Sam Coleman

July 12, 1940 - November 8, 2022

Theodore Samuel Coleman passed away quietly and peacefully surrounded by family at home in Pasadena on the same block where he grew up. Sam was born to Theodore and Judith Coleman, and brother to Judith Coleman Mackel '54. Sam grew up in Pasadena and South Pasadena. He loved New Years in Pasadena, and when the B-2 Stealth Bomber flew at the start of the Tournament of Roses Parade, it was magic to Sam as a meaningful part of his life.

Sam attended Mayfield Junior School, South Pasadena High School, and Menlo High School in Atherton. He graduated from Colorado College, and went to business school at the University of Southern California. Sam served his country as a Marine, and after being honorably discharged, he sailed in the Trans Pacific Race, and then went around the world. On his adventure he lived in New Zealand, and Australia selling Wormald Brothers Fire Extinguishers.

In 1968, Sam married Cynthia Balmer of La Jolla. Sam and Cynthia lived in Newport Beach before moving to settle permanently in Pasadena. Sam was in the finance world his whole life with Paine Webber, Clark Dodge, Kidder Peabody, UBS, and Morgan Stanley. Sam was very involved in his community. He served on the boards of the Chandler School, and Flintridge Preparatory School. Sam also was involved with the Pasadena Mental Health Board, Pasadena Senior Center, Los Angeles Master Choral, and Coleman Chamber which was founded by his Aunt Alice Coleman in 1904. Sam served on the advance staff of both Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan's presidential campaigns. Sam's passion was tennis. He started playing as a child at the Valley Hunt Club, and he played his whole life. Sam was a championship tennis player, competing in matches, nationally ranked, and was even an alternate in the Davis Cup. Sam played weekly tennis with his lifelong best friends and he cherished those friendships.

Sam and Cynthia in the late 1980s started to spend their summers on Orcas Island, Washington. Both fell in love with the San Juan Islands and adored the time they spent there, whether it was with friends gunkholing on the My Cyn II in the islands or sitting and watching a sunset and never forgetting how grateful they were for the view they saw every day. Sam was actively involved in the Island's community where he served on The Orcas Community Foundation and served as president of the Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival.

Sam had a great enthusiasm for life and was always quick to make a friend including the LAPD officer who gave him a speeding ticket and later became a client. On his desk sat a rectangular plaque that read, 'Challenge Fight Win'. Sam felt that the fight is more important than winning. Because by fighting we become stronger, wiser, and also better than your previous you and that's the way you win. He welcomed all into his home with a warm hug and drink and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and mostly his bride of 54 years.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; his children, Theodore Samuel Jr (Kathy) and Amy (John) Russell. He was beloved Popsie to his six grandchildren.

Pasadena Star-News, February 26, 2023