ANTHONY PAUL “BEAR” SAMS

TRAVERSE CITY – Anthony Paul “Bear” Sams, 52, of Traverse City, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at home with his loving family at his side.

Bear was born June 3, 1970, in Traverse City the son of Paul Shomin and Patricia Sams. On August 6, 2022, in Traverse City he married his love of 20 years, Verna M. (Trudeau) Sams.

He was a lifelong resident of Traverse City. He was a very popular and beloved member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. In his adult life he was honored for receiving his GED and attended NMC’s bridge program, where he took pride in earning a 4.0. For many years Bear worked construction, taking part in significant projects including Leelanau Sands Casino and as foreman at Turtle Creek Casino. He also used his master contractor skills to build and maintain porches and decks for many Grand Traverse Band elders. In recent years Bear really enjoyed the time he spent working security for the Elk Rapids VFW Post during Harbor Days.

Bear was a big fan of the Detroit Lions. In his youth he lived near Sunset Park in East Bay township with his Grandma Sams and in his adult years would often visit the park to reminisce and take in the view. Bear was a natural born leader and known for his comedic sense of humor. Bear loved to have a good time and was always the life of the party. He had the best stories to tell and made many friends along the way.

When Bear became a grandfather, he took perfectly to the role and was affectionately deemed Papa Bear, by his grandchildren. Each one of his grand babies spent precious moments cradled on Papa’s belly, which he considered their “safe spot”. Bear will be missed dearly by his many grandchildren, and step grandchildren. Bear is survived by his wife, Verna; his mother, Patricia; his children, Holly Alberts, Thor Sams, twins Kendra Scott and Logan Scott, Christian Sams and Bison Sams; three stepsons, Dwayne Trudeau, Malcolm Jr. Recollet and Nicholas Recollet; his siblings, David Russell, Jason Sams, Andrea (David) Arroyo, Erica Priest; his half siblings, Rose Jackson, Paul Shomin, Elizabeth Shomin; his grandchildren, Samuel Sanchez, Gerald Hinmon, Robert Alberts, Ophileah Alberts, Maiingan Sams, Alexander Riveria Ruiz, Benjamin Riveria Ruiz, and Kayden Riveria Ruiz.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul “Sweeny,” and his siblings, Michelle Priest, Christina Shomin, and Sarah Shomin.

Funeral services were held December 2nd at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. Pastor James Wilson officiated.

Please share condolences with Bear’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.