Passing of Sam Fujisaka - Please share Memories

[jfood]

I am sad to post that one of the most loved Chowhound posters, Sam Fujisaka, passed away today after a long battle with Cancer. Those of us who knew Sam through his posts admired his wit, his knowledge and his ability to engage many of us in both scientific and humorous interchanges. A Facebook page “Friends of Sam Fujisaka” has been established to post thoughts and tributes to this icon who dedicated his life to making this world a better place.

Thank you Sam for all the great rides. Insert Colon, dash, open parentheses, open parentheses.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends...

All,

The family in Cali will be able to see all the wonderful friends and memories Sam made on Chowhound if the posting are placed on the Facebook page. Thank You

[Servorg]

Humor? Check. Logic? Check. Scientific Understanding? Check. Passion? Check. Style? Check. Compassion? Check. A hole in the hearts of Chowhound? Double Check.

Vaya con tacos, amigo...

[Parigi]

Sam

[jfood]

Rest in Peace Buddy

[steve h.]

bye for now.

[Passadumkeg]

Closure.

[Gio]

I thank the Moderators for allowing this thread to remain for as long as it has. Obviously people are still coming forward to express their astonishment and condolences. However it's time now to say goodbye.

Buono notte e dolce sogni.

[yayadave]

Gio, that is all the best that could be said, in closing. Thank you.

[Jacquilynne]

Folks, over the last few months, we've heard from a number of people who find it distressing to see this thread continue to return to the top of their mychow page day after day. While they miss Sam, the constant reminder of his passing is upsetting to them.

Given that, we're going to leave it open for a few more days to let anyone who has any additional thoughts make them, and then we're going to lock the thread to further responses.

Those of you who want to be able to return to the thread easily can use the 'Save to my chow' link at the top of the thread, which will put it into your saved threads:
http://www.chow.com/profile/favorites

For those of you on Facebook, the page jfood linked remains available for sharing your memories of Sam, as well.

We don't want to be insensitive to anyone and we hope this compromise is acceptable for everyone.

-- Jacquilynne, Community Manager for Chowhound

[c oliver]

I think it's a good idea. Although a very few people continue to get the news, it does get kinda maudlin at times. Please let everyone at Chowhound know that we have appreciated their patience with this.

[pikawicca]

Love to Sam. but I think he'd want this thread locked. He was not into maudlin.

[othervoice]

Wow, I've been out of the loop for a few months and just read this thread. I always found Sam to be interesting, and informative. His wit and charm will be surely missed. Here's to you Sam............

[janeh]

I'll often be reading a post and so acutely miss Sam's input. His voice here is so missed....

[c oliver]

I miss him esp. when someone needs a well-deserved kick in the butt! Sam did NOT suffer fools gladly :)

[Paulustrious]

That's Cap'n Pissgums for you.

[c oliver]

Certainly no reason to deify Sam. He was all man with many imperfections. All man enough that I know I wasn't the only one who was about half in love with him :)

[Parigi]

More than once I had daydreamed about going on a street food tour of southeast Asia with Sam. -- O haven't we all?

[c oliver]

I was even going to eat Balut with him in the Philippines after a night of heavy drinking and before the rest of the night of...well, er... other things :)

[KaimukiMan]

wondering how I missed this for so many months, all the while wondering why sam had been so quiet. what a loss.

[SeoulQueen]

Same here but then, I rarely check the site talk board.

Sam, you will be missed.

[rebs]

ditto that. I never check that Site Talk board. I just found out about his passing while reading the "Best Chicken Stock ever" thread. I did a search for his name and found this thread.

You will be greatly missed Sam!

[c oliver]

When appropriate, I try to "slip" it into other threads as many of us rarely or ever read Site Talk.

[livetocook]

Ditto, except I was on the Retro foods thread. Shock to say the least. I don't post much on Chow and haven't been on much in the last year but, his post were always engaging, funny, memorable. He's one of a few that just, stood out.

Thanks jfood for the FB link. Goodbye Sam. Thank you for all your insight

[Parigi]

O Sam.
I never met you but have always thought I would, counted on it…

[digga]

I am reading this for the first time now, 2 months too late. The passing of this man, who I knew only in cyberspace, has me writing through tears.

Sam and I corresponded for a short while back in 2007 when my partner and I traveled, with some trepidation, to Burma. He replied to my initial post so generously, I knew this was no ordinary 'hounder. We emailed for sometime afterwards, sharing our Burmese food experiences, talking about travels, being Korean and Japanese, and hearing about his astounding work with farmers. I shared with him our many travel photos. Though our personal correspondence ended, I continued to follow his posts.

Sam was literally coming back from the fields in Brazil as some of my last words to him on Feb, 19, 2007 were, "hope you are safe and happy wherever you are!" Farewell Sam I am.

[c oliver]

Ah, digga, you're just joining us a little late. I was telling some Chow-friends recently that I feel like he's been gone longer than two months. His contributions to Chowhound were so Sam-ish, weren't they? There are regular threads where I think "where the hell is Sam" cause I know he'd have the science or the recipe.

[Ruth Lafler]

We had a picnic last weekend, and as I was discussing how I had packed some hot food for transport, I said to my sister, jlafler, that the food safety types would probably be horrified. Thinking of the classic "magic house" thread, I noted that Sam's magic house wasn't enough to keep him for developing a hideous form of cancer, to which we both said "DAMN IT!"

Reading all these other comments I'm also sorry that my natural reticence kept me from sustaining a correspondence with Sam, especially after picawicca informed me of his illness. We exchanged emails occasionally over the years, but I was hesitant to "bother" him with lots of email or to take the conversation to a more personal level, and now I realize I missed out on a lot.

[Phood]

People,
We will all miss Mr. Fujisaka, and his wit and wisdom.
I thank the internet and Chowhound for allowing him to be part of my life.
I learned years ago that funerals are for the living to look amongst themselves and remember. I am thankful for, and I hope Sam would be heartened by, your remembrances.
I thank you all.
Others, such as Sheldon Brown on the Bicycle sltes and an unnamed gentleman on the early 21st century BBQ sltes, have amplified their wisdom and energy to leave a legacy beyond their immediate enviroment. The world is enhanced by their involvement and diminished by their passing.
I thank them all.
Charles

[SaltyRaisins]

I wondered why I hadn't heard from him for a while, then I came upon this unfortunate news.

Cheers, Sam!

[Paulustrious]

Anybody else do this?

When an old thread resurfaces and, as you scroll down, you see that name and you feel you have to open the old post.

[LindaWhit]

Oh yeah, right there with you.

[BobB]

Yes, it's like the old Joni Mitchell song, "You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone."

Not that we didn't appreciate Sam - we most certainly did - but knowing we won't see any more of his posts makes those we do have more precious.

[thistle5]

I belong to another food group,which has had another seminal member pass recently, & it made me think about how some people, through their postings & online presence, when they leave us-it makes an impact in our lives. We may not have known them in the flesh, but we knew them through their words. It makes me happy to think that I can continue to appreciate them, through their thoughts & words-it's a life, continuing....

[chowser]

I just read a book about a woman who lost over 500 pounds and one thing that helped her was being online. She said that being online, you get to know the person on the inside, not encumbered by the person on the outside. Many of us didn't know Sam on the outside, in the flesh, but he shared much of the wonder on the inside.

I rarely open threads that are over 200 posts long but this is the one I will always come back to. It's heart warming to read all the tributes and makes me think of all the things Sam was to everyone.

[walker]

What was the title/author of book? Sounds interesting.

[pikawicca]

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/HealthyLivi...

[kattyeyes]

Here is some classic Sam from the man himself.

[3/19/2010 8:18:04 PM] Sam Fujisaka:
I've worked in a lot of situations where people want to call me "Dr" or "Sir". My response was always "Calling me sir is like putting an elevator in an outhouse/shithouse".

[BabsW]

Love it!

I lurked here for a long time before I ever posted, and I have always loved his posts. So lively, and filled with wit and experience and good humor.

What a sad passing. :(

[meatn3]

One really wonderful thing has come of us all learning about Sam's passing - the shared loss has let us focus on that which makes this site so special - the people.

Sam epitomized the spirit of the site - passion, wit, knowledge, a spirit of adventure and the desire to share. He had the ability to write in a way which made you feel as though you did know the flesh and blood version. You knew you might not always agree and that he could sometimes deliver his view with a bite, but you could count on his voice being fresh, honest and intelligent.

It has been wonderful seeing a number of past posters return. The enormity of Sam's ability to touch others and the loss we share is responsible for this. Welcome back, and stay - we need your voices even more now.

This thread reinforces the core of the community - the people. Our tiffs with moderators, site changes, floating ads are just minor distractions from the magic that can happen when we share from the heart in the spirit of Sam.

[Gio]

Sam died the day after my younger brother died so the two are forever linked in my heart. It's curious too, that the same qualities we are recalling here about Sam are the very same qualities said about my brother by those who went to his wake and funeral. I hope they're having a fabulous meal together...

[c oliver]

Probably caught and cooked up a "mess o' fish" that first day :)

[steve h.]

Gio,
sorry for your loss.
Heaven just keeps getting better.

[vvvindaloo]

I'm sorry for your loss, Gio

[roxlet]

Gio, that is very sad, and I hope you are OK.

[sweetTooth]

So sorry to hear that, Gio. I hope you are doing okay under the circumstances. Hugs!

[goodhealthgourmet]

Gio, so sorry to hear about your brother. i hope you and your family are finding some peace.

[onceadaylily]

It was a long-standing ritual, to sit down with my coffee and chowhound, whenever I had the time. I was here for years. I found the site through my love of food, and found the boards during one memorable Thanksgiving panic (2007). My dressing/stuffing anxiety was thoroughly dissected, without me ever having to say a word. I was given damned good advice. I was hooked. I was smitten, all this talk of food, with the humor, and the fights. For years, I read these boards, and felt like I knew the people. I eventually created an identity, but I didn't join in. I didn't contribute.

And then, one morning, I sat down with my coffee and my Chowhound, and read jfood's post that Sam had died. I had to explain to my boyfriend why I was crying, over someone I had never met, or even typed a single word to. I kept throwing my hands up, and saying random things like, "Sam was always . . . *nice*, and funny!" and " . . . magic house? Magic house was the best thread, it was about GERMS" and "Remember when I ALMOST made my own Greek yogurt in the microwave?". I tried to explain the balance that Sam brought to every fight, how he never really took sides, but sometimes intervened, and sought to bring the parties down from the heights of ire with the soft, easy humor that was so hard to resist. How I used to see his name and smile before I even read what he had to say.

My boyfriend stared at me, trying to understand how I could be affected so deeply, but he couldn't (and I don't blame him for that). I started to post here, after that, but there is a melancholy to the typing. I regret that I never trusted myself to enter into the ring with someone I trusted so much, for his kindness alone.

[Chemicalkinetics]

It would be difficult for your boyfriend to understand because he does not share the same experience you do. In fact, he does not have any experience on the CHOWHOUND. People can only truly share something if they have encountered the experience. For example, you can only discuss with another person about a movie if he/she watch it. You can only disuss the horror of car crash if the other person went through it. Same for food, and same for people.

This incident has gotten me thinking. We know Sam passed away largely because of jfood's kindly post and because Sam is a well known person in this community and others. However, what about others? What about all the people who came and disappeared in this website or others. Surely, most of the disappearances are due to commitments and distractions. However, I am sure some are due to illness and others.

How internet has changed our experience with others.

[bulavinaka]

I've thought the same about posters who I became familiar with when I first fell upon Chow. The great posts - one after another, then poof - the stream of prose suddenly ended with no warning, no reason, nothing. Sam deserves the heart-felt thoughts here - he struck such a chord with us. But what do we do about the others who have also contributed in many ways then suddenly vanished? Tony Michaels, where are you?

[Chemicalkinetics]

Yep. It really got me thinking about internet experience and internet friends.

Internet friends are very different to real life friends. In real life, we tend to introduce ourselves based on our occuptions, jobs, education levels, significant others, children, ... and it usually takes us a while because we get to our interests like foods, cookware, kitchen knives and others. Internet websites like CHOWHOUNDS reverses this process. We start off sharing our interest like foods and cookwares. We skip the traditional introduction parts. In fact, it takes internet friends a long time before they start to share their occupations, jobs, families....

How odd and what a new era we are living in.

[Paulustrious]

<< We know Sam passed away largely because of jfood's kindly post >>

I think Sam would have said that you have assigned the blame a little unfairly.

[Caroline1]

I don't think anyone, least of all Chemicalkinetics, is blaming jfood for Sam's demise. There are "several" (difficult to quantify in this environment) who knew of Sam's pancreatic cancer and that he wouldn't be with us much longer. My own final exchange with Sam was the day before he died. I'd written asking how things were going and he replied he was on his way out. I wrote back wishing him warmth, love, and a bon voyage. But without jfood, I might never have known he died the next day. Jay performed a great service for the participants and lurkers of Chowhound.

Chemicalkinetics has brought up some very interesting truths about life in cyberspace. The internet is redefining our culture as we have known it. On the one hand, you do get to know the "essence" of a person before you know the "substance" of them, if you ever do get to know that side of them. But each of us makes a conscious decision on how much of our "real" selves to share with someone on the other end of the internet. Sam's great magic was that he knew how to reach through cyberspace and touch people. He'll be with us for a long time to come.

[jfood]

Thanks all, but no thanks needed or deserved . The week before Sam's unfortunate passing was filled with many emails from and to many of his friends on these Boards. Jfood was just one on many that passed tears through numerous e-mails and others received the unfortunate news.

"Jfood" is just a name at the bottom of a post that noone involved in that "Gang" wanted to write and noone wanted to read. To this day jfood has not been able to post a follow up to the OP. What more could he add to >400 memorializing posts.

He touched us all, he left a positive impression on all and he left the world a better place because of his presence.

[pikawicca]

I believe I can hear Sam laughing at your post.

[c oliver]

Yep. And that's what Paulustrious intended us to do.

[LindaWhit]

That's exactly the way I took it (and Sam would have definitely laughed!)

[Chemicalkinetics]

:) Bad grammer.

