When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Sam Glen Strickler who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Sam was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Sam knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.
Sam was born on November 29, 1951 in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Kenneth and Jenny Strickler. Even as a youngster, Sam learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. Sam’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Del Mar High School in 1969.
Sam was raised with two siblings. He had an older sister, Mary Kay, and an older brother, Ken. Sam had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family. For Sam, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced. His upbringing helped form him to be the man he became later in life.
Sam was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Sam was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others laughing . He was not afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Sam came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were John Koss and Dave Massa. Later in life, he became friends with Roger, Pam and Tim Pearce, John and Diana Koss, and so many more.
On August 13, 1994 Sam exchanged wedding vows with Tori Ferreira at their home in Milpitas, California. One of Sam’s most endearing qualities was spending time with his family and friends.
Sam was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Sam would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Sam was blessed with two children, one daughter, Jamie, and one son, Jason.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Sam was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Sam was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Sam upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a Stationary Engineer. He was employed for 10 years at NASA. Sam was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”
Sam was an Air Force veteran. His sense of duty helped lead him into the military where his understanding of rank, his willingness to abide by rules and regulations and his desire to follow orders was admired by his fellow service men and women. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and served in Texas and Thailand. Sam then transferred to Tactical Air Command and served in the Mojave Desert and New Mexico.
Sam approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were collecting cars, guns, and spending time with family and friends. Sam was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. Some of Sam's favorite vacations were Hot August Nights ,Disneyland and Oregon.
Sam passed away on January 6, 2012 at Kaiser Hospital in Santa Clara, California due to complications from surgery. He is survived by his wife Tori; his children Jamie and Jason; his mother Jenny; his sister Mary Kay; and his brother Ken. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, California.
All who knew him would agree that Sam was a very unique, fun loving man. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Samuel Glen Strickler did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.
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