We did not agree on everything (like politics), but we were united by a love of the G.D. tradition and a desire to get as much accurate information out there as possible. Samuel certainly lived up to that aim with his many articles, online posts, and, more recently, his book on the Flying Rolls.
Despite working with different rituals and teachings (G.D./A.O. for me, S.M. for him), we shared a traditionalist view that it was important to preserve and work with the material as given, and then, and only then, build upon that foundation.
We also shared a desire to get more scholarly material on the Order out there, and hopefully encourage similar (or better) scholarship in the future. He was one of a handful who was willing to challenge his views, as any good scholar is.
Sam was always there to chat, to answer questions, to mentor and debate. He was always willing to share and encourage. I am hopeful his example will inspire a new generation.
Yesterday and today have been days of shock, sadness, and even anger for me, as I am confident they have been for others. These very real human emotions show just how much Sam touched our lives, and how big a loss his passing is.
We lost a friend and a Frater, a magician and a scholar. We lost a future where he got to put out many more articles and many more books. Yet I am grateful for the time we had and thankful for his friendship and the opportunity to work with him.
The forums will seem a little quieter. The journals will seem a little sparser. The Hall will seem a little emptier.
But Samuel's legacy remains. Every day his words will be read anew by another. Every day his contribution to the G.D. community will spark another Flame.
Ex Deo nascimur, in Jesu morimur.
Per Spiritum Sanctum, reviviscimus.
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