[soupkitten]

<<
This incident has gotten me thinking. We know Sam passed away largely because of jfood's kindly post and because Sam is a well known person in this community and others. However, what about others? What about all the people who came and disappeared in this website or others. Surely, most of the disappearances are due to commitments and distractions. However, I am sure some are due to illness and others.
>>

if i may be of service wrt to this: awhile back, after posting pretty regularly for three years or so, i had an increase in work hours and this and that led to the other, until i was no longer in the habit of obsessively checking in with chowhound and posting from time to time, as so many of us do ;-P a period of 3-4 months, i think, or maybe longer, went by with no posts from soupkitten.

and then one day in my email inbox was a cordial little note from the chowhound mods, politely asking after soupkitten, hoping everything was okay, and asking if soupkitten would like to drop a note via email to **extremely loved and respected chowhound from sk's home board**! i was so touched that someone had apparently noticed my absence and cared enough to contact the mods to ask them to contact me. and, as i'm scared to death of my identity being "outed" (not because i'm famous or anything-- but because maybe i'd have some industry colleagues mad at me for a comment here and there)-- i just started posting again, pronto. but i thought it was *so* sweet on the part of another chowhound to notice and reach out, and very decent on the part of the mods. so if folks miss someone's posts in particular, maybe drop the mods a note to pass along? couldn't hurt, and the community only stands to potentially gain the return of respected and loved voices.

[pikawicca]

I'm astonished and pleased that you got such a note from the Mods.

[soupkitten]

truly, i was stunned, too!

they aren't all CH mod notes saying: "sk, we deleted your post about ____ because you were ranting and freaking out and calling people doofuses." there is a possibility that the mods are human, and may or may not be nice people ;-P

so, maybe. . . i've been trying to be good around here, and get deleted. . . a little less often, to make the mods' jobs a little easier, since then. not that i don't screw up, nobody's perfect.

[othervoice]

soupkitten,

I was so delighted to read about your being contacted by the mods. I have often wondered about different Chowhounds, that all of a sudden one name comes to mind.. Harpoon if you're still out there we'd all love to hear from you.

[c oliver]

I just want to tell you that your post here really touched me. And isn't it totally cool that our loss is also our gain. It took you from lurker status to an active player. Your life will never be the same - and that's not always going to be a good thing :) Sam's passing also brought at least one formerly active CH back to the fold. Another good thing. If Sam has any time between cooking and parties and such, I'm sure he's having a good laugh over it all.

[onceadaylily]

Thank you, that means a lot to me.

[im_nomad]

I have been away from these boards for months now and just now reading this. Wow, just wow. Thank you for posting jfood. Far too often, people from a "community" disappear without anyone ever knowing where they went. This makes it more real, but it is also a gentle reminder that there are people on the other side of the computer. So sad.

I never knew Sam off-board either, but will miss his posts. I remember being a little chuffed when he chimed in in support of my food waste thread. Many of his posts reminded me that I actually did sort of fit in here.

Condolences to his family and friends.

[bushwickgirl]

"reminded me that I actually did sort of fit in here."

He was very good like that.

[tatamagouche]

That this thread is bringing back names I've really missed seeing—yours, applehome's—is, again, a tribute to Sam and moh.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Always treasured my Sam avatar in my 'People reading me' column. Miss his wit a lot.

[pikawicca]

I purchased a new Android phone yesterday, and today my sainted daughter offered to clean up my contacts. This was a conglomeration dating back about 10 years. She went through my contacts, letter by letter, and then she came to Sam. She knew the history, and asked if she should delete him. I said, "No, no, no!" Sam remains one of my contacts, and always will.

[c oliver]

That's funny, pikawicca. I still have Sam in my Hole in the Gut Gang group. And he's staying there. Whenever I email the gang, I have to delete him. So he's still with us..."and always will."

[steve h.]

I neglected to acknowledge jfood for starting this thread.
Thanks, jfood. Sam was a piece of work.

[applehome]

Sam was a voice in the wilderness for me. He came to my defense in fighting the Mod's judgment, and when I bowed out of the fight and the site, he encouraged me, over and over, to stay. I'm back now, because it's the best way for me to remember him. I actually planned an RV route, taking a ferry around the Darien Gap, to visit him. It never came close to fruition - unfortunately, these things take money, and step one would have been fixing the transmission on the old beast. Step two would have been mounting the smoker on the back, so I could make him my Pastrami.

Thanks to our both having unmatched cooks as Japanese mothers (and aunts), we shared a lot of perspective on food. But we famously disagreed on what sushi was supposed to be. It wasn't really disagreement - it was an understanding of what we grew up with (his descriptions were spot on), and his desire to keep it at that place, while I had, thanks to some well-funded business opportunities, grown to really enjoy what the top end of sushi had evolved into. But my rants against the bottom end Americanization of sushi went unsupported - Sam was much more tolerant than I of those kinds of foods. Chef Boyardee, indeed!

I'm sure I'll quote his posts as we go on. Many are technical references. But I'll also be re-reading them periodically just as remembrances. I know he had a good life outside of Chowhound - incredibly wonderful family members, satisfying intellectual work, where he was a major contributor in a truly meaningful field. I spent some time emailing with him after every Formula 1 race - he was rooting for Button to win the Championship last year, and voila - it happened! But here, it's about his love of food. I don't think any of us will have a problem keeping that memory going.

I did my crying when I read the email telling me of the cancer. It was a matter of time - and not much hope. He was still so young, and there was so much ahead. But now, it's time to cook and eat. Don't count on any tomorrows, my friends. Find the food that makes you swoon, learn as much as you can, and eat it all – today!

[tatamagouche]

I must be psychic. I literally woke up in the middle of the night thinking about you, applehome, and wondering what happened to you, because I always respected so much what you had to say. Didn't always agree, but always wanted to know. So glad you're back. An indirect testament to Sam.

[Passadumkeg]

Wonderful, but remember the Portsmouth Treaty was signed in Kittery, Maine!

[takadi]

Sam Fujisaka responded to my most insane, obsessive, esoteric threads withs such passion, spunkiness and fun. He's probably the only name I recognize on chowhound. News of his death has saddened me greatly

[asiansensation007]

I usually just troll these boards, just reading and absorbing but never adding to the discussion. Sam always astonished me with his knowledge, wit, and obvious charm...and thats saying a lot considering this is an online discussion board. I always marveled at his well crafted, intelligent responses and wondered how the man A. knew so much and B. had time to write it all out for the rest of the world to know. I was envious of his career, taking him to the far reaches of the globe to assist in making those people's corner just a little bit better...He put his knowledge to use and left the world a better place.

Blessings to his girls. I never knew your father, but he is loved by thousands and we all celebrate his life with you.

[Veggo]

"to assist in making those people's corner just a little bit better" - I asked Sam for a price /rate to consult on a rice and fish farming project in Kenya that will ultimately feed a measurable portion of that country, and he told me he would do it for free if the owner, Dominion Farms, paid our beer tab.

[Gio]

With someone like you,
A pal that's good and true,
I'd like to leave it all behind
And go and find
A little nest
Somewhere out in the west
And let the rest of the world go by.

Ciao caro mio.

[c oliver]

Sam always raved about using chicken feet to make stock but I was never able to find any without driving four hours to SF. Well, I finally did and the packages are sitting there in my freezer. So now every time I open it, I think of Sam :) BUT, I had to pay $2/# for them which I think is rather dear for stock making so I may use them for dim sum. 'Course he said he had to pay about $75 for a turkey in Cali. All things are relative.

[M_Gomez]

I felt so sad, I only had a couple of exchanges with Sam but, in each of them, and in his many posts I read, he came across as a kind soul and a very warm human being.
Let's not take other CHs for granted, thinking that they'll always be there perpetually. I always take great pleasure in reading many of the Boards and, in many of them, there'll be CHs who stood out, who took so much care over their posts, who spent a lot of time sharing their culinary expertise, or dining adventures or just a quick tip on the latest eatery to open.
Some great CHs come to my mind - rworange on the San Francisco board, limster on UK/Ireland board, charles yu on China/HK board (oh, his treatise on wonton noodles was classic), PhilD on (oh well) everywhere - each & everyone of them are very special. They shape the way we look at food and they respect other' opinion as much as they educate us.
Oh, I'm rambling here. I guess the sudden loss of Sam's getting to me. I just want to say, please show other CHs, especially those special ones, how much we appreciate their efforts There's a little "Sam" in everyone of us CHs, or at least we can try to be. God bless you, Sam.

[rworange]

Thanks for the kind words, but I'm nowhere near the same class as Sam or so many other Chowhounds that if I started naming names it would go on and on. I'm just someone who likes to Google. The Cliff Claven of Chowhound, so to speak. And I'm not looking for reasurrance, so please don't respond to this. I just wish I could be a Sam in all parts of my life.

The real reason I posted though was somewhere way upstream I linked to one of Sam's last posts on the topic of being jilted by Chowhound
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6975...

Basically he recalled posters who were jerks to him

So I'd say treat every poster like Sam treated us.

And if you see anyone being a jerk to a poster ... especially a first time poster ... report it to the mods ... or it could be someone like Sam who decides not to stick around and we lose a great contributor

One of my first posts I made the cardinal sin of asking where the best store bought pie crust could be found and got jumped on for not making my own. I almost didn't return.

Long after I was hooked on Chowhound, one poster ... who I actually like quite a bit ... dogged me about liking stuff like Carvel Ice Cream because it had crap in it ... well, I was a few posts away from leaving despite being crazy about the site.

It's like those BBQ jerks Sam mentioned. Don't do a food superiority dance whit other posters. State how you feel and then move on. All the nagging isn't going to change anyone's tastes. The people on the board who changed my mind didn't preach or harrass. They just posted about their great food experiences until I got interested and gave it a try.

Every poster is a special poster. Let's do what we can to be civil and keep them around.

[Passadumkeg]

Every Monday, I get photos of where my son hiked in S. Korea and others of his travels in Asia. I'd always forward them to Sam. He suggested friends w/ which to stay in the Phillippines, and invited Michael to stay w/ him in Cali, this Nov.
I still get the photos, but no longer forward them.

[JerryMe]

Oh - That is so precious and that is so Sam!

[vvvindaloo]

Oh no, I had no idea. I noticed that he hadn't been posting, and only found this because I came looking... I am so sorry to hear this. I will miss Sam's sense of humor, and even greater sense of camaraderie. What a great spirit he was (and invaluable CH contributor). My heart goes out to his young daughter, along with the rest of his family. I bet he's got a good buzz going, wherever he is, and is getting his fill of all of those delicious treats his beloved mom and aunts are making for him. RIP, fellow capricorn hounder.

[TheSnowpea]

I lurked and occasionally posted in the Home Cooking board, and Sam's was one of the people whose postings I always paid extra attention to. His was a distinct, wise voice, and I will miss it.

Sunflowers to his family.

[maria lorraine]

Didn't you just love it when he would toss out his science so clearly and delightfully?
Didn't you just love his arcane tales of eating, his sheer irrepressible Sam-ness?

[a_and_w]

Man, my day just keeps getting worse and worse. You will definitely be missed, Sam.

[manraysky]

So sad to hear of Sam's passing. Reading his posts was truly one of the joys of CH.

[bulavinaka]

Hopefully his posts will live on for eternity. There's a lot of heart in each one.

[honeybea]

So long, Sam...

[OCAnn]

=(

[Jemon]

I always looked forward to reading Sam's posts. He always had more to contribute than just about anyone I can think of. :) I will miss him too.

[tatamagouche]

Thank you for the notice—I wouldn't have known him if I'd passed him on the street, but I was always happy to see his name in a thread.

[Mawrter]

RIP, Sam. I will miss his voice.

[Chinon00]

So long Sam. Your posts were always witty and inviting. See you on the other side.

[Jennalynn]

I just caught this thread... and I am quite saddened.

[decolady]

I just now saw this and have to say this makes me feel so sad. Although I haven't been posting on Chowhound long, I have enjoyed reading Sam's posts for quite a while. He will be missed by so many. Your tributes to him are wonderful.

[bulavinaka]

Dearest Sam,

You are a star so bright in the midnight sky of virtual relations. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your camaraderie. It’s only been a handful of years that I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you. But the depth to which your soul has given so much makes me feel as if your friendship has graced me for so many years. I would be selfish to assume that I am the only one who feels this way. You have been a joy in the hearts of so many. But indulge me once more as your spirit is welcomed by your peers who were great and caring but left before you. They will appreciate you for eternity. And I will miss you for now, Sam.

Every boy wants a big brother. I’m no different. We share a very similar start in life, only time separating our beginnings. I love my father dearly, but in my heart, I always wished I had a big brother to console in, to look up to, and to just share life as brothers do. Whether or not you knew this, you provided this sense of fellowship to me.
Irreverent, wise, a leader by example. An adventurous heart whose will was to make things better for those not lucky like us to be born into relative privilege. What more could a brother ask for? World traveler, poet laureate, sage of ages, man of his word. Heck, you could even fish and hunt. To not have a true brother of flesh is no longer important. To live vicariously through your words has eased my heart, brother.

My daydreaming would often take us and our families to a calm lake up in the Sierras or the sandy shores of California’s Pacific. You could show me new fishing knots to tie, and open my eyes to the insight from a fish’s point of view. Our families know of hard work, the bittersweet memories of leaving loved ones for the promised land, and the chance of renewal. Succeeding generations like you and I would have the opportunities that avoided our parents. Their steadfast perseverance laid the path for us. Their success would be based on our’s. They wished that we wouldn’t suffer the trials by fire that they confronted every day. Is this where your empathy toward the common man was born? Our families would console each other with vivid stories of the past, while feasting on each other’s offerings: kamaboko, tsukemono, some leftover doctored up dish, SPAM musubi and thermos-fulls of hot ocha to warm our hands; gestures of understanding to warm the soul. Onii-chan, ima doko ni imasuka? Brother, where are you now? I really miss you now that you have moved on.

Onii-chan, now that you are in this better place, I hope your suffering has been lifted from your being, and your spirits are high. Please warn all around you that you are full of four-letter words: Food, grog, love and soul! I hope endless bottles of grog and tins of SPAM await you. Let your full life be a catalyst for those like me who are far less worthy than you, to live a life of sharing, hope for the better, and care for those who were dealt a tougher hand in life. We as true Chowhounds will never let a meal pass without saving a seat for you in our hearts. I as your virtual self-appointed little brother will always look up to you. And one day, we will meet again in true spirit.

Mata miru, ne –

Bulavinaka

[Passadumkeg]

Wow! Speechless (except for the Spam).

