Patrick John Sam

Patrick John Sam, born July 6, 1963, died with his Kjipuktuk family at his bedside at the QEII hospital after a short and difficult battle with cancer.

Survived by Dianne (Ulrich) Lenz, Ricky Sam, Susanne Goldsmith, nieces and nephews Jack (amber), Marcus, Christopher Lenz, Michelle Bernier, along with many great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by mother Mary Sam and father John F. Bueckert

Patrick was lovingly known as a “kind hearted badass”. He didn’t like compliments or being called “kind hearted” by his doctor and wanted to sound tougher, so he amended the moniker and it stuck.

Patrick was known for his generosity and big heart. He contributed to the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre as an employee, a client, a donor, and as a mentor to others. He will always be family to those at MNFC who got to know him, and is survived by dozens of “wives”, brothers (and sisters)-from-other-mothers, cuzzins, aunties, and uncles. Patrick was a part of the urban-Indigenous community and will be remembered as someone who enthusiastically gave everything and everyone his all.

After overcoming serious health complications and losing mobility and memory, Patrick fought so hard to find himself again. He went back to school for upgrading and was a straight A student in Dalhousie University’s AutoCAD program at the time of his death. A dream he always wanted to achieve. Patrick will be greatly missed and honoured by all who knew him. Instead of flowers or cards, Patrick would be so excited if any donations could be made to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.

A celebration of life will be held at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre on Tuesday May 16 at 11am.