The eldest of ten, Sam was born in Abbey, Saskatchewan. Parents, Alex and Latifa Side, emigrated from Jeb Jannine, Lebanon, and homesteaded near Dilke, Sask. (NW of Regina).
In 1941 Sam joined the RCAF, completed his training as a bomber pilot, and flew 41 missions during WW II. He stayed in touch with his flight crew his entire life. After the war, he moved to Dawson Creek, BC to run a small airline and flight school.
Sam married Anna Kucharuk (from Spirit River) in August 1949. Anna currently resides at Glengarry Hospital, Victoria.
Sam stopped flying for a living and became an adept, highly regarded businessman, later a Notary Public, sat on the town council for a term, while Anna raised the children. He is still highly regarded today as a man of honesty and integrity who was humble, generous and played by the rules.
Sam continued to fly for pleasure most of his life and enjoyed golf, skiing, skating, travelling and many lifelong friends.
Sam and Anna retired to Sidney BC full-time in 2006 to be near children: Sandy Barta (Rick) of Sooke, Judy Side (Al) of Victoria, Ken (Pat) of Edmonton, Rob (Alice) of Cobble Hill and Dianne Longson (Gerry) of Vancouver. Sam leaves nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His siblings are: Tina Reimer (Edmonton), Ann Schell (Creston), Al Side (Grande Prairie), Dan Side (South Africa) and Jim Side (Australia). His siblings have lost a brother they hold dear. He is predeceased by sisters, Nettie Gouchee, Nedima Ellis, Mickey Hiscock and brother, Butch (Abdo).
No service by request but messages to family can be sent to: myjside@gmail.com