[bulavinaka]

I was thinking of you - often - as I was aware of your closeness with Sam, and your "love" for the greatest canned meat in the world! :) Sam will provide for all us with lots of SPAM dishes when we meet again...

[FoodFuser]

Nice ode there, dude.

[a_and_w]

Wow...you just brought tears to my eyes.

[bulavinaka]

Sam's truly one of a kind. As the saying goes, a rising tide raises all ships, and Sam definitely had that ability to do that with all of us...

[vvvindaloo]

I am sorry for your loss, bulavinaka.

[bulavinaka]

I think we speak for us all.

[c oliver]

(I've been unsuccessful in posting this on Facebook so will put it here instead. Perhaps it's too long.)

I've held off posting about Sam because there's just so much. I was one of the lucky ones who corresponded with Sam via email for about the last year. We had a small group (six or eight) and someone called us the Hole in the Gut Gang. We thought we should be able to come up with something better but we were too busy chatting to come up with labels. Within the gang, we could and did get as off-topic as we chose. Politics were discussed and I'd say we were between middle of the road to torching bearing, die-hard liberals. 'Course the environement was a frequent topic. How could it not be with Sam there? But it seems we didn't get too far away from food for too long.

There were times one of us would email a food question cause we needed one answer and we needed it quickly. I don't think it detracted from Chowhound because we all shared there too. I remember being in Rio de Janeiro last October (that was actually when Sam emailed us that he wasn't going to be around for the "Fall Roundup). I had carried a tin of Spam because both CH and the gang would discuss it with great passion on both sides. Sam, being part Hawaiin, had a great love for the stuff. So there I sat with a can of it, not having eaten it since childhood (which was a LONG time ago) but not knowing how to "cook" it. I fired off an email to Sam and got a quick answer back: pepper it heavily and then fry. Perfect! And we've had it several times since then. The day after Sam died, my husband (to whom I read many of Sam's posts) and I went out to breakfast. The restaurant owner is Hawaiian and it suddenly occurred to me to ask and, sure enough, he had it and fixed us Spam for breakfast. Spam and many other things will be eaten in Sam's memory by me and many others, I'm sure.

I've especially enjoyed the celebratory posts about Sam that recognized he was NO saint!!! Far from it. The gang has gotten more than one post from him over the year where the subject was Jackass of the Week Award :) (Y'all know, don't you that "jackass" is one of his fave words?) I guess that bad science and a closed mind were the two things that would set him off the easiest. Well, and let's face it, he didn't especially like being wrong.

I've been pleased and, yes, even a little surprised that he's had as big an impact on so many as he has. Even some of the people with bad science and closed minds :) That guy had one, great, big, beautiful brain, didn't he? And heart? Even bigger and so, so sweet.

Thanks for allowing me this public forum to pour out part of how I've been feeling. I miss Sam every day.
PS: Where the hell did he get "dried African game meat" and WTF does smoked lung taste like?!?

[steve h.]

very cool.

[maria lorraine]

Indeed. Love the Spam in homage.

[Passadumkeg]

Nicely done CO. During our email conversations we found we had lived 3 blocks from each other in the UNM/Albuquerque student ghetto. His spouse and I were both in grad. school. The LA to Albuquerque nefarious activities he engaged in were hilarious. Think muscle cars w/ heavy duty shock absorbers. I deeply regret that on one of his DC trips, he was going to make a detour up to Maine for a lobster feed, but ran into conflicts and couldn't make it.
ps I suggested Gut Over the Belt Gang.

[Veggo]

Where did Sam get dried African game meat? Probably at the source. I recently found a Sam e-mail from April, 2007, recounting his dinner of yak. He was in Bhutan.

[c oliver]

I don't know, Veg. I had the sense that it was something he ate in Cali. A cursory google did show a number of links about the exportation of it including to South America. But, dammit, I want HIM to tell us :)

[Caitlin McGrath]

He mentioned more than once that he carted it home with him when he traveled to places where it was readily available for work. As I recall he noted he'd lost it once when there was a stopover in the US en route, because one can't bring meat in to the US, as opposed to Colombia's regs.

[c oliver]

Thanks,Caitlin. One question answered. Now what does smoked lung taste like and from what animal???

[BobB]

Never tried smoked lung but I did have Szechuan-prepared pig's lungs once in China. The flavor was good (fiery as you'd expect) but the texture was rather off-putting. I've noticed that Chinese tend to like gelatinous and gristly textures much more than your typical Westerner (me at any rate).

[c oliver]

I recently ate pig ears and intestines with alanbarnes and they were good,esp. the intestines.

[JerryMe]

Hole in the Gut Gang - OK - That made me laff for the first time in weeks! Thank you COliver!

[appycamper]

i love that the thread has become "unwieldy," an unintended tribute to sam i am.

[rworange]

A Site error brought me to this board and this is the first I have seen of this. I am just devastated. I haven't read this whole thread .. I can't right now since I would be too emotional.

I just wanted to offer condolances to his family. Even people we know virtually can become very important to us. Without the internet I may have never known Sam. It was a privledge and he will sorely missed by me but warmly remembered as well.

[hyacinthgirl]

I had the same thing happen, as I was away from my usual board stalking for a week. I'm shocked and deeply saddened. I never met him, but I felt honored anytime he shared his incredible experiences with all of us here. He was clearly a fun, beautiful, open hearted person. He will undoubtedly be missed deeply, greatly and continually.

[Father Kitchen]

I had the privilege of meeting Sam during a visit he made to DC last August. Shortly after that, he emailed me and told me that he had been diagnosed with cancer. We had planned a longer visit, and I'd hoped to bring him by our monastery to enjoy a home-cooked meal here. As it was, our afternoon visit was short but so memorable. We talked over some good beer out by the Eastern Market. He spoke movingly of his concerns about the water supply of the world, which surely must be the number one environmental life/death issue for most of humanity. Someone I knew was hoping to get him to speak to the Northern VIrginia Ethical Society on that topic. But it was not to be. Sam's broad knowledge of food and his generous sharing of knowledge make him unforgettable. But his greatness as a human being will surely be measured in what he did to help feed the word. We owe so much to him. Thanks, Sam.

[Val]

aw...unbelievable...((((sam))))...it is SO TRUE that the basic need in life is clean WATER to drink and what so many of us take for granted...the church I belong to has sponsored and funded 2 water wells in Madagascar (?) ...I might be wrong on the location but I know it is somewhere in Africa...there are probably many, many places in Africa that need clean water. Thank you, Father Kitchen...you were one of a FEW who was lucky enough to meet Sam Fujisaka in person.

[Father Kitchen]

Val, meeting Sam was a blessing. He was one of the richest and most complex, wise and funny people I have ever met. His thoughts about water, however, were not focused simply on water for developing nations. He reminisced about his own family's farm use of water in California, and he saw real ethical problems in our own water use.
I lived in Kenya in the early nineties. We had a "bore hole" (well) with abundant fresh water. People, including small children, walked kilometers to get water from us, which they carried home in jerry cans. The water problem includes more than drinking water. When the rains fail in East Africa, a million people (mostly small children and the elderly) may die from famine. And, of course, contaminated water brings disease.
Our own water uses need examining. What gave us the right to take all the water out of the Colorado River and leave a once-flourishing river delta, that happens to be in Mexico, an ecological wasteland? What should we say about the contamination of our own water sources from toxic run off or drugs?
But, as your church has done, we can help. The son of a friend of mine went to a town in a developing country and built a local water system for people dwelling on what was basically a town dump. Sam was aware of all of this and of more aspects of this problem of our human family. He would have applauded your church's sponsorship of water wells. God bless you for that.
I think he would also have challenged us to do everything in our power to reverse the degradation of water resources and end our proprietary attitude toward it. And no doubt, he would have done it with good humor, patience, and his extraordinary gifts as a teacher and mentor.

[yayadave]

Sam had knowledge of food and water and adaptability in places many of us (me) couldn’t find even if we had a map. But beyond that, his character and willingness to graciously share his knowledge from both experience and hard science are what endears his memory to so many hounds.

FK, your post about water and our use and misuse of it and your experiences in Africa brought this story of courage to my mind.
http://www.panhala.net/Archive/Her_He...

[Father Kitchen]

Thanks, Dave. Funny. In the last couple of weeks, several people I know and hold dear have died or are close to death, but Sam's has touched me in a way that none of theirs has.
As I read the poem on your link, I was reminded of letters from my great Aunt on the frontier of North Dakota less than a hundred years ago. She lost several children to "summer fever." Typhus from contaminated water. Like these cousins of mine, all of the people Sam cared so much for have faces and names. You felt that with him. Whether rice or corn water, it wasn't simply about science or statistics. It was about people and life.

[steve h.]

Sam was a bit of a wiseass. I like that.

[pikawicca]

More than a bit, I'd say, one of his many strong points. For all his humor and occasional snarkiness, though, it was Sam's devotion to helping real people grow and eat real food that impressed me the most. Many of us like to eat well, but Sam went way beyond that.

[steve h.]

it was the irreverence that appealed to me. I have it on good authority that he liked to drink a bit.

[alanbarnes]

>>"I have it on good authority that he liked to drink a bit."<<

You don't say.

[pikawicca]

There are lots of us who like to eat and drink, as did Sam. Lots of us who can be irreverent, as well, but at bottom, Sam was a person who cared deeply about food issues that should concern all of us. He knew a lot, and shared a lot, and never took himself too seriously. In an age when hubris seems to be endemic, Sam was immune.

[steve h.]

alanbarnes,
very cool.

[Boccone Dolce]

yay! more pictures!!!
Are you able to add this to his facebook family page? If not, and you'd like me to, I would be happy to....

[alanbarnes]

It's in the album "Photos of Sam."

[moh]

I've been unable to post since hearing the news. It's hard to know what to say, what could possibly be an appropriate tribute for a larger-than-life character whose personality shines like a giant beacon with every post?

But then I was sitting with some good friends, ripping into fresh snow crab legs, dipping them in gobs of melted butter, chomping on fresh asparagus spears, more crab, the shells cracking open to release their glorious treasure, followed by swigs of the most lovely 15 year-old Alsatian riesling, laughing at the stories of my friend's children, and the mischief they had been up to. We are celebrating the return of spring. As the wine continues to pour, the stories get raunchier, someone breaks into the chorus of some old 1980's song, people join in. More bottles open, and people start to get a little maudlin, but that is ok too, anything goes. We are amongst good friends, good food and drink, can it get any better than this? And we create yet another happy memory that bonds us to each other.

That is when I realized, Sam would not want some fancy formal memorial service, he would want a rip-roaring wake! He would want to leave this world on a rocket ship, not a hearse.

Sam was a man who was so passionate about everything: food, drink, his scientific work, women, his children, life. It is his passion that draws us to him, and it is his wit, intelligence and engaging manner that makes us want to stay. He was never afraid to express his opinions, but was also willing to listen to opposing points of view. He was a man who was willing to try any kind of food, he had a quality of openness that is so rare to see. And he shared his love and passion for food with us through his posts, he was an incredibly generous soul.

Sam had some of the strange hours I seem to keep, and he helped me through several tough nights, where he and I and others would create Tibetan Sand Art, posting odder and funnier and raunchier posts that were guaranteed to be moderated by morning. His posts made me laugh when nothing else could, and I am extremely grateful for those moments of laughter. His posts made me think, kept my mind active when I needed to be preoccupied. I could hear his "voice", sense his presence when I read his posts. He always made me feel welcome and comfortable, even when we were debating some scientific point. And I feel like I've shared his table, eaten a mighty banquet with him, even though it was a virtual one. Thank you Sam, for sharing so many moments with me, with all of us. We are all richer for sharing your grand passion for life.

So let it start! Laugh, cry, sing, open up a bunch of bottles, pile the food on the table! Let's celebrate the life of Sam Fujisaka, knowing he lived the equivalent of nine lives, and lived them all with passion laughter and love. I raise my glass!

[Gio]

Hugs to you (((Moh))). That was beautiful.

[LindaWhit]

Hear, hear! Well said, moh!

[alanbarnes]

[Raises glass]

[appycamper]

beautifully done, moh! joyful, thankful and evocative. glass raised.

[maria lorraine]

Beautiful, moh.

[Cookiefiend]

Beautiful, moh.

<raising my glass> 'Vaya con Dios, Sam.'

[soupkitten]

***joyful tinkling and chiming sounds, as many, many friends' glassware touch together in the virtual world***

cheers.

[Veggo]

moh, you got my eyes all welling up again.

[maria lorraine]

Veggo, you two had a nice banter on the boards. Perhaps even more so off the boards. I know you're missing him now.

[jcattles]

(Raising my glass) Here's to Sam!

And to quote Sam himself "Banzai (to life)"

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/3385...

[FoodFuser]

Well said.

[CindyJ]

Thank you, moh, for putting into words what so many of us here are feeling.

[chef chicklet]

Moh what a beautiful remembrance of Sam. You did it, you summed my feelings for Sam up exactly. All that you wrote, has been going through my mind these past few days, not really wanting to accept the finality of him leaving. I can't explain these feelings. Feelings for someone I know only through my computer but yet so personal.

But Sam, wow, he was not afraid to get personal, brave enough to post his real name, share his life stories, his failures and succeses something I've been terrified of doing yet he did, and he made so many friends and fans. There is a bond with these chowhound people, all brought together with food, stories flow, illnesses are shared, happy silly stupid moments when we laugh at ourselves. By the way how in the heck did I miss the lyrics? It had to be when I was sick. Sorry I missed it, but I laughed so hard last night my husband called "what is so darn funny?" omg. Try explaining that to a non chowhound.

Thank you Moh, a great big hug, and a huge thank you, that was awesome.
And if I may join in raising my glass, cheers Sam!

[Phurstluv]

What a beautiful tribute in words.........

[vvvindaloo]

Thank you, moh

[hannaone]

Moh
Thank you for this post, and I truly hope that you and Sam are sharing a table on that rocket ship to the next world.
Both of you are missed.

[Chemicalkinetics]

hannaone,

"Both of you are missed."

Am I missing something?

[Gio]

Sad to say, CK:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7103...

[Chemicalkinetics]

Gio,

Oh my. Two well-known Chowhound-ers back to back. This is sad. I guess Moh had must known her time is going up too when she wrote her above message.

[LindaWhit]

Oh my goodness. Just so sad.

