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Sam was a social friend. I had great comrade
since I had started in the computer business
in the same era as Sam. We traded information
on technology, and we enjoyed great social
times going to plays, eating dinner, and
watching foreign movies. Sam always had a
special place in his heart for his family:
Joice, Gavin and Corey. It was very easy to
get a big smile out of him: just mention his
adorable grandchildren. We miss his presence.
I had the great fortune of getting to know Sam
Albert a couple of years ago when my father
introduced Sam to me. I always looked forward
to seeing or speaking with Sam: it felt good
just to be around him. Sam always had kind
words, a genuine smile, encouragement, and a
glint in his ever-youthful eyes. He was a
person who would go out of his way to make you
feel comfortable and good about yourself. He
didn't have to exert any effort in order to do
this, it was easy for him because he was a
Mensch. You know a person has touched your
life in positive ways when you can't help but
smile when you think of him.
Sam's coining of the term "coopetition" was
typical of his approach. Where others saw
competitors as enemies to be destroyed, he saw
opportunities for synergy through
collaboration. Sam was curious, ever eager to
learn, and totally unspoiled. We miss him very
much.
Sam hired me in June 1967 as an IBM sales
representative. He was my mentor, and my
teacher. He provided me with a foundation of
ethics, integrity, perseverance and
performance. As I look back at my business
career and who I am today, I see Sam shaped my
life, my career and my beliefs. I will
remember him always with love and respect. I
give this toast: To the memory of one who once
was, and to the knowledge he will be our
hearts and minds forever .
I was explaining to a friend of mine recently,
they just don't make ’em like Sam anymore. I
remember your broad smile, your charm, your
zest for life, your graciousness, and your
heartwarming sincerity, the combination of all
your gentlemanly traits firing in perfect
timing. Even in a crowded room, I always found
myself drawn into your sphere. You were a
class act, someone we all admired. I think one
of the fondest memories I have of you is how
you showed me that photo of Cory and your
lovely wife probably over twenty times. For
all your good-natured gentility, I was often
surprised when you'd ask the tough questions
at analysts meetings. It was the serious Sam,
the hard-working Sam that drove you to become
the unique personality we all loved. We will
surely miss you, indeed. and we will treasure
your memory and celebrate the fine individual
we knew and loved.
Sam. I am thinking about you and remembering
all the times we were able to celebrate and
gossip together on your birthday. I still
can't believe you are gone, but you remain
with us, always. I miss you.
I remember Sam as the yo-yo king of American
University. He was very good at yo-yoing. I
also remember his upbeat attitude about
everything. He was always very well liked on
the campus. His positive outlook served him
well in life.
Sam Albert made a lasting impression on
everyone he met. He was a special, one-of-a-
kind man: a giving and genuinely caring
person. Sam was always interested, which
contributed to making him so interesting. He
was so knowledgeable, yet always seeking more
knowledge. Sam mixed well with the notables
and quotables, yet he gave opportunities to
fresh rookies. The world is better for Sam
having graced it.
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Read the thoughts and memories of these people close to Sam:
Amy Wohl Read a short essay by Harley Hahn... |
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