ROCKPORT – Torrey and Jennifer Sylvester of New Limerick are grieved to announce the untimely death of their beloved son, Samuel Knott Fusedale Sylvester, 37, on Aug. 11, 2004 in Rockport. He was working with a landscaper when he collapsed into the earth he loved. The natural world – mother earth, the heavens and the sea below – were of immense value to him and he taught us all how to better stewards of them. At the time of his death he had victory over his life in every way, his career as a special education teacher for more than three years in a unique program called SPECTRUM at the Camden/Rockport Elementary School was rewarding in spite of its difficult nature. He was skilled at working with children with severe disabilities, meeting their needs on a daily basis and watching them grow. He was always positive and encouraging to fellow aides as well as students and their parents, and could see the potential in everyone. He was an accomplished chef acquiring his skill in a variety of restaurants across the country, most recently in Rockport He was winning his battle with addictions, carrying with him proudly his 12-year AA chip. A professor wrote of Sam, “He is an impassioned and powerful poet…his impact on our group, his enthusiasm, optimism, joy of life and passion proved infectious to all of us and a real contribution to the group’s dynamics – his unique perspective deserves to be introduced to a wider audience.” Most of all, his twin daughters brought him his greatest joy and he reveled in their development. He was an amazing father and his patience knew no bounds with his daughters, Willow and Lyra, who want all to know that he “gave tons of hugs and kisses to them.” He always had the ability to see the world through the eyes of a child, making him the awesome Dad he was. Sam is survived by his 6-year old twin daughters, Lyra and Willow and their mother, Penny Lane of Rockland; his parents, Jennifer and Torrey Sylvester of New Limerick; siblings, Steven “Sly” and his wife, Sue Gordon of Farmington, Linda Sylvester of East Meadow, N.Y. and Susannah Trudeau and her husband, Stephen and their sons, Jacob, Ethan and Adam of Tewksbury, Mass. His grandmother, Erma Allen Sylvester lives in Houlton. Also grieving his loss are his Aunt Rachel and Uncle Tom Good of Monticello, Aunt Kim and Uncle Robert Rinfret of Duncan, British Columbia, Aunt Dorcas Oleskiw of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Uncle Colin and Aunt Mary Fusedale of Camrose, Alberta and Uncle Anthony and Aunt Linda Bainbridge of Plymouth, England. Special first cousins who will miss him are Aimee, Eric and Paige Good, Meagan Brown, Janet Sedgewick and Jennifer Simpson and their spouses and children, as well as countless friends around the country who were touched by his generous spirit. Memorial services to celebrate Sam’s life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday Aug. 28, 2004, at First Baptist Church, Houlton, followed by food and fellowship at Torrey and Jennifer’s home in New Limerick where everyone is invited to laugh and cry together as we remember Sam. A second celebration will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, at the First Universalist Church in Rockland with fellowship to follow at Penny, Willow and Lyra’s home in Rockland. Special places in Maine that Sam loved were the family camp on East Grand Lake and the Camden Hills, particularly Mount Battie. Because of this his ashes will be scattered there at private family gatherings at a later time. Sam’s family prefers that you do not send flowers as they have established a trust fund in his memory for his “sweeties,” Willow and Lyra Sylvester. Because of Sam’s love for music education, a small percentage of the total contribution will be given to the Houlton High School Music Department Building Fund in his memory so that he might live on through the wonderful musicians that will follow him. You may send your gifts to the Willow and Lyra Sylvester Trust Fund, care of P.O. Box 397, Houlton, ME 04730. You were a “light” to us all Sam and you will shine in our hearts eternally.
SAMUEL KNOTT