[lagatta]

Moh has died since then, find relevant thread on the same site. These are terrible losses. We have discussed Sam's scientific work on the site, but opthamologist Moh (Dr Mila Oh) was the top retina specialist in Montréal and saved the sight of many people including a star of les Canadiens. I guess that was more problematic as unlike Sam's work on tropical agriculture, Moh's scientific work was less directly related to food issues. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/710372

[linguafood]

And I'd like to raise a glass to you, moh. You will be dearly missed.

[maria lorraine]

I adored him. I knew his death was coming, and I still ache.

Thanks for posting the news, jfood.

Sam was terrifically funny. He was smart, scientific. He often debunked myths, or countered a post with grace, information and reasoning. I was lucky enough to correspond with him in the months before he died, and he was most concerned about his daughter.

I ache. He was beautiful.

[foiegras]

I know this ... better to have a wonderful, loving father at the beginning of your life's journey, than a different kind of father your whole life ... I'm sure she knows she was (and is) well loved, and that knowledge will always be with her.

[Janet from Richmond]

She will. My father died when I was young of cancer and though it has been many decades and my memories are very faded, I still feel his love. I had a wonderful father and while I did not have him long enough, I got more than a lot of people do in this life. And with the internet, his daughter will get to know her Dad even better in the years ahead.

[Ruth Lafler]

Maria, I knew his death was coming, too, but aside from sharing my pictures and thoughts about my trip to South America, I couldn't claim to have corresponded with him. He didn't mention his personal situation, and I didn't want to bring it up. One of the first things I thought when I heard he was terminally ill was how sad for his little daughter, and I thought that again when I heard he'd finally succumbed. My heart goes out to her as she learns to cope with this devastating loss.

[JerryMe]

Yes, indeed - His wee one. I had forgot about her but he was so informative about what he used to cook for her (them) and my heart goes out to her. Death is a bi-otch for the living.

[FourSeasons]

Sam, I will miss you.

[fern]

I'm shocked to read this. Sam. Such a warm, funny, and generous guy to all of us here. Even only knowing him through his posts, one had the sense that Sam lived life to the fullest. Such a sad loss, prayers of comfort going out for his dear little girl and all his friends and family.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Sam always followed my posts and made comments that were so far better than mine. l will miss his quick wit and warm demeanor. My sympathies to his family

[c oliver]

It just occurred to me that, if Sam's not already on your reading list, he can still be added. And he'll have more than anybody ever!!!

[LindaWhit]

I had already gone to check to see if he was on my reading list, and he wasn't, for some reason. He is now. :-)

[chocchipcookie]

Sam was the very first person I ever added to my list when I figured out you could do that sort of thing.

[meatn3]

And if he manages to post from the great beyond we will be alerted!

Kind of ala Edgar Cayce and the telephone they keep in case he figures out how to call home...

[trolley]

Oh no! I am so saddened by this. Sam and I had some really funny conversations. He's one of the two people on chowhound that "followed" me. so sad (;_;) sam you will be TRULY missed. you were a gem!

[Servorg]

"He's one of the two people on chowhound that "followed" me."

Sam might have said that he didn't want to miss catching the trolley... ;-D>

[trolley]

haha!! servorg too funny!! :D i always felt like he was on my side when the talking got rough. he'll be missed :(

[southernitalian]

He followed me too and always defended me! Now I'll have to rely on jfood even more,

[shanagain]

Me too, and it made me teary to see that icon in my profile the other day. I'd never noticed it before.

[meatn3]

Sam was the first person to "follow" me. We'd had a few brief exchanges, but nothing particularly exciting.

I remember when I first noticed his icon on "my chow" page. I was so excited to have someone interested enough to read me - and for it to be SAM! Then almost instantly I was struck feeling that my posts needed to be better thought, better proofed, more literary, etc., etc. I was blocked by this nervousness for a good bit, and finally got over myself and started to post again.

With the enormous number of knowledgeable posters, many of whom are also wonderful writers, Sam taking the time to "read" a newbie felt like my official welcome to CH.

[LindaWhit]

Dammit, I was able to make it through this ENTIRE thread without crying at work, amazingly enough. Just more smiles than watery eyes.

And then I read this thread on Site Talk about "Anyone ever felt jilted by Chowhound?"

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6975...

And our dear Sam responded on March 27, 2010 to givemecarbs about Myers-Briggs tests as they applied to the Mods....and I burst out in tears!

Such a simple response to givemecarbs, but heartfelt, as always. ::::Sigh::::

[harrison]

Wow - a loss in a virtual community hits you just as hard. I always admired Sam's knowledge, passion, and dedication. He will be deeply missed

[emn76]

So very sorry to learn of his passing, my thoughts and prayers are with Sam and his loved ones:(

[klyeoh]

RIP, Sam, I'm going to miss your posts very much.

[whs]

Another aspect of Sam's life: http://gisweb.ciat.cgiar.org/dapablog...

[gfr1111]

Sam,

We will all miss you. You had encyclopedic knowledge about food and were funny and kind.

[2m8ohed]

So sad to hear. My condolences to his whole family and especially to his wife and beloved young daughter. Thank you for sharing your husband/father with us. He blessed us with his wisdom, humor, respect for others, passion, and so many other wonderful attributes.

[c oliver]

Just an fyi. Sam wasn't married at the time of his death. Several ex-wives and seemingly loads of former girlfriends :) Chow-crush indeed.

[ErnieD]

Wow, this makes me incredibly sad. I'm more of a lurker than a poster, but I've been around in that capacity since the blue-links-on-gray-board days, and Sam was such an amazing voice on this board. Like some posters above, I think it would be wonderful to collect some of his mentions of his daughter-they were always very touching, and losing her father so young, I imagine they would be nice for her to keep.

[pikawicca]

If you search for "zsofia," you'll find them all. They are extremely touching.

[c oliver]

Hopefully, she will learn to speak English so she can enjoy them.

[RicRios]

Sam,

I heard communications on the other side are way beyond internet, it's all s2s ( soul-to-soul ).

Wow!

s2s2u will certainly be a treat.

Ric

[Soop]

This is terrible, every time I look at chowhound, I see this thread and I don't feel like talking about anything else. It kind of takes the wind out of me.

[NE_Elaine]

Thank you, JFood for posting this sad news. It enables the chowhound members to say their farewells to an esteemed list member.

To Sam's family and close friends, I would like to offer my sincerest condolences. Sam brought a unique perpective to this site. His posts were a "must read" whenever I was scanning through the new postings.

He will be missed.

[karykat]

I just by chance ran across one of the old threads on saving money and Sam had a great 11-part post. Almost all of it very practical, and then one suggestion: don't try to be frugal on everything. Give yourself a luxury sometimes -- some really good olives or mustard or fruit. I thought that was really wise, looking not just at the dollars and cents but also at the bigger person.

I also was so excited by the posts on an old chicken adobo post that was revived in the last few months. The thread was amazing, touching on the history of adobo and the kinds of rice grown and used and how everyone's grandmother had her own adobo. Sam added so much to that. And to these boards day after day.

So, for you my CH friend, a pot of chicken adobo to appreciate your memory.

[viperlush]

After reading the postings from his friends and coworkers who knew him personally, and from the Chowhounds who knew him electronically, I am honored to be among those who have learned from him.

[EWSflash]

He leaves a lot of holes in a lot of hearts, mine included.

Hard to understand feeling such sadness over the death of somebody I never knew, but I'm certain that on several fronts the world will never be quite the same without Sam in it.

My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

[walker]

You said "somebody I never knew" but I'm thinking, in many ways, we get to know each other here better than (sometimes) we know our own neighbors.

[Chemicalkinetics]

This completely took me by surprise. I guess I just didn't know he is sick since he is so active on this site. It is sad.

[Paulustrious]

And so I return to re-read some of his posts. To where he crossed swords with others, but never inflicted injury. To where you wonder at the complexity of his life, one spent with humour, wisdom and precision.

One of the few people not ashamed to use his own name. A person who, in the past, I googled to find out if he was real. He was all he purported. The person with most followers and, judging by the outpouring of emotions, much admired, respected and loved.

Bummer.

[Paulustrious]

And one of his last posts read...

Taaa daaa ... the end of a sordid, perplexing, saga.

If we remove the word sordid, then we have my by-line for him...

Taaa daaa ... the end of a perplexing saga.

[bushwickgirl]

Yes, I ran across that post and another, very close to his last posting, or maybe his last, which simply said, "Thank you."

[Sharuf]

Reading all 265 posts with tears streaming down.

I recently had a brief email exchange with Sam, and was able to let him know how much I admired and enjoyed his contributions. I didn't know then that he was leaving us, so I feel fortunate that I communicated my esteem before it was too late to do so.

In your honor, Sam, I will carry on your valiant battle against the use of the word "Cali" as a nickname for Callifornia.

[yayadave]

I hope the mods NEVER delete the "Sam I Am" icon.

[Cookiefiend]

Me too.

I planned on keeping it in my 'People 'I'm reading' list and in the 'People reading me'
Which makes me weepy.

[ricepad]

I know I'm not the only one who sees new threads and wonders what Sam Fujisaka would have said...

[pikawicca]

I think it would be mighty fine if you posted what you think Sam might have said.

[meatn3]

Yes! Each time I see the newish post on what people keep in their car (foodwise) I think about what surprises Sam's response would have had!

[kattyeyes]

Somehow I can envision "dried African game meat"...

[limster]

aka biltong

[Passadumkeg]

Not pulque. He detested it. The only oher food I remember him disliking was brown rice sushi. We differed on the edibility of Spam. He'd have that in his car, if he had a car.

[Gio]

Passa, another foodstuff Sam didn't like was Yak Butter Tea,,,Here's a link to the thread discussing this delicacy:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/334708?tag=highlight-2458995;post-content-2458995#2458995
And another to one of his priceless descriptions:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/3347...

[Passadumkeg]

Little Dumkeg will be in the Chinese foothills of the Himala in Aug. He wants to try it, liked balyut in the Phillipines, but didn't like pulque in Mexico either. I guess I'm hard core w/ pulque.

[rudysmom]

may i propose a new CH abbreviation: WWSS? (What Would Sam Say?)

Sam was my chowcrush. like so many others, i just gasped out loud when i read this. can't add anything except more condolences to his family and another raised glass.

[meatn3]

Yes! It would put a whole new spend to the bumper stickers with an image of a fish!
I think he would get a kick out of this!

[EWSflash]

Ha! I was thinking of that yesterday while I was mopping the tears from my face reading this thread, so consider it a given, as far as I'm concerned.

[lvanleer]

RIP Sam.....your words will be sorely missed here at Chowhound......hope you're enjoying your favorite meal now and teaching everyone how to be Chowish.

[cheesemonger]

I can think of no other poster that has shaped the tone and feel of chowhound more than Sam has. His passing will take away some of the the smart, civil discourse that is becoming more infrequent, and needed more than ever.

Sam, you will be missed by so many more than you could ever have known.

[Lizard]

This is very sad news. I recall his excellent contributions to any sushi-related threads, tirelessly crusading to make general knowledge the fact that sushi refers to the rice and not the fish. Whenever I read a thread in which someone made that error, I'd wait for his correction And whenever I have encountered someone making that error in real life, I've done my best to correct their understanding. I'd like to think I'm carrying on the good fight-- one that I may have been oblivious to, had it not been for Sam Fujisaka.

[chowser]

One good fight that Sam reinforced for me was about food waste. It could produce threads of counter opinions but he made me more aware of what I was throwing out, parts I could be eating/using and made me happy to use surimi. I'm so much more mindful thanks to him from sushi to surimi, from Chef Boyardee to oyako donburi.

[mcf]

Oh, this is so sad. I only know him from reading his posts, which I made a point never to skip. He was a wonderful, thoughtful contributor.

[yimster]

So sad, I will miss his insights on food.

I did not know he was stick. I will remember his passion for food and his great wit.

Our prays to his family.

[Gatsby1]

This is so terribly sad, the world has lost a tremendous person.

[HLing]

I may just be in denial, but in my world, Sam never dies, partly because we've never met in person, but mainly because he is so good at living fully, immediately in the Present. If I ever got to meet him, we'd be cooking up gizzards every way imaginable, I'm pretty sure. I appreciate him for his unconditional love towards food. For me one Sam Fujisaka counters many negative eaters for whom food has increasingly become "not about food". Thank you, Sam!

[free sample addict aka Tracy L]

I am truly saddened, but am grateful he is no longer in pain. After reading all the wonderful posts about Sam and after reading some old posts of his I am going to be completely cliche and wish for a wonderful chow heaven or afterlife for him where he is rewarded for his presence on CH and his personal life. He is most deserving.

[JerryMe]

Haven't been able to reply until now as I just lost a friend Monday and spent today cleaning out his residence. So, the news of someone else dying was just a bit too much.

I only knew Sam thru CH but he is funny, sarcastic, jaw dropping knowledgeable and I hope he hooks up w/ Robbie and lets him know that $5.42 out the door Lil' Caeser's pizza is not manna from heaven.

[pikawicca]

Sam would like your style, Jerry.

[JerryMe]

Thank you - too many tears in one week.

[amanda3571]

so sorry to hear the sad news :(

[whs]

He was a mensch--never sought pity or consolation here. He could be pompous and pedantic, and quick to remind you of his pedigree. But what depth of knowledge, and what a great sense of humor. The "magic house" thread takes on a different tone, knowing his condition. What a great community this is--the outpouring of emotion for someone we never met is truly remarkable.

[Val]

jfood, or anyone who might know....did Dr. Sam leave any final wishes for contributions or donations in his memory? Sorry, I must ask this because I feel it is the least I can do, meager as it might be...I've googled obituaries for him and find nothing. Thank you.

[c oliver]

We have a contact with one of Sam's best friends in Cali. We'll be trying to get that information as well as a snail mail address. If it's not appropriate to post here (feedback in advance,moderators?) it will be on the FB page.

[Val]

Many thanks!

[The Chowhound Team]

Please touch base with us by email before posting -- because it would be public, indexed by google, etc, we'd like to be very certain that we have explicit permission from the family to have the information posted publicly.

[c oliver]

Excellent point. We'll stay in touch.

[chefbeth]

It was really gratifying to see how quickly the CH Team replied to this request. Thanks for realizing how important this is to all of us.

