In memoriam: Ernie Sams, 1925 - 2016

Ernie Sams, age 90 of Bellingham, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Ernest was born May 28, 1925, in Bellingham to Jacob and G. Oline Sams.

While serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Sams was awarded a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Ernie graduated from Nooksack High School and later enrolled at Western Washington State College (now WWU), where he majored in Business. After he completed his junior year, Ernie was offered employment in the Business/Administrative office, where he worked in different capacities and job titles until his retirement. Ernie was recognized for his 62 years of dedication and service to WWU with a party attended by many of his colleagues with whom he worked for decades.

Sams was preceded in death by his first wife, Evalyn, with whom he had a daughter, Debra. Ernie was joined in marriage to Arnita (Decker) Fisher on Aug. 23, 1981, and gained four step-children, Morrison and Sterling Fisher, Crystal Fisher and Betty Gerou. He is also survived by brothers Robert and David Sams, sister Alice Chowning, many grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren, along with many loving relatives and friends. He was a loving and dedicated caregiver to Arnita, and his greatest concern was her well-being and happiness.

A celebration of Ernie’s life, with military honors, will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 22, 2016, at Westford Funeral Home. A reception will follow.

[ Editor's note: This obituary first appeared on the website for Westford Funeral Home. ]