Samuel Sam Isaac Elkins

Samuel Isaac Elkins was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Sam always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Sam was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Sam was born on June 15, 1991 at St. Vincent's hospital in Portland, Oregon. His parents were Ray and Nikki Elkins. Sam was raised in Happy Valley, Oregon with two brothers, Benji and Alex. Always able to express himself well, Samuel possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Sam was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

As a young child, Sam showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Sam enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests. He took part in baseball, soccer, basketball, quad riding, cross country, track, weight lifting, wakeboarding, and snowboarding.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Sam was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Clackamas High School in 2009. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. The teachers he enjoyed learning from the most was Romo and Ms. Vincent. Sam was always good at acting silly and making people laugh.

Friends and acquaintances found Sam an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Sam was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his best friends were Jeff Hopkins, Matt Callison, Mike McMannus, Turtle, Ashton, Blake, Dan, Cam Bilveu, Marcus Lindsey, Marcus Gorez, Austin Hiatt, Austin Welbourne, Gabe Garza, Levi, Haley, Angie, Monica Jo Dail, Skyler, Derrick, Lindsey Decker, Trevor, Brandon, Jord the Ford, Doja, Alex, Tim, and countless others.

Sam was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Sam’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Sam could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. He was employed for Les Schwab Tire Center for 1.5 years, and most recently, D&R Masonry.

Sam enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were making people laugh, riding quads, wakeboarding, floating on the Clackamas River, going to raves and especially hanging out with his friends.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Sam truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included San Diego, Maui, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, the Virgin Islands, and his most recent fun time was in Palm Springs. Sam wanted to move wherever the family went on vacation!

Sam passed away on April 29, 2010 in Hood River, Oregon as a result of a tragic car accident. He is survived by his father and mother, Ray and Nikki; brothers, Benji and Alex; half-brothers, Danny and Dylan; other family members, Margie, Grandmas, Vicki and Diane; Grandpas, Bill, Ray and B.K.; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins that he loved dearly. Services will be held at New Hope Community Church at 1pm, Friday, May 7, 2010. Sam will be laid to rest in Lincoln Memorial Park in Portland, Oregon.

Sam was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Sam had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Samuel Isaac Elkins.