[lagatta]

Dear Chowhound Team, I think this is worthy of a story on the main Chow board, not only because of how Sam touched so many of us here, his collagues and others, but also because it shows that a board "for those who live to eat" can have an unexpected impact. For those who live so all can eat - while enjoying their own chow?

[c oliver]

Now isn't that a great idea? Better than some of those other things that make it onto Chow. I love what you wrote: for those who live so all can eat.... Perfect.

[pilinut]

An emphatic second--or is it third?--the what lagatta and c oliver said.

[CindyJ]

Another vote for this great idea.

[LindaWhit]

A brilliant idea, lagatta! Perhaps a small compilation of some of Sam's excellent, informative, funny, downright self-deprecating posts would be a wonderful thing to read and memorialize one of the best persons ever to have posted here on Chowhound.

[BobB]

I've been traveling all week and just saw this. Now I'm sitting in an airport lounge trying hard not to break out in tears.

As someone said above, I had no idea how much I liked and respected the man until I heard he was gone. So very, very sad.

[maplesugar]

Sam will always be in my heart and in my kitchen.

[tomishungry]

Sam,

I'm drinking a triple abbey to you. I'm going to have a hot dog for dinner, and try to find some neon cheese sauce to go with it. I'll try to cook something tmrw that'll be interesting and houndish..

To your memory. You will be missed.

[penthouse pup]

Just one word: Sensei. He was truly a Master.

[buttertart]

Perfect.

[heidipie]

In his Chowhound posts, Sam could make you feel as if you were sitting on a couch together talking with great passion about it all, not typing to a message board halfway around the world from each other. I feel as if I know what his laugh must have sounded like, though we never came close to meeting. And now he has brought us together here and elsewhere in the virtual world. I hope to remember Sam by trying to evoke his qualities in the lives I lead. Deep condolences to his family.

[ms. clicquot]

Like everyone here, I was shocked and saddened to hear of Sam's passing. I always looked forward to reading his informative posts. My thoughts are with his friends and family.

[cgfan]

Like many of his ardent readers I never knew Sam personally. I didn't even formally "subscribe" to his posts, as there was no need - many of the same topics and threads I was interested in, he'd already be there with his generous contributions.

His posts on these boards always stood out for me not only because of his extensive knowledge and passionate defense of a humbler form of traditional Japanese foods, but through a sense of a shared kinship as a fellow JA strongly tied to his own cultural roots.

If this thread is any measure his imprint on the virtual CH community is tremendous. One can only imagine the significance of his imprint to his friends and family, and to the world at large that he leaves behind.

Long live his legacy - "ばんざい! ばんざい! ばんざい!"

[MrsT]

If I saw Sam commented on a thread, it was an immediate must read. He will be missed.

[shaogo]

What a smart, funny man!

It is, indeed, peculiar to be so touched by the passing of a man I've never met in person.

[Dee S]

I'm reply 214 and can't say anything more than what's been said. We've lost a great, kind caring soul. He's touched so many.

I think Sam will be moderating us all in our future posts.

[Servorg]

"I think Sam will be moderating us all in our future posts."

That means a "no moderation free for all" is about to breakout (picture the food fight scene in "Animal House" with Sam starring in the John Belushi role as "Bluto Blutarsky" Now, that makes me smile)... ;-D>

[Veggo]

And Sam would have nailed the "Let's Do It!" scene on the first take.

[Bobfrmia]

Been here for a lot of years. Sam's post were always some of my favorites.
I was just reading over some of his past post. Someday that will provide hours of entertainment. Right now it just makes me feel worse.
It is a sad time.

[MsDiPesto]

Oh, sad news! I did not communicate with him on the level other hounds did, but I was always in awe of his experience and knowledge and discerning taste. And he was always respectful of other posters.

[Michelly]

A goodbye song by the Clancy Bros. & Tommy Makem:

For all the money that 'ere I spent,
I spent it in good company,
And for all the harm that 'ere I done,
Alas it was to none but me,

And all I've done, for want of wit,
To memory now I can't recall,
So fill to me the Parting Glass...
Good night and joy be with you all.

For all the comrades that 'ere I had,
Are sorry for my going away,
And for all the sweethearts that 'ere I had
Would wish me one more day to stay,

But since it falls unto my lot,
That I should rise and you should not,
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call,
Good night, and joy be with you all.

I raise my glass to you, my learned friend, and look forward to meeting you on the other side.

[vday]

I heard this song performed live by the Wailin' Jenny's recently . . . a haunting a capella version . . . I think of Sam now in recalling it. I never met the man, but loved reading his posts. He will be missed . . .

[sheilal]

He touched so many lives with his insightful postings. They were often humorous and frequently relevatory. Hounds and foodies everywhere mourn our loss.

[millygirl]

This really is a shock, and a very upsetting one to say the least. We've all lost a member of the family, our CH family.

Many of you have said it much more eloquently than I ever could but I would like to say that whenever Sam responded to one of my posts I felt truly priveleged. To know that someone with Sam's intellect would take the time to write to me was a real honour.

RIP Sam. I too am very saddened by this unfortunate news. Like others, I had no idea.

[Pia]

Just adding my voice to the chorus of those who will miss Sam -- what an amazing person, to have touched so many hundreds of people. I always looked forward to hearing what he had to say -- he always made me either laugh or learn something.

[kpaumer]

I hope this links works, but there are wonderful comments regarding Sam on this site, The title is "Celebrating the Life of Sam Fujisaka". One comment #43 is particularly poignant, It speaks to the soul of this wonderful man.

http://gisweb.ciat.cgiar.org/dapablog...

[MandalayVA]

It does work, and thanks for sharing it. :)

[buttertart]

I was thinking about what Servorg said about getting in trouble about bantering in Spanish - Sam was a master communicator, think of the language proficiency that went with him...Spanish, Tagalog, even pidgin...

[Passadumkeg]

Wicked funny Red Neck dialogue as well. Mrs Keg and I are going to our favorite lobster shack tomorrow night, bringing a bottle of bubbly and getting a few lobster rolls, a mess of fried clams and toasting to Sam. I promised I'd take him to Tracy's when he visited Downeast Maine. He'd a loved this place.
Scargod and I were talking on the phone last night bewildered at the strong emotions we feel for a man we've never physically met. We agreed that there prescious few of us that would be honored and grieved for like this.

[chowser]

I'm surprised at how hard it's been to think that we'll never "see" him on these boards again. It's not different from losing someone in real life and you miss things you did together. There was a post about Japanese congee on Home Cooking and my first thought was that Sam could have been all over that.

[buttertart]

Sorry sorry, it was Veggo who posted this about Spanish...and yes Passadumkeg yours is a fitting memorial for this wicked smart, funny, savvy man. It's a damn shame he's gone.

[Veggo]

This thread will soon outgrow my clunker computer's capacity, so I want to get in a comment about Sam's rascal side while I can, and how we shared a thousand belly laughs.
Sam and I often started a C'hound / e-mail session within an easy reach of a rum bottle, ice bucket, and a plate of cut limes. He favored Flor de Cana 7 year.
He was a spectacular contributor of knowledge and experiences during the first couple daquiris. By the third, we would troll threads for inflated egos or absurd comments, and he could be eloquent and factual as he ripped new orifices in the patently deserving.
After the third drink, we were mostly deleted. We had a friendly debate for a couple years about which of us was deleted more often, but I don't think Jacquilynne will tell...
I'm hurting for our loss.

[buttertart]

It was fun catching the posts that were obviously going to be deleted before deletion. Many a happy snicker.

[Gio]

<"It was fun catching the posts that were obviously going to be deleted before deletion. Many a happy">.... Guffaw.

[JoanN]

I happen to have been one of those for whom Sam ripped a new one during what was probably one of those PUI (Posting Under the Influence) sessions. What he wrote was very funny, but what he said was hurtful and wrong. And for that post to have come from someone I admired made it even more painful.

After a few days of stewing over it, I decided to write to him. I told him he had made an error in judgment, presuming facts about which he couldn’t possibly have any knowledge—something he would never do in his professional life.

What I will remember Sam for is the most beautifully written, thoughtful, sincere apology I have ever received. It was, unlike the original post, the real Sam: a class act.

[Gio]

Oh how I loved reading this, JoanN. The real Sam Was a class act.
Thank you for posting it.

[vvvindaloo]

Haha- PUI, I like that. Sam would totally appreciate it, too!

[bulavinaka]

It's amazing how we build relationships these days without actually meeting each other in the physical sense. And in some ways - yours being a classic example - how vital and emotional our ties to each other still are. I feel that we all are pen pals like in the old days - just with responses to each others' offerings being bridged by the absence of time.

Sam had that warmth, sincerity and charm of an old pen pal but with the skills and technological knowhow of a true intellectual with a host of real life experiences that could fill an epic novel. And even so, he did so well in speaking at a level that the common man such as I could take it all in like a warmed sake on a cool autumn night.

[kattyeyes]

So true and so beautifully stated, bulavinaka.

[a_and_w]

As usual, B anticipates my thoughts perfectly. Time to put on the tinfoil hat!

[bulavinaka]

Maybe we were twins separated at birth - you got the brains, taste buds and good looks, and I got... hey - what the...?!

[Janet from Richmond]

I am sitting here all weepy at the loss of our dear Sam, who made our world a better place. I raise a glass of bubbly in your honor and wish you peace dear friend.

You will be missed.

[haggisdragon]

Someone who I would have loved to share a meal with. I'm stunned with sadness this morning.

[Soop]

oh my god, I didn't even know he was ill... what a massive loss to everyone who knew him.

I'm amazed how helpful and... cheerful? he was given his situation. Oh wow, Sam buddy, I wish I knew you better. Surely those who did are truly blessed.

[pitu]

: (

[lulubelle]

When I first moved overseas I posted about missing food from home and Sam commented about how he used to fill his suitcases with food from home, and that however many years later, he still had certain items he needed to feel at home--although from his posts it sounds like he was at home anywhere and everywhere. He seemed like a lovely and kind man and he will be much missed.

[daveena]

I think this is the first time in my life I've really fervently hoped for an afterlife. I'm still not done arguing with him about whether or not Cambodian food is any good... Sam, you will be missed. When I see you again, I will bring some of the kick-ass prahok ktiss I've been talking about.

[ipsedixit]

I wonder what his last meal was ...

[jlafler]

Oh, Sam.....

[soypower]

One of my favorite threads that included several 'Odes to Sam'..

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/5847...

[Jacquilynne]

Such sad news. Sam was always such a passionate, thoughtful presence. It's clear he's touched many lives.

[Azizeh]

How very sad.

I'm more of a Chowhound reader than a poster, but his name was one of the few that I'd always stop at to read his response. Very smart and charming man.

My mother was active on a message board similar to ours. After her sudden death three years ago, it was so, so touching to see the responses that came pouring in from people all around the world that only knew her online but loved her. Sam, obviously, had the same gift. He touched a lot of people and had more friends than he probably knew.

I hope that Chowhound doesn't close down old threads anytime soon. What a gift it would be for his daughter to read her father's words.

Rest in peace, sir.

[irishnyc]

How sad. I always appreciated Sam's thoughts.

Cheers! Sam

[pilinut]

Nobody here will be surprised to learn that tears are rolling down my face as I write. I never met Sam, but there's a fat chunk of tinapang bangus in my freezer that's been waiting for him. If there is an afterlife, I hope Sam is enjoying all the wonderful things he loves to eat, his pleasure undimmed by the knowledge that we are missing him.

[pikawicca]

If I were a social scientist, I think I'd want to write a book on the phenomenon exhibited here. That such strong personal and social bonds can be formed with no in-person contact strikes me as being amazing. Something happened here on CH that bears researching.

[walker]

I'm thinking the same thing. He will really be missed.

[nvcook]

I so agree pikawicca. I'm sitting here with tears running down my face and I had never met the man. I did so love to read his posts though.

[chocchipcookie]

Agree! (tears are rolling especially after that video!) Why do all the great ones exit this life too early? Unfair. It would be nice to see Chow do some type of compilation of his quips, but then that would turn into a book!

[baltoellen]

I was thinking the same thing, too. On this great big internet forum, made up from people from all over the world, (who often have passionate disagreements), one person made such an impact on so many of us. CH doesn't go out of its way make it easy to connect with people here (no DM, no planning for meetups, etc.) so it's an even bigger testament to Sam I Am's great contribution here. And, this thread is yet another reminder that there are real, amazing people beyond the computer screen.

[meremere]

What a loss to his family and the Chowhound community. I always enjoyed reading his thoughtful, humorous and educational posts. Odd to feel so sad about someone I have only "read".

[Bill Hunt]

That is sad news indeed. We never did get to do that wine, that I promised him, when he proved me wrong on some subject.

He will be missed, and CH will be the worse for his absence.

Sam, this glass of Steven & Walker Trust Sauvignon Blanc is for you, and your myriad contributions to dining and to mankind in general. To you!

Bill Hunt

[mcsheridan]

I hardly knew him in the short years I've been here, but I always thought of him as the Most Determined Chowhound! Anyone who would schlep ingredients AND equipment into D.C. hotel rooms AND produce decent food for company was someone to keep an eye on!

This thread was illuminating:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6090...

I was shocked to see this thread title. My condolences to all his family, and many, many friends.

[missmasala]

His voice was unique on these boards and i always, always enjoyed reading him. Chowhound won't be the same without him.

My heart goes out to his family and friends.

[CeeBee]

Such sad news. I always paid more attention to Sam's posts, as his opinions and ideas were so inspiring.
RIP Sam. You will be missed.

[Caroline1]

Sam was magic, and lived on a magic clock. It had to have been for him to have had the time to touch so very many lives. Thank you, Sam, for showing us how to live.

[Quine]

My stomach is kicked out. But I know Sam is saying, relax, I WILL be back.
Sam Always payed it forward, so besides my daily random act of kindness, I will do another a day to pay it forward to honor Sam.

pay it forward a random act of kindness each day for Sam!

[Phurstluv]

He was definitely a class act, all the way. What a nice way to tribute to him!

[Cachetes]

I am stunned and saddened. With Sam, knowledge never seemed like a fact to be delivered, but rather a way to build community and a means to culinary consciousness. And he did it all with so much damn integrity and grace!

Perhaps the reason we all care so much, even though most of us never knew him, is because we felt he cared so much.

[baltoellen]

What can I add that hasn't been said here before? Sad, sad news, indeed. I hope that his family and friends find strength & peace during this difficult time. And, yes, that also includes those of us who were his virtual friends, too.

