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Eugene "Gene" Sam Sr., 76, passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018, in Spokane, Washington. Gene was born Friday, August 14, 1942, to Harry M. and Christine James-Sam in their home near Buffalo Lake, just outside of Nespelem, Washington. A Roman Catholic and proud member of the Colville Confederated Tribes, Gene worked as a logger both independently and for Colville Tribal Logging. On Saturday, August 17, 1963 - just three days after his 21st birthday - Gene married Kathleen Lezard at St. Mary's Mission in Omak, Washington. Gene enjoyed hunting and "Going Home" to Buffalo Lake, where he would fish, kayak, canoe and, most importantly, spend time with family gathering together at the home place.

Predeceased by both of his parents; siblings: Alex Sam, Isabel Cleparty, Adeline Fredin, Raymond Sam, Jerome Sam, Rusty Sam, Sylvester Sam, and Gabe and Joseph Sam, who both died in infancy; Gene's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 55 years, Kathleen Sam; children: Eugene Sam Jr., Loren Sam and Jolene Sam; god-daughters: Christine Fredin, Kelli George and Stephanie McCraigie; also god-son Marcus McCraigie; sister, Angie Timentwa; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Gene's dressing was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, Washington. Services took place at the Nespelem Community Center as follows: Family Rosary – 7 p.m., Saturday, December 29, Community Rosary – 7 p.m., Sunday, December 30, and Funeral – 10 a.m., Monday, December 31, followed by graveside services in the Nespelem Catholic Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com for his family. Strate Funeral Home, of Grand Coulee, is serving Eugene's family.