Obituary of Rev. Sam Priestley

Samuel Middleton Priestley

October 13, 1937 - November 30, 2022

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Rev. Sam Priestley announces his death at the age of 85. He died peacefully at Markham Stouffville Hospital on November 30, 2022.

Sam was born on October 13, 1937 in Newark, New Jersey. He grew up in the town of Bloomfield, New Jersey. After graduating from Rutgers University, Sam attended New Brunswick Theological Seminary and was ordained a minister of the Word and Sacraments of the Reformed Church in America in 1962. He served two congregations, Clover Hill Reformed Church and Fair Lawn Reformed Church, before emigrating to Canada in 1976.

He continued his ministry in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, serving congregations in Thamesville/Kent Bridge, Ontario, St. Lambert, Quebec and Markham, Ontario, retiring in 2007.

As a placid retirement did not suit Sam at all, he continued the ministry that he loved, serving as interim minister, pulpit supply and working on various committees in the Presbytery of Oak Ridges.

Community Service was an important part of Sam’s life and ministry. He was a volunteer firefighter for 14 years; a member of Scouts Canada, serving as a beaver and cub leader; Padre of Markham District Veterans Association for many years; and was a member of MICAH (Markham Inter-church Committee for Affordable Housing). When not involved in one of these activities, Sam could be found pursuing his other lifelong passion: trains and model railroads.

Sam will be greatly missed by his wife Carol, and his amazing children; Paul, Karyn (Scott), John (Gloria), Katherine (Mahmoud), and Bryan (Valerie). Proud grandpa of

Lily, Andrew, Emma, Allexis, Gavin, Griffon, and Lily. Fondly remembered by his sister-in-law Jean (Mark) and nieces Claire and Sadie and nephew Isaac.

A special and heartfelt thanks to everyone at Markham Family Health Team for thirty years of incredible care and to the care teams at Markham Stouffville Hospital for their expert, kind and compassionate care during his final year.

If you wish, donations can be made to your local Food Bank or a charity of your choice.

Funeral Livestream

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