[ajs228]

Very sad news. He will be missed.

[steve h.]

Sam had a lot of miles under his keel. I admired him. He is missed.
Heaven just got a lot more interesting.

[Sisyphus]

"Heaven just got a lot more interesting."

As sad as this news is, your statement made me smile. Truer words have never been spoken. I imagine he is already scoping out the potential dining companions of generations past.

[adamshoe]

Oh No! Like most, I didn't even know he was ill. A funny and gentle and sometimes snide, but never mean soul. Never met him, but still feel a void at his passing. Condolences to his family and colleagues. Think I'll have a big plate of green eggs and ham tonite in your honor, Sam. CH is mourning your absence... Farewell, adam

[lagatta]

I'm terribly sad to get this news. For me Sam Fujisaka was one of the highlights of chowhound, and indeed, he was able to bridge the divide between those most concerned about food and environmental ethics and nutrition and those who insisted on a hedonistic love of chow. I've had some e-mail exchanges with Sam about both, but alas didn't know he was terminally ill.

Chow administrators, please publish a story about Sam and his great contributions to this site, to gastronomy high and low and ... er ... to humanity and our planet.

[Sherri]

There has never been a title which grabbed me like this one, jfood. I actually gasped though, in truth, I never met Sam. We only traded quips; sharing a love of food, travel and people. It is a sad day for all of us who treasured his gentle wit, wide-ranging knowlege, irreverence and willingness to share.
Pax Vobiscum, Sam.

[walker]

Yes, I just gasped, too. It's hard to believe I could get so attached to an on-line friend, but Sam was really special to all of us. I'm trying hard not to cry. I hope he knew how much we all thought of him.

He lives on in our memories of him.

[danhole]

Most of us had never met Sam face to face, yet we all knew him, and he knew us as well. No matter what the situation he had a unique way of helping each of us, and that is what Chowhound should be about - helping each other, in the kitchen and everywhere else that we can. He did, and I miss him. His daughters can only be richer having had him as a father.

Oh, and he looks just like what I imagined him to!

[kattyeyes]

+1 "he had a unique way of helping each of us, and that is what Chowhound should be about - helping each other, in the kitchen and everywhere else that we can."

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS! That is COMPLETELY what CH s/b about. Beautifully stated, too.

[onceadaylily]

Yes.

[Veggo]

And Sam's legacy will carry on. We shared a liking for a song from the early 70's by Procol Harum, 'Still there'll be more'.
Meanwhile, "I will bathe my eyes in a river of salt."

[onceadaylily]

I had to search the lyrics. That song makes the historian in me think of Rome, and all that is 'Roman'. Thank you.

[Veggo]

The lyrics get extreme, but Sam and I never took it past the cherubic stage of dropping out from the Boy Scouts and into the innocent adolescent world of beer, girls, pot, and fireworks.

[onceadaylily]

Nah, not too extreme. At that age, we all think we are tearing down the world with what we do, just to satisfy the sudden knowledge that we are *beings* who could impact the world.

When I was twenty-five, I wrote a poem titled, "I Like Fire". The lyrics to this song made me think of that poem. I read that poem sometimes, and I laugh, even though I now take every family recipe I have and try to make it mine.

I read that song, and I felt fully the knowledge that everything *does* change, but only according to who you already are, and what you are ready to change with.

[The Professor]

One of my favorite Procol Harum songs ever. And the sentiment in the title certainly is apropos.

By the way...I will be seeing Procol Harum in concert twice during the month of June during their first US tour in 7 year. I'm so jazzed about that!! 43 years on, they're sounding better than they ever did...

[chef chicklet]

I am floored. I'm so sorry to hear this, I didn't know that he was ill, and I am so stunned and sad. The utube link his colleagues put up is wonderful.

Along with a few other hounds (yes there's a few of you!), I always read what you have to say, and I always looked for Sam's posts. I know he was gifted, an educated and bright man. He had great insight and ideas. I loved to read his responses or rebuttles, magnificently worded with a drizzle of funny and a talent for hitting home. I loved it when he commented to me, in fact I felt honored he'd even noticed. I am sure he'll be missed by so many people, looks like he made quite a few friends here on CH.

[porker]

My thoughts exactly, chef.
I was always fascinated by Sam and had hoped (had assumed) to learn more and more of him through Chow...

[rorycat]

Sam Fujisaka
A Chowhound extraordinaire
Taken far too soon

I did not have the privilege of personally knowing Sam, but like so very many others will never forget him.

[ricepad]

I'm quite sure that Sam Fujisaka led a full life, so I'm not sad for him. I'm sad for me, because I was always quite sure that one day, on one of his trips back home to the Central Valley, I would share a meal with him. Now I know that I never will, and am the poorer for it.

[susancinsf]

I too always thought he'd come back to Fresno and the CV some day, and I looked forward so much to the fun of sharing a meal with him.

Sam had so many wonderful qualities; the one I admired the most was his all too rare ability to combine humor and scientific wisdom in his writing.

We miss you, Sam.

[NYCkaren]

I am so sorry. I always enjoyed Sam's posts. I will miss him.

[boogiebaby]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I enjoyed Sam's posts, and likes others have mentioned, had no idea of his illness. The world has lost a good person. Prayers for his family.

[jcattles]

It seems strange to mourn the loss of someone i never met, however I felt as if I knew Sam. I looked forward to his posts, knowing he had some wonderful insight, knowledge, or experience to offer. He lived such a full life. I hope his family realizes what an impact he had on us Chowhounders & how much we adored him. Sam had such great wit & wisdom and I will miss reading his posts.

Rest in Peace Sam. You will be dearly missed.

[otps]

jc I have read all the posts and you said what I was going to say.
I, like everyone here, have a tear for Sam.

[toodie jane]

Been going through some of Sam's old posts and here is a favorite. Written 3/24:

"Expiration dates and God! Some believe, others do not. I eschew expiration dates; but when I see spoiled food, stuff gone bad, I cut it out and cast it from me and into the eternal garbage pit. But condemn no food by date alone, a date given to it by man."

Sam Fujisaka March 24, 2020.

[clamscasino]

And one of Sam's limericks written on Father's Day, June 21, 2009:

Ode to Breakfast 4

"Breakfast of yogurt, banana and berries
Or cut up plums. pears, and cherries
But on this day when fathers rest
Lots of starch and greasy fat are by far the best
Then off to nap and dreams of sugar plum fairies"

Sweet dreams, Sam.

[PegS]

Oh that's so sad. I didn't know him in person, but I was certainly well familiar with his name. He will greatly missed.

[toomuchfat]

Over the past 5 years or so, I have come and gone from Chowhound. At low points (when I was anti-CH), I was turned off by posts from both ends of the spectrum that you see here (I was going to give concrete examples but that would be un-Sam Fujisaka-like--he had too much class). I often responded to posts and replys in acrimonious ways that served no one. I have left CH in a huff, probably 2 or 3 times.

However, I always returned to CH because CH has some incredible people (first) and posters (second). Sam was one of those people and posters.

Like Sam, I am a Japanese-American, although I am a generation younger. However, I have older cousins who experienced much the same kind of experiences as he, growing up in an agricultural area in California.

I just re-re-re-signed up for CH today. I will never have the knowledge, wisdom, and kindness of Sam but I will use him as a role model in anything I post.

[soupkitten]

this is a really cool post. welcome back again.

[goodhealthgourmet]

+1. a great way to honor our dear departed Mayor.

[Val]

Toomuchfat, beautiful post and we certainly welcome you back with open arms!

[foodwich]

you too ? thanks for sharing.

[bermudagourmetgoddess]

Thank you for sharing stories and food that I have shared with my friends and family
My kitchen will miss you
Sad Day indeed!

[Cookiefiend]

Thanks for letting us know jfood.

Rest in peace Sam. I will miss you.

[Cookiefiend]

Mr CF says "What's wrong? Why so sad?'
A good soul has left and I will miss him - his name was Sam Fujisaka'

We clink our glasses, 'Here's to Sam. God bless him'

[nomadchowwoman]

A relative newbie as a poster, I've lurked for years, and, like everyone else here, was touched by this most charismatic Chowhound, who was always so very alive. It is so heartening (but not surprising) to read that he lived as passionately as he posted. His was a life apparently very well lived.
Someone here characterized him aptly as the Mayor of Chowhound. He was also a minister of culture, science, ethics, reality--and magic..

[luniz]

I'm very sad to hear this. He was a tremendous resource and amusing and entertaining. I'll miss his insights and wit.

[Peg]

I'm raising a glass now to a friend I have lost yet whom I never met.

[milkyway4679]

I am a young college student, and feel that there are many on this board who have taught me things and Sam is one of them. I feel that people like Sam are a unique breed who manage to teach without being condescending and explain without being overcomplicated. I will dearly miss reading his intelligent comments, and his interesting life stories. He had so much to share with us, and he did so willingly and openly.

Sam, you will be dearly missed by us all.

[cowboyardee]

I was not fortunate enough to know him personally outside of these boards. But once I began posting and reading here, I quickly noticed that Sam was a particularly insightful and thoughtful contributor. I looked forward to his posts and I am saddened upon hearing of his passing.

From his posts (how generous and free he was in sharing his experience), I can tell that Sam's was a life well lived. I will miss him on these boards. My sincere condolences to those fortunate enough to know him better than I did.

[southernitalian]

Such an enormous loss to so many. I always was and will continue to be in awe of Sam.

[HillJ]

One of the most generous.
Thanks, Sam.
Thanks.

[Kelli2006]

I am speechless and had no idea that Sam was sick.
RIP friend.

[TorontoJo]

His presence on Chowhound will be missed, but his impact will continue to be felt. Happy chowing at that great table in the sky, Sam!

[Caitlin McGrath]

Yes. It is a sad, sad thing that the Chowhound community will not be graced with Sam's presence going forward, but as long as Chowhound persists, we can return to (or find anew) his informative posts on indica vs. japonica rices, making mayo with an immersion blender, making homemade yogurt with a microwave, and so much more. In other words, we'll continue to learn from him.

Likewise, I am sure that many thousands around the world will continue to benefit from the agricultural research and work Sam did in his professional life. It's quite a legacy he has left us, and the world.

[MandalayVA]

Oh, no, what awful news. I didn't have much interaction with Sam but he always wrote so informatively and it seemed like there was nothing food-related that escaped him--in fact I was just in a thread reading about how he made mayo. A huge loss for his family, friends, and fellow 'hounds. I will most definitely drink a toast to his memory tonight.

[Monch]

Reading his posts usually made me smile...and ALWAYS made me think.

It has been said before, but Chowhound is now much poorer for his absence.

You will be missed, Sam.

[Boccone Dolce]

I have no words. My heart is broken. Love you Sam.

[mcuneo]

Thank you, jfood, for letting us know. Such a loss, and I am grateful for his presence here. Love and peace to his family and friends!

[blue room]

Oh yes, his name under a post was a magnet-- *that post* shouldn't be missed.

[alanbarnes]

There are those here as knowledgeable as Sam was (or almost so). There are those here are as witty as Sam was (ditto). And there are definitely those here who can be as acerbic as Sam sometimes was.

But nobody else has the whole package of knowledge, wit, and ability to cut through the BS. And to combine all these things with the graciousness that was Sam's hallmark? Chowhound is a poorer place for his loss.

[PattiCakes]

hear hear.

[Leucadian]

Sam set high standards for the rest of us, in his writing, his breadth of knowledge, his adventurousness, and his graciousness. And now, I'm sure, in his courage. He's a hard act to follow.

[amyzan]

Sam enlightened me on so many threads. He will be sorely missed, for his smarts and his humor and his approach to our community. Most of all, I will miss his generosity and patience.

[linguafood]

How very sad, and what a horrible way to go for a Chowhound. Sam will be in my mind and heart whenever I visit chowhound, and re-visit his old threads.

Ein schwarzer Tag.

[Midlife]

One more ditto of jfood.

I tend to calibrate my own likes and dislikes to posters on forums like this one. Much like with wine reviewers I follow, Sam was one I could trust. I'll miss him.

[shanagain]

Oh. Thank you for letting us all know. My condolences to his family.

He will be sorely missed.

[shanagain]

I am still so stunned and saddened everytime I see this thread in "mychow." In a sea of what can only be considered ridiculous on many - if not most - days, there was Sam.

The loss to this forum simply cannot be understated. Which has led me to think for days: The loss to his "real life" friends and family cannot be imagined.

[southernitalian]

That's what I keep thinking shanagin. If a bunch of total strangers are this upset, imagine how his family and friends feels? I get a little verclempt whenever I think of it that way.

[meatn3]

The reality of his passing has really thrown me hard - especially since we could have passed each other on the street and never had any idea that we "knew" each other.

I too keep thinking about those who shared more fully in his life and the loss they must feel. I read the tributes from his co-workers and peers on the site which was linked. It made me smile at how many of their memories of Sam were intertwined with food! It was nice learning more about him and his traits and reflecting on how much of his personality came through in this written forum.

[shanagain]

One day, hopefully many many days in the future, I should be so lucky to have touched half as many as Sam did.

There's a lesson here, guys. You don't always have to make big changes, or big gestures, to have a big impact.

[Duppie]

I haven't been on CH too long but Sam's posts did help me to successfully cook a pot of brown rice and I guess i'll remember him every time I do.

[bbqboy]

Farewell Sam. I learned much from you.

[iluvcookies]

I shed a tear and say a prayer for the family of this wonderful voice on CH.
Sam, thank you for your words and may many a CHer read them and smile.

[rabaja]

Such sad news. Reading through all these posts left largely by people who only knew him through the boards, I have to say, he did it right. He touched so many, and so deeply.
Thank you Sam, for all you gave, you will be missed.

[PattiCakes]

If you ever have ANY doubt that one lone individual can touch the lives of hundreds, just pull up some of Sam's threads. We should all be able to "pay it forward" with the wisdom, grace, and humor that Sam did.

Ah Sam. Vaya con Dios.

[chocchipcookie]

So sorry to hear about Sam. Heartbreaking. He was/is an inspiration for us all. I wish there was some way to compile his witty thoughts and remedies in a book. I loved Soupkitten's rendition of the Chow afterlife. And Panini guy, you crack me up! Thanks for the laugh on this sad day.

[kpaumer]

I will miss Sam's knowledge and wit I always looked forward to his post. Who knew there was so many varities of Rice:-) I hope Sam's Heaven is one great big CHOW buffet. Dig in, Sam!

