We Mourn a Giant (9/1/2022)

1 September 2022

Dear Fellow District 53 Toastmasters,

I interrupt my usual bi-monthly schedule to report some sad news.

Portrait of Sam Young, DTM, member of District 53's 2022-23 Officers team as District 43 Director
Sam Young, DTM

Sam Young, DTM, and distinguished member of the District 53 community — a frequent flier among District officers including serving in the present term as Area 43 Director in Division D, the long-serving District Parliamentarian, a Club Mentor and Sponsor or Coach for several clubs, a regular voice and face at District conferences and officer training events — has died unexpectedly at home after a brief illness.

Sam was a great soul and mentor to many of us, and it’s a great loss to this organization and to our community. Sam was an anchor and a rock of support to so many District leaders in the last few years, and he will be deeply missed.

At this time we have only partial news about his passing, but additional information shall be posted on the District website as a separate news item as we learn more. The Memorial Service will be in Middletown, CT at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church at 346 Butternut Street. Please keep him and his family in your prayers and good wishes in the present hour, and let us prepare to mourn his passing as we learn more in the days and weeks to come.

In Toastmasters service,
John J. Hogan, DTM
D53 District Director 2022-2023