Sam Hayek
Passed Away

We are all saddened by this news.

From: Kianoosh Samii [mailto:kianoosh@comcast.net] 
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 11:09 PM
Subject: [icedancers] Sad news...

[Sam was a personal friend of mine as well as known to Andy, Jeff, Rocco and the other 
Music Coordinators in Florida.]
 

It is with great sadness that I must report the sudden death of a great human being, 
wonderful ice dancer and the man who helped everyone whenever he could, 
our good friend, Sam Hayek.  

Those of you who live in the Bay Area or have visited us during the dance weekends 
most certainly knew him.  Sam, a USFSA National Music Coordinator, 
Gold Test Ice Dancer, former Adult Competitor who planned to return to the 
Centennial Event next year, and a precision skate blade sharpener passed away 
unexpectedly during the early hours of Sunday morning of a massive heart attack. 
He was 62 years old.

His departure has shocked the skating community of the Bay Area, and devastated 
his family and close friends.  We shall miss his presence on the ice, though his voice 
will resonate through our programmed dance sessions as we continue to play his music.  

Sam is survived by his wife, Claire, also an ice dancer, and son, Charles.  He danced 
to the last day and looked every bit as strong as when I first met him 14 years ago.  
He went to bed at midnight with the intention of being at our usual Sunday morning 
dance session to run the music and dance with the ladies who eagerly awaited 
the chance to dance with him.  But three hours later, he suffered from the massive 
heart attack that took his life very quickly. 

My personal sadness is beyond description. I always looked up to him for his 
skills, kindness, wisdom and generosity.  In consolation, I'd like to offer an excerpt 
from the 13th century Persian poet and philosopher, Rumi.  "Look as long as you 
can at a friend you love, no matter whether that friend is moving away from you 
or coming back toward you."