[luckyfatima]

Such terrible news. Sam was so knowledgeable about food, and was always a pleasant person to interact with and learn from here on CH. Prayers for him and his loved ones.

[chocabot]

Sam,
You're global travels and stories are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experiences. Here, on Chow, I learned so much from you and your encouragement was welcoming. I loved your diplomatic and easy attitude to tackling seemingly challenging things like making yogurt or preparing offal. You encapsulated what food is for me; adventurous, fun, educational and something to live for. The world of Chow misses you greatly.
Melissa

[cheesemaestro]

I'm so sorry to hear about this. It comes as somewhat of a shock, as Sam was still posting just a couple of weeks ago. I'm fairly new to CH, but admired Sam for his knowledge and contributions on such a broad variety of topics.

[firni]

No...I lurk, mostly, but his intelligence, knowledge, and passion for food were apparent. I learned so much from his posts, and probably avoided any number of minor kitchen disasters. We will all miss him so much.

[Axalady]

Sam, I'll miss you.

[Erika RollerGirl]

Sam will be missed terribly. Even though I mostly lurk the boards, Sam was honestly my favorite poster on Chowhound for his intelligent, witty, on-point responses and information. His passing is a significant loss for the CH community and his presence will be missed. :(

[Servorg]

"Cali" is a poorer place today (both Cali Colombia and California - especially Fresno) without its adopted son - on one hand and native son - on the other. Sam would be the first one to get the "Cali" joke seeing as how he battled valiantly (but in eternal good humor) against those who favored the "Cali" abbreviation for California.

[toodie jane]

that was one of his recent posts that I will always remember!

[Servorg]

Another "Fresno" alum sums it up for me (when speaking of Sam)

“In the time of your life, live - so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite variety and mystery of it.”

William Saroyan (from his 1939 Play "The Time of Your Life")

[soypower]

Another verse to sum Sam up...

In the time of your life, live—so that in that good time there shall be no ugliness or death for yourself or for any life your life touches. Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding place and let it be free and unashamed.

Sam really knew how to live during the time of his life.

[mschow]

When I saw this, my first thought was 'Oh no,not that Sam'. But indeed it is. I did not know him, other than his CH postings. But I always wondered what an interesting, open-minded man of many ideas and talents he must be. I will miss reading his comments, interesting ideas and suggestions. May he rest in peace.

[Passadumkeg]

I still wonder what the alloy is of the old cooking pot his family brought to the US from Japan.

[Soop]

And now we might never know.

[morwen]

"Of all the money that ere I had, I spent it in good company.
And of all the harm that ere I've done, alas was done to none but me.
And all I've done for want of wit, to memory now I cannot recall.
So fill to me the parting glass. Goodnight and joy be with you all.

Of all the comrades that ere I had, they're sorry for my going away,
And of all the sweethearts that ere I had , they wish me one more day to stay,
But since it falls unto my lot that I should rise while you should not,
I will gently rise and I'll softly call, "Goodnight and joy be with you all!"

So fill to me the parting glass and raise a toast to whatever befalls
Then gently rise and softly call,
"Goodnight and Joy be with you all!"

-The Parting Glass

Goodnight Sam. *lifts glass*

[Claudette]

Lovely poem, Morwen, but -

Sam! Come back! I never got to tell you how much I appreciated you! Sigh...

[JMF]

Wow, I am greatly saddened at Sam's passing. I find tears coming to my eyes. I enjoyed reading his comments and posting back and forth. I will remember him.

[marietinn]

Like so many others, I had no idea Sam was ill. Regardless, I will miss reading his very informative, witty post. There is truly nothing like a man who can eat the way he did, and still enjoy his indulgences. You will be truly missed.

[flourgirl]

I am so sad to read this, I didn't know Sam was ill. Sam was always so generous with his experience and knowledge and I learned a lot from reading his posts over the years. I would have loved to have known him better. Sounds like he had an amazing life and touched a huge number of other people's lives through his work and his passions. He will be sorely missed.

[sophia519]

I am so sorry to hear this. When I first began visiting chowhound I made a special effort to read all of his posts becasue they were so informative. I have a weakness for people who can be so authoritative and intelligent about so many things and gentle at the same time. I admired him and he was a constant reminder to me that there are really great people out there in the world.

[Perilagu Khan]

Very very sad to hear this. I've only been on Chowhound several months, but in that short time I came to like and admire Mr. Fujisaka a great deal. I will truly miss him.

Requiescat in pacem.

[diablo]

Sam you will be missed. Your intelligence and sense of humor were one of a kind.

[foodiemommy]

I'm going to have a balut for Sam. Condolences to his family and friends from a big fan.

[Davwud]

I remember Sam talking about having layovers at LAX and running across the street and grabbing a hot dog and bottle of bourbon for a taste of back home. I told him one day I'd like to meet him there. Guess we'll have to do that somewhere else.

I suspect tonight I shall have a nice glass of the good stuff.

My condolences to his friends and family. His vast knowledge of food will be missed.

Thanks for this J. Too bad you had to do it.

DT

[Davwud]

Cheers Sam.

<raises glass of Knob Creek>

DT

[lexpatti]

I'm so sorry - I looked forward to his posts and although I didn't know he was battling cancer I can only believe that he is traveling and dining without any pain now. He will be so missed.

[NellyNel]

I, along with everyone else was truly saddened to see this post this morning.

He was such a force here, and I will miss his insight terribly.

Thanks for posting links with Sams photo - it is nice to see the man I had tried to visualize many times.

He obviously was an amazing person with many tales to tell and the world will miss him.

Cheers Sam

[invinotheresverde]

That just stinks. Royally.

[mjhals]

Very sad, don't know what to say. His posts really conveyed what an amazing life he led. My thoughts are with his family.

[Kater]

Thank you for letting us know. He will be dearly missed.

[bayoucook]

I am so saddened to hear this; I so looked forward to his posts. Didn't know he was ill.
We will miss him very much on this site.

[buttertart]

Sam...what a man, what a wit, what a loss. So very sorry to hear this news.

[monku]

"Sam I am"
I would eat green eggs and ham with you anytime and anywhere.

[gloriousfood]

Sam, thank you for your inimitable contributions to Chowhound. Your wit, knowledge, unique perspective, and steady temperament and common sense were just some of things that I admired most about you through your posts.

Condolences to the Fujisaka family from Sam's Chowhound family. If Sam came though as vibrantly as he did online, I could only imagine what a character he must have been in person!

[thinks too much]

I am stunned and saddened. I am yet another person who always enjoyed his quiet, authoritative posts, bolstered by his sense of humor. He had such a stabilizing influence on the board, one of the grownups in the house. He always struck me as a complex human being with so many disparate things to say.

I loved that he had a weakness for Big Macs, which he indulged in every year or two. It stood in such stark contrast to the rest of the food he wrote about: adventurous, honest food.

Also my sympathy for his daughter. He was so proud of her and how diversely she could eat.

[waytob]

I'm more of a lurker than a regular poster, but whenever I read any of Sam's comments about his foreign ventures I would go out of my way to read them.
He always came across as a true explorer, and I will miss reading his contributions

[AmyH]

Oh, how very sad. I, too, gasped when I read this news this morning. It was always so interesting to hear about Sam's travels, his culinary adventures, his youth. I remember being so excited when he asked me for a recipe of a dish from Bolivia. I felt so honored and accepted as a Chowhounder. What a nice guy he was, even if I only "knew" him through this site. My sympathies go out to his family and friends. He will truly be missed.

[smartie]

wow I was really sad to see this post. His posts were always worth reading, were informative and funny and interesting, and his banter with us regulars was legendary. Condolences to his family. RIP.

[capeanne]

My heart is so heavy...I know he is safe and content in a new " Magic House" .......

[rockandroller1]

oh, the magic house! Now I'm crying too!

[rworange]

Am I the only one who lives in a magic house? A lighthearted look at ourselves & food safety
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/572415?tag=search_results;results_list

i've been fortunate to have some time to just play on the computer today and looked over some of Sam's old posts, starting with his last
http://www.chow.com/profile/36661/activity?tag=main_body;profile_head_links

Does anyone know how long Sam has been posting and what drew him to Chowhound? History only goes back to the site conversion in 2006

After finally, reading through these posts I think Sam was what most of us think of ourselves ... or at least aspire to be ... knowledgeable without taking ourselves too seriously ... putting what is important first ... family, friends and people in general ... considerate ... and when we go, like Sam, somehow we'd like to leave the world a better place ... and have the people who knew us wishing they had a little more time with us, but happy with the time we did spend together.

Looking thru Sam's posts and comments in this thread it was striking how often he asked advice from people and took the time to listen to people and respond to what they were writing, rather then spouting his own opinions.

In that first link, one of Sam's final posts "Anyone ever felt jilted by Chowhound?", Sam didn't give the same response most people did in that topic. He talked about posters who jilted him ... posters who took themselves too seriously at the expense of others.

IMO, the best way to honor Sam would be to emulate the way he treated all of us ... with respect, humor and consideration

Another post of Sam's that was a favorite.

Making Yogurt at Home
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/678873

Oh Sam, I never did get around to telling you that your solution for fixing oatmeal the night before worked the best for me ... I kept meaning to post and never got around to it.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6791...

And servorg made me smile remembering your comments that Cali was a town in Columbia and not a California abbreviation.

Miss you, Sam ... Krys

[BobB]

"Does anyone know how long Sam has been posting and what drew him to Chowhound? History only goes back to the site conversion in 2006."

The earliest posts I find from him date to late September '06. My own earliest post-conversion page has entries from July '06, which implies that he started posting that fall. Or he was posting earlier but had no internet access that summer (also possible).

[meatn3]

Oh my...I just got the wind knocked out of me.

I once "told" Sam if I was ever interviewed ala food magazine style and they asked for my companions at the perfect dinner party that he would be one of the five!

I will miss his company in this forum very, very much. My heart goes out to those who knew him in his daily life. I hope his daughter is old enough to keep her memories of his love alive in her heart - his feelings for her that he shared were lovely.

CH mods, thanks for letting us know through this thread. So often there is an absence and you wonder and have no way to find out...

To JFood, Pikawicca and others who were in closer touch with Sam - my sympathies - he will be missed by so many.

[julesrules]

Someone should collate Sam's comments about her for his daughter.... wonder if they would make some sense all together, but out of context of the threads?

[janeh]

What a good idea - the sense they'll make will be in the clear depth of love, pride and delight he had for her. How terribly sad...

[rworange]

A small glimpse

Mar 2009
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/603388?tag=highlight-4502944;post-content-4502944#4502944

"Dana Zsofia, my five-and-a-half year old, is now eating con gusto a mix of lentils (made with smoked lung), egg, roast chicken, and some pasta. She really likes it and it makes me feel way better and different than when I get raves from my guests. Dana Zsofia gets absolutely no junk or prepared foods or sodas from me. The half the time her Mom has her, there appear to be some problems with her eating. There aren't any problems when DZ is with me. And she likes such a broad range of things. On the Sundays before the Mondays when she goes back for next week with her Mom, DZ and I now seem to have a tradition: I make makizushi (nori rolls) and steam an artichoke and we match each other bite for bite, yakking away.

She just finished, and as always said, "No quiero mas" ("I don't want any more", her little joke) with her plate absolutely clean. !Que felicidad!"

A few other family links
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/553823?tag=highlight-4012652;post-content-4012652#4012652

A thoughtful thread in general
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/561556?tag=highlight-4098164;post-content-4098164#4098164

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/491542?tag=highlight-3417507;post-content-3417507#3417507

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/526027?tag=highlight-3760923;post-content-3760923#3760923

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6253...

[Phurstluv]

So sweet, thanks for the glimpse.

[rworange]

Also came across this

What was your Best Meal ever? Jan 16, 2009
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/588258?tag=highlight-4332844;post-content-4332844#4332844

Last week my five year old daughter asked me to prepare an artichoke and makizushi: We shared the artichoke petals, heart, and the rolls 50-50. I had a nice red and she had water. What could be bettter?

Jan 27, 2010
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6834...

I learned to prepare traditional Japanese and Mexican at home growing up. Our Japanese was that of peasants – lots of vegetables, lots of rice, musubi, tsukemono, ume; our sushi was norimaki rolls and inarizushi; we ate sashimi and hot gohan – all well before being discovered by hakujins in the US. Our Mexican was pre-chain and well informed by a woman from Chiapas who cooked during peach harvest.

We also became fluent in the preparation of Chinese, Italian, Swedish, German, and Armenian and other foods of the Central Valley of California. People in my extended family ate, prepared, and sought out everything - all cuisines, the hole in the wall restaurants. We ate ALL parts of all animals. The family canned, made jams and preserves, cooked everything from scratch, hunted, fished, clammed, dived for abalone, dried seaweed (in Hawaii), gleaned fruit, gathered watercress, and grew oranges, pecans, walnuts, Japanese apples and pears, grapefruit, grapes, pomegranates, asparagus (!!), and more.

Starting more than 35 years ago, I've lived and worked in Latin America (Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, and more), SE Asia (Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Cambodia, Burma, China), East Africa and Madagascar. Everywhere I've worked with small farmers in remote and by-passed areas. I've sought out the food - on streets, in markets, in people's homes, in no-name dirt floor restaurants. I've learned to prepare local foods in the kitchens of the willing. I’ve been very lucky.

... and Sam. we've been lucky you visited chowhound and shared much of what you knew with us.

[rockandroller1]

Oh man, that is so very sad, and what a shock. Like many others, I didn't know he was ill, and also like many others, I always enjoyed his contributions. He will be greatly missed here.

[foodwich]

A very sad day. second all the feelings. Loved his advice even though I am such a newbie to chow he was supportive. loved his posts/recipes. I will take the comments I read here and eat something incredible in his memory.

[chowser]

What a punch in the gut to read this this morning. He will leave his carved out space of knowledge, humor, common sense here forever. I never thought I'd get teary over someone I only knew online but I am. We'll miss you, Sam.:-( Hugs to your little daughter, too. I'm going to have a bowl of oyako donburi in your memory.

[Pata_Negra]

i'm also in shock. been thinking why i haven't seen SF's posts lately and decided maybe he's on holiday somewhere without a laptop and/or internet!

thanks, SF. (would have liked to know your sun sign)

[foiegras]

He mentioned in the average age thread that his birthdate was 14 January 1950. So I believe that makes him a Capricorn ...

