208 Garden Rd, Calgary, AB T1X 1G2). Family and friends attending the Graveside Service will join the Reception following the burial.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Nleya’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. The live stream link will become available thirty minutes prior to the Funeral Service start time. 

Click Here to Watch Samuel’s Funeral Service

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Samuel’s family at sazisonleya@gmail.com.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Samuel’s family here.

In living memory of Samuel Nleya, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Those Who Live In Our Hearts

Will Be With Us Always

We cannot control the movement of time,

Nor can we control our own destiny

Or the destinies of those we love.

But we can take comfort in knowing

That those who have lived in our hearts

Are never really gone.

For as long as we keep them with us,

In our hearts and our thoughts,

They will be with us always.

For love, which is timeless,

Never ceases to exist

Click to View the Memorial Card for Samuel Nleya