Sam loves being in the woods - whether it's hunting squirrels with his son, picking flowers with his daughter, or scouting for a hunt, any day in the woods is better than a day at the office (where he's a damn good civil engineer). If he's not in the woods, his next favorite thing is working with his hands - welding a custom patio table for his wife, building steps for the trampoline, or sitting in the shop with the propane heater while he reloads bullets for all of his friends, his hands never stop moving. But above all of these things, Sam is a good friend - he'd drop anything to help you pack out an elk, talk about draw odds or hunt strategy, or sit and drink whiskey with you and solve the world's problems. Sam is always game to live life.
Sam's Battle With Cancer
In April 2022, Sam lost a nearly two-year battle with cancer. He fought like hell, but there was very little one can do against the senselessness of a soft-tissue sarcoma.
We are all deeply impacted by his loss, which leaves behind a wound that scabs and scars, but never fully heals.
A Day In The Woods With Sam
Save The Date: April 15-16, 2023Sam’s family is holding an open house to remember Sam on Saturday, April 15th, 2023—from 11 am to 3 pm. The remembrance will continue that evening in Parks, AZ with a bonfire and option to camp with Sam’s family and friends.
The Open House address is:
3475 Monte Vista Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(Due to the mud and weather)
The bonfire and campout will be located at:
901 This A Way Road
Parks, AZ 86018
A schedule of events is to follow.
Stories, photos, or memories of Sam can be sent to Leah to compile in advance of the celebration. You can email them to her at leah.whitney@gmail.com or snail mail them to:
Leah Heffelfinger
3718 S Pinal Dr.
Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Have a story about Sam you'd like to Share?
Sam's wife, Leah, is collecting stories about Sam to compile in a remembrance book. If you have a story you'd like to share, please click the link below.
Share A Story