Montesano resident Samuel Thomas, 77, passed away Aug. 12 surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

He is survived by his wife, Ponnamma (Pona) Samuel, daughters Vini Samuel (Guy Bergstrom) and Priya Lindeen (David), three grandchildren, Thomas, Cora and Theo and a large extended family stretching across the globe.

Born in Tamil Nadu, India, on November 16, 1945, to J. Thomas and Elizabeth John of Mary's Cottage, Kadappakada, Quilon, Kerala, India he was the youngest of five bothers and one sister, all who have preceded him in death. He earned his Bachelor's of Science in Physics and Mathematics along with a Bachelor's of Education and worked as a teacher before immigrating to Juneau, Alaska.

He had a long career in public service, working in finance for the state of Alaska for the state Department of Education, Department of Community and Regional Affairs and Department of Labor before serving two governors as the Director of the Division of Administrative Services, Department of Commerce, for which he traveled constantly to support Alaska's commerce in fishing industry, oil, and other economic pillars.

After retiring, he and his wife moved to Montesano to be close to family. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Juneau and the Church of God in Montesano.

Sam was an active tennis and badminton player who organized teams and competed throughout the western United States. He was a long-time member of the tennis group which he helped nurture and organize at the Valley Athletic Club in Tumwater. He played and coached soccer and softball and was an avid hiker.

Sam was best known and loved for his ability to make friends and maintain strong relationships. His life created light through many lives.

The family invites you to his Memorial at the Church of God in Montesano on Saturday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will be held before the service between 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.