Obituary of Samuel-Joseph Alexander

HUDSON - Samuel Joseph Alexander, 15, passed away peacefully Oct. 20, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Sam was born Sept. 24, 1996, in Bangor, the son of Joseph and Joellyn (Boudreau) Alexander. Sam's passion and knowledge for golf and its history was unsurpassed for someone his age. He taught himself the basics by playing golf video games and watching every instructional video he could find. Sam was a natural right from the start, including hitting a 218-yard ball during his first lesson at age 13. He met several professional golfers, along with Arnold Palmer. He lost his right leg and had limited use of his right arm due to osteosarcoma. During his year of chemo and surgeries, Sam's mottoes were, "Never give up" and "Golf is my life." Sam's goal was to be the first person with autism to win the Masters'. His dream was fulfilled this summer when he received trophies and honors in each of the four tournaments he played in. He served as the honorary chairman for the Heroes-Hope-Healing McDonald's Golf Classic to raise money for Eastern Maine Medical Center's Children's Cancer Treatment Center. The honor of a lifetime was bestowed upon Sam when he was named Junior Golfer of the Year and was inducted into the Maine Golf Hall of Fame. Surviving in addition to his parents of Hudson, are his big brother, Ben; "Sissy" Amie, both of Bangor; paternal grandparents, Patsy and Artie Alexander of Hudson; maternal grandparents, Ellen and Aubrey Boudreau of Bangor; paternal great-grandmother, Elinor Trundy of Glenburn; many aunts, uncles and cousins, including devoted friends, Cliff, Cheryl and Catrina "Beana" Worcester; and our dedicated people on the eighth floor at Eastern Maine Medical Center and our team at Hanger Prosthetics, and Sam's golfing family. Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of life gathering for Sam noon-2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor. Casual dress, golf attire appreciated. Private interment will be at Mohawk Cemetery, Hudson. In memory of Sam Alexander, donation gifts may be dedicated to Sam's Room, Children's Cancer Treatment Center, care of Eastern Maine Medical Center Charities, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME 04402-0931. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.