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Sam Tillett In Memorium
On Saturday, November 17 Sam Tillett passed away after a heart attack while camping in the bush with his family and friends. Sam was a beloved friend to those of us who knew him, and he was one of the best guides we have ever worked with throughout the world. Read the following memorials from Wildland staff and guests and you'll see why. If you have a memory you would like to share please send it to:
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Sam was so full of life; his smile could light up a room. He was a beloved friend and one of the most capable guides we have ever worked with in the world; he made everyone feel safe and he made us laugh out loud! With a powerful combination of gentle spirit and compassionate heart he led others with the ability to create harmony and joy among everyone who had the good fortune to be with him. Sam gave so much of himself with such ease. We're glad he was able to see Africa. He was planning his next adventure to Alaska.
Kurt and Anne Kutay
Wildland Adventures
Sam loved his world. We arrived at Black Rock on a stormy night in the Mayan Mountains. The tired children faced an immediate choice: they could be frightened or fascinated. Sam was so comfortable and made every observation so lively and fun that the outcome could never have been in doubt.
At the intersection of night and morning Sam takes large but surprisingly quiet steps to get an obstructed view of the tinamous and, first hearing, then spotting a rufous or a tanager he delivers a new way of seeing to us all. His delight in finding not one or two, but three different kinds of toucan was as genuine as the birds themselves.
Deep in the jaguar reserve Sam catches the smell of peccary and then we all hear the cat. Suddenly Sam, the gentle guide we thought we knew, channels a cross between a great Mayan hunter and the ancient Achilles. Diving into the brush, chasing the cat and alive in every way- to the sound, the smell, the rustle of leaves.
In a wilder world, Sam saw beauty and peace. Our family is lucky to have known him.
E. Eisendrath
Wildland Traveler
He was the most human of human beings.
Dan Pickard
Bivouac Adventure Travel
Wildland Adventures (former)
Dan introduced Sam Tillett to Wildland Adventures.
Sam Tillet gave our 3 kids their first swings on a jungle vine. It was one of those special unplanned moments that ended up being one of the highlights of our visit to Belize. He was more than a guide. With his big smile, warm heart, endless curiosity & enthusiasm, Sam made us feel a part of his family. We feel lucky to have known him and privileged to see Belize through his eyes.
J. Schulze
Wildland Traveler
Sam will always be for me "Zorba the Belizean" because he reminded me of a person who knew how to truly live the moment. No past, no future. He was right there, flavoring every second. Lighting his life with his own light, always understanding that living Life to the fullest is a sacred treasure you can't hide but needs to be shared with every person you meet. I remember the day he met me at the airport; he respectfully extended his hand to greet me. I couldn't help it, I just needed to hug that beautiful human being, I remember I said to him,: "No, no, no. No hand shaking Sam; here, give me the whole package!". He emanated such a pleasant energy, the one you want to be part of. On the way to the hotel he said: "I wish I could greet everyone like that when I first meet them!"
I don't believe in death, I think it is just an illusion. I believe we are all One, and therefore, Sam will continue being part of us, just in a different form, his energy and love are here with us . . . in our hearts.
Grettel Calderon
Wildland Adventures
Sam,
You made me laugh before I had even managed to finish introducing myself and still today, just the thought of you puts a smile on my face. You touched everyone you encountered in this warm and radiant way and this is why you have such an enormous following; I used to call it the Sam Tillett Fan Club but it's so much more than that, it's an elite group of people who had the honor to meet you. We are forever changed by knowing you. You brought out the child in me when good old fashioned fun and laughter was what I needed most. I also witnessed how you enriched the lives of all the children you encountered. This is your special talent - thank you Sam for being you!
Carmin Arnot
Wildland Adventures (former)
It was hard not to love Sam and I am thankful that his path and mine crossed. I know he was more than a guide to many--he was an immediate friend and kindred spirit. Belize and thoughts of Sam will always bring a smile to my face...he has left a legacy of love and friendship.
Nicole Russo
Wildland Adventures (former)
I traveled to Belize during the summer of 2004 with my husband and our three children.
Sam picked us up at the Turtle Inn in his blue Suburban. I liked Sam immediately when I met him. He was comfortable with himself and comfortable with others; he was full of information about his country and the country that we would be visiting-Guatemala. I waited until we traveled a few miles along the Belizian highway to talk to him about my concerns regarding armed bandits. When I finally asked Sam his reply was, "you don't need to worry about any bandits, I give them school supplies for their children. They won't bother us." It was so clear, so logical, and honest-I didn't worry anymore. There was something about what Sam said and the way that he said it that made perfect sense. I knew I would be safe and that I could trust this man.
We spent the next five or six days with Sam and Esperanza. We have photographs of Sam stalking a crocodile with our ten-year-old son right behind him. We have photos of our family relaxing in the river with Sam at Black Rock Lodge. What is really incredible is that our family, even my daughter who was eight years old at the time, has such positive and vivid memories of Sam. There aren't many people that you spend only a week of your life with that leaves you with a permanent and positive memory.
Sam was a special person-what a joy and inspiration he was to spend time with; he was so in love with life--his enjoyment of people, other cultures and his love of nature at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. We will miss you Sam, and we will always remember you in our hearts.
Love,
Lisa P.
Wildland Traveler
My week with Sam in Belize was one of the most fun times I've ever had, and he really was a shining example of one of the most jubilant human beings I've ever met in my life. I truly loved working with him. He will be sorely missed. Because of Sam, my brother named his boat the Panty Ripper, named after the famous Belizean drink that Sam introduced us too. I'm spending a week with Alex in Pensacola, so in Sam's memory, we're going out on the ocean in the Panty Ripper this weekend and drinking a big glass of Bacardi rum with pineapple juice!
Allie Almario
Wildland Adventures (former)
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