[Pata_Negra]

thank you very much, Foiegras! i have a soft spot for Caps* as i have much earth in my natal chart. humour is always the first 'click' with me and the earthy folks :D but i'm sure, like me, he must have some crucial Taurus placements though. that would explain our love of good food and the little pleasures in life we enjoy so much.

sweet dreams, Sam.

------------
*my joys and pains start and end with Caps. [but that's entirely another topic lol...]

[foiegras]

Doesn't look like any major Taurus placements on that date ... lots of Aquarius ... Venus in Aquarius, Saturn (ruler) in Virgo (discrimination). Capricorn is the sign of the father ... that's a beautiful picture of Sam and his youngest daughter in the montage.

[greedygirl]

I'm shocked and very sad to hear this. Sam, we'll miss your wisdom and humour very much. RIP.

[LNG212]

This is terribly sad. Sam will be greatly missed. He was one of the first ones to make me feel welcome here and his posts often made me laugh out loud. I'll think of him whenever I make yogurt. Farewell.

[sweetTooth]

Such a shock! I will make yogurt this weekend.

[relizabeth]

Me too! He turned our yogurt making around when he suggested we use some from the top, middle and bottom of the previous batch as our starter.

[Harters]

Thanks for letting us know, jfood.

As one of the comparitively rare breed of non-North Americans on this board, I shall miss Sam's understanding of the wider international scene and the place food has in our different cultures. His passing makes this a lesser place.

John Hartley

[Passadumkeg]

Sam's a North American, just an expat. California born.
Damn, I can't use the past tense, he says as his eyes fill w/ tears/.

[Harters]

Yes, I know that. Hence a particular loss to someone who isnt north American and will no longer see his internationlist view of the food world.

[pasuga]

It's a little strange to find myself tearing up about someone I never met or corresponded with, but I always enjoyed his posts so much, he was so smart, interesting and funny. I had no idea he was sick.

Condolences to his family, and all his great friends here on the boards.

[Will Owen]

pasuga, thank you for saying exactly what I meant to say. On the rare occasions when Sam responded directly to anything I'd posted, it was always to the point and delivered with calm (and kind) authority. I had no idea of either his background or foreground, except from the little glimmers he'd give of his domestic life and his travels, and so sometimes he could astonish me. The last bit of truly useful intelligence I got from him was the news (to me) that those Peruano beans I'm so crazy about are not an heirloom variety, as I'd supposed, but in fact a branded hybrid being aggressively marketed with considerable success to growers in South America, resulting in widespread replacement of heirloom varieties with yet another monoculture. And that, and the tribute on the DAPA blog, were the first I knew of Sam's real work and how important it was.

But I still mostly miss the dear spirit his messages conveyed, and wish to hell I could have spent more time in his presence, real or virtual.

[jujuthomas]

+1

I'm so terribly sad to hear of Sam's passing. I"ll have to read more of these posts this evening, as I'm getting all sad and bleary here at work!

[cuccubear]

+ 2

A little late to the wake, but that’s exactly how I feel too. Glad to have experienced, albeit vicariously, his wit, sagacity and good humor for the last couple of years. Will miss you Sam.

[soxlover]

I hope his family takes comfort from all these wonderful comments about him. I only had one "contact" with him on here, but it was a poitive one from a voice of reason.

[purple goddess]

My sweet Sam.

Had wondered why I hadn't seen you on Skype lately.

Too many years and too many memories to share. Flirty food haikus and advice on cooking fruit bat.

Vale, my friend.

Blessings on your beautiful girls, may they hold on to their memories of you to sustain them.

[roxlet]

So sorry to hear this. Sam was an original voice with no ego attached to anything he wrote, and always interesting to read. And from what I read, he had one of the most fascinating lives of anyone out there.

[janetofreno]

Sayonara, Amigo!

[soupkitten]

oh--oh no.

in my mind, the chowhound afterlife is like a big round table, the plates are good thick buffalo china, the cutlery's sharp, the glasses are always full. Sam's there, surrounded by friends, making rowdy toasts, eating hawaiian pit cooked pork off one plate and gas station hot dogs of unknown provenance off of another. there's endless good food and good conversation, the service is never surly or obtrusive, the band is just getting into the swing of things, and we've got all the time in the world. hold the table for us, Sam-- order another round, we'll be joining you shortly. until then, who the hell am i going to squabble with-- about alfalfa or gmos or bbq or hip hop vernacular, who's anywhere near as erudite and cool as you?

[Ima Wurdibitsch]

SK, this is such a lovely sentiment. Helps ease the sadness of losing such an awesome 'hound.

[kattyeyes]

Sam, I've always considered you the unofficial mayor of Chowhound. I only wish we could have enjoyed the ride together for many more years to come. I will never forget our chats, virtual toasts and meals. You are truly one of a kind. Love you madly and miss you much already. Abrazos!

[dmd_kc]

I'm shocked, saddened, and full of sorrow for his family, friends and fellow chowhounds. I don't think there's anyone I've ever respected more.

[givemecarbs]

Miss you already Sam.

[JasmineG]

I gasped out loud when I saw this. I feel like I've lost an old friend. I have learned so much from his posts, his joy, his love of food and his love of sharing food with others. I will really miss him.

[Vetter]

I loved reading what Sam had to say. My heart hurts.

[Val]

yep, I've gone back to read his posts....he'll be missed so much here!

[mcel215]

ditto...

[scuzzo]

;(

[Rmis32]

His lively charm makes me feel I should do something to celebrate having known him, though only thru "Hound boards. I will try to do so tom'w. Tonight , I feel too much sadness.

[Marsha]

How very much we will miss him. One of the best voices on Chowhound; always witty, responsive, helpful, and gentlemanly.

[AussieBeth]

Indeed. So very sad, especially for his family, including his daughter we loved hearing so much about. I hope this thread is of some comfort. Farewell Sam.

[Veggo]

Sam you magnificent bastard, you were so much more than a friend and an hermano to me. We first got in trouble here 3 years ago by bantering in spanish, and the mods reminded us that this is an english-speaking site. So we took it off - board and developed a beautiful friendship.
Tu fuiste capitan, ni marinero, y tenias mas que un poco de gracia. Ahora eres arriba, arriba, como se canta, y "por ti sere."
I know you will be there in heaven when I see you, hermano, keep the floor clean and I'll smuggle a bottle of Flor de Cana and we will dance La Bamba una vez.
Con amor a mi hermano,
Veggo the cactus-eating jackass

[vvvindaloo]

I am sorry for your loss, Veggo

[tatamagouche]

Me too, Veggo. A lovely remembrance.

[yayadave]

Sam could always put an interesting spin on any topic. He was always worth reading. I join others to say "He will be missed." I envy those Hounds who knew him personally.

[The Professor]

Oh, man...sad news.

Like the majority of us, I only knew Sam from reading his contributions here, but felt always that he would be someone I'd like to know better. A witty and knowledgeable guy, to be sure. Sayonara, Sam, and...
Yasuraka ni nemuru.

[Panini Guy]

Whenever anyone asked me who the ultimate CH was, Sam was always the answer.

Can only hope he's up there right now convincing St. Peter to try cold fermented jellyfish and chase it with some pulque.

I think Sam would be especially honored that his passing actually got jfood to use the first person.

[Vee7]

I've read Sam post with great admiration. I'm so surprised at my sadness in hearing this news. I've never thought about it but reading his post, I felt I knew the man. To me he was a scholar with great integrity.
RIP Sam.

[Beach Chick]

What a great playful soul he was and this board will NEVER be the same!
In honor of Sam, I have to find something really weird to eat..he would love that!
RIP Sam I am.

[small h]

This is very sad news. It is a strange thing to mourn someone I knew only through posts on a message board, although "knew" seems hardly the right word. I hope that wherever Sam is, he can enjoy seeing that he is remembered fondly, here and elsewhere.

[artichokeenvy]

Here, here on that. I'm only an occasional reader but was struck by his postings. They always made me note who had said them and then made me want to know more.

[smtucker]

What a wonderful man. I will miss his postings.... tomorrow, I will have a big bowl of rice in his honor. I hope that his young daughter is able to remember all the culinary gifts that he shared with her.

[CindyJ]

Sam will truly be missed. He embodied the heart, soul and spirit of Chowhound. He was an inspiration to so many, and a friend to all -- even those of us who never met him in person.

[pikawicca]

Right on, girl.

[Wahooty]

Captain Pissgums: always a class act. This place won't be the same without you.

[soypower]

I am so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. His was always the comment I looked forward to reading on any given subject found here. I'll remember most his irreverant humor and his ability to educate without a hint of condescension. In his honor, I will have to finally try lengua and tripe tacos...

You will be sorely missed...

[hannaone]

Sam's passing is a great loss to all, he was one of the good guys.

[pikawicca]

Indeed.

[Silverjay]

Well, I did get pissed off at that old coot a bunch of times. But mostly, I found Sammy interesting, funny, irreverent, and a man with a lot of good stories. He came off as someone with so many dimensions- home cook, researcher, traveler, father, son, husband, American, Japanese, Japanese American, Californian, cool guy getting drunk next to you at the bar, old annoying drunk at the end of the bar, etc, etc. Regardless of what board he was posting on, you never knew what nugget of wisdom or wit he would leave….I’ve also come across another link, with many touching remembrances from his colleagues, which reveal more into this dynamic guy-- http://gisweb.ciat.cgiar.org/dapablog... .

And now, I’ve just poured a tall glass of cold beer.

Sayonara old buddy. This one’s for you.

[pikawicca]

Sam wore many hats. all of them in a unique fashion. Gotta love the guy. (I think he would have loved a tall glass of cold beer in his honor.)

[greygarious]

Thanks for that link. The remembrances posted by his professional colleagues now also contains this link to a photo montage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHQlf0...

Sam's Chowhound persona was most often that of senior statesman-sage, but clearly there was in him as much Bubba as Buddha. By happenstance, I heard last summer that he had terminal cancer, so this news was not a surprise, but is no less sad for being expected. We will miss our gentleman good ol' boy.

[linguafood]

grey, thank you so much for sharing that link. i think we all had our own pictures in our minds about sam, and it is nice to have a face to match his larger than life persona!

[hannaone]

Thanks for that link. I always suspected that Sam wore a white hat.

[foiegras]

I'm very sorry to hear this. We'll all have to make it a point to go out and eat some terrible gas station food in honor of Sam--hot dogs, orange cheese sauce, glowing green relish, the works :) I hear there's great food over there, Sam, but now you'll be able to have the hot dog feast too whenever you want it ...

[pikawicca]

Thanks, Mods, for allowing this thread to happen.

[bushwickgirl]

Oh, I'm just heartbroken. His wit, wisedom and humor brought a shining light to Chow and to me. I'll miss his presence greatly.

Amigo, tu largo viaje ha terminado. Mover rápidamente y con alegría a su próximo.

[RGC1982]

A kind man who always had a kind and knowledgeable word. I'll miss his sense of humor and his unique outlook.

[toodie jane]

"kind [and] sense of humor" --those are the words that come to mind when I think of Sam's posts.

Always gentle, even in polite rebuke, his posts were like living conversations. There was always a positive give and take. What a wonderful soul he must have been to live with.

My sincere best wishes for PEACE to his family and chowhound friends. Let his gracious example live on in our own chowhound posts.

[sbp]

A sad day! Sam was literally "all over the board", in the best sense of the phrase. If it had anything to do with food, he seemed to have something knowledgeable and interesting to say about it.

[mrbigshotno.1]

Sounds like he was strong to the end. Via con Dios mi amigo!

[Val]

What a SAD day ...(((((((SAM)))))))))) ... you are in my thoughts and prayers along with your family and precious little daughter...wasn't he just the coolest dude EVER??? Did he ever let on that he was sick??? Am REELING from this terrible news....WHAT???!!!! It cannot be....

[pikawicca]

Some of us were emailing Sam, and knew he was sick. He didn't dwell on it at all. He wanted to focus on the Chow agenda: good food, eaten with good people. He was ultimate Hound.

[Val]

awwwww.... too sad...am crying right now...OMG...Sam was the MAN...THE MAN! Thanks!

[pikawicca]

Don't cry. Raise a toast in his honor Sam would like that. (He'd really like it if you were to eat something totally weird.)

[alanbarnes]

It's going to take more than one toast to get me to eat balut, no matter how good Sam says it is...

[pikawicca]

There is no way I'm doing balut. Sam convinced me of lots of things, but not this stuff.

[Cynsa]

I'll chew on a balut for Sam - with a beer chaser and a hearty toast to Sam's spirit and good will. My heart is heavy and I am missing the bro'.

[Gio]

This has been a week of tragedies for me. Learning that Sam I Am is gone hurts to the core. He was one of the first to welcome me to Chowhound and we've had a fun loving cyber-relationship ever since. Here at Casa Gio we're raising a stein or... if we can find one in the dumpster, an old shoe... and toasting a man who always had a kind word and a recipe in his back pocket. What I would have given to have heard Captain Pissgum and the Gay Cowboys just once. Especially when Sam was sitting in on the mandolin. [insert sideways grinning moron icon here to indicate humor]. God speed old friend. See ya on the other side.
Joe

[valerie]

Wow, so sorry to hear this. Really sorry to hear it.

[Phurstluv]

So sorry to hear this. He was wonderful to share experience and stories with. He will be missed on these boards.

[WCchopper]

I always appreciated the calm authority with which he answered many questions, some common and some obscure. His breadth of knowledge was always full of surprises. I'm very sorry to get this news. He made the way I grew up eating not seems weird.

[SweetPea914]

Thank you for letting us know. So sad, his posts were always appreciated and informative. His passing will certainly leave a void on CH. :-(

[appycamper]

thank you, jfood. i'm sad to lose his voice of wit and gentle good humor.

[goodhealthgourmet]

thanks for letting us know. this is a truly sad day, and he will be greatly missed.

[LindaWhit]

I just saw several tribute cooking/recipe limericks to Sam on a NAF thread. He was wonderfully erudite, an amazing poster with amazing life experiences and an amazing knowledge of world food, and someone to whom we could all aspire to be just even a little bit like.

Sam, you will be missed.

[Passadumkeg]

Ciaocito companero.

[ipsedixit]

Ditto everything jfood said.

Sad, sad day.