Sam Pearce (11 Nov 1980 - 18 Dec 2018)

I first met Sam in my mid-teens; we met under somewhat unconventional circumstance. I met Sam’s girlfriend before I met him, and spent most of the evening trying to convince her that she would be better off with me, which thankfully she disagreed with, as if she hadn’t, I suspect I wouldn’t have had the privilege of having such an incredible friend for the last 22 years.
Sport played a huge part in Sam’s life and our relationship. During a holiday in 2004 we hatched a plan to go travelling to New Zealand to follow British and Irish Lions tour of 2005. I’d never really thought about travelling so it was Sam’s drive, encouragement and infectious enthusiasm that made me believe we could make this happen. With a strict saving plan in place, the countdown began. I’m sure you can imagine the trip was planned to perfection; places to stay, places to eat, routes between towns - none of which were organised by me. Utilising some of Sam’s early negotiation skills, we bought a Nissan Vanette in Auckland, named it Lawrence Dallaglio and headed off for an incredible adventure.
That trip holds so many brilliant memories, but Sam’s television debut in the Chrisco Christmas Hampers advert; a particular highlight! He delivered what can only be described as a bafta winning portrayal of a delivery driver arriving with a Chrisco Hamper full of joy, for an expectant family! Whichever story I focus on it will include the memory of Sam, massive smile on his face and that incredible laugh!
Our relationship with live sporting events continued for many more years, although as two lifelong Reading fans at times it was torture, more than enjoyment! That being said some of my fondest memories are watching our beloved Royals together.
Other sporting highlights we shared include, the Ashes (watching England win in Durham), The Ryder Cup (watching Europe win at Gleneagals), The European Championship in France (Watching England beat Wales). We would also regularly be found watching the scores come in at the pub on a Saturday afternoon! In addition to this Sam would travel to Northampton with his Dad, Rod, to support the Saints, and would attend Wimbledon with his mum Marrie.
Sam was a committed, passionate and incredibly knowledgeable sports fan; always offering his opinion on how the games were to be won or lost, which player would score that pivotal point and understanding every rule to every single sport! Enjoying those moments together was all about having fun, living life, in a pastime we both loved.
When I moved to London 6 years ago, I found myself with nowhere to live; of course, Sam and Becca stepped in. I stayed with them in Tulse Hill whilst looking for somewhere to live, and during that time I had Sam’s balanced and well-informed advice, support and guidance, during what was a really difficult time in my life. And all whilst they were in the midst of planning their amazing wedding; a day that truly epitomised Sam and Becca’s relationship; the party of all parties, that everyone who attended will remember, a bright and colourful day, filled with so much love and laughter, as well as a vast selection of great music, some dancing on tables and a little bit of booze..
Sam had so many great qualities, but his ability to make you look at your problems in a logical way was incredible. He was always happy to help, making me feel like I could solve any issue, and that my problems meant something to him - no matter what was going on for him personally.
At my own wedding Sam was my best man, and that in my opinion is the perfect title for him; Sam was the best of us! Not only that, he brought out the best in us. Expressing just one thing that I will miss most is an impossible task, but I will forever try to think, what would Sam do in this situation? My friend your love, laugh, support and companionship will be forever remembered and achingly missed.
I love you mate, I probably didn’t ever tell you enough, I know you knew what you meant to me and so many others!! Life certainly won’t be the same without you!

This is my best friend from the earliest time you knew you could have a best friend, I’d never had one before and never needed another one since. Little did I know at 5 years old how lucky I was.

The fact that Sam called me his best friend and best man is the finest honour I could ever receive. This is without doubt the most impressive man I have ever met, his moral fibre is without comparison. I believe he has taught us all how to lead a full life whilst being true to yourself and respectful of others.

It’s hard to fully explain the hilarious and brilliant times I’ve had with Sam. If I had a pound for every time he said ‘this is a bad idea’ or I got the knowing look…I’d be a wealthy man. One thing that is for sure we would laugh and laugh and laugh. Whenever we were together it was always fun, without exception, I loved the way we would bring the best out of each other.

Right from our first day of primary school we became inseparable, even when I moved away for two years at nine years old on coming back to Woodley CofE I only had one request “can I be in the same class as Sam” the request was granted. Sam grades went down but he was always far too bright anyway.

I’ve always admired Sam’s stance on matters that he was passionate about and yet in the same breath his ability to laugh at himself, he would always offer sound advice to anyone lucky enough to listen.

He has been a model godfather to Rory and I know that Rory has benefited hugely from his influence. The lessons taught by Sam will stay with him forever.

He was the epitome of dependable. The person we all looked up to. The person we all admired.

Sam is the most selfless person I have ever met. His only concern was for his Wife, Family and friends. Never did I hear of any concern for himself, it was all about the people he loved.

He meant “everything to everybody” and always will.

I met Sam back in 2001. He was the first person I met as Rod helped him move his stuff into the flat upstairs from mine at our halls of residence in Manchester. It wasn’t until later that week after a big night out on Fresher’s Friday, that I encountered Sam again and our close friendship began. We were up partying until the early hours, and he was generally being the life and soul of the party. This epitomised Sam. I can still hear his infectious laugh, or should I say cackle, echoing around my head when I think of him.

Sam was almost a couple of years older than me and so I looked up to him as an older brother type figure. What struck me about Sam from the early days of our friendship was his maturity, his outstanding knowledge, his ability to reason and offer the best and most pragmatic advice anyone could give. That maturity and self-assurance meant he would always be the first port of call to discuss any kind of problem or conundrum. Sam always had time to give advice and he loved giving it.

One of Sam’s most endearing and outstanding qualities was the confidence he had in his ability, his positivity and his never give up attitude. I will never forget the time he trialled for the Manchester University Challenge team, pitting his wits against the student geniuses, or the time he decided to run as a Tory councillor in a staunch labour ward in Birmingham coining the campaign slogan Sam for Springfield! Even though we all thought he was mad and wasting his time, this was Sam. He threw himself into these tasks and genuinely thought he would win. He always looked upon life with a glass half full and this his attitude led Sam to carve out a highly successful career in recruitment outsourcing. He was superb at his job, thrived off it and was an asset to all of the companies that employed him. More recently, I know Sam gained so much joy in seeing Becca excel in her career as well.

At university, Sam met Becca, the love of his life. Sam and Becca were the most solid couple I know. A true team with shared interests who both have the same outlook on life. Becca brought out the best in Sam, helping to live his life to the full whether it was Glastonbury, Ibiza or backpacking around the world. Recently my wife Sarah and I went out for dinner with Sam and Becca, where I explained a little predicament I was in. I had somehow managed to double book myself – a trip to Norway with my beloved wife or a day at Twickenham watching England vs The All Blacks with some work pals and clients. Despite Sam’s passion for the beautiful game, he sincerely told me not to cancel Norway. It wasn’t even an option he said. That epitomised Sam. The wife should always come first.

Today we say goodbye to a true legend. To Andy, John and I, we have lost our best friend but also our mentor and confidant. Life will not be the same without him but his spirit and positivity will remain forever. Rest in Peace Sammy.

Hey Sam... what can I say.. a true legend has been taken away from this planet.. you were there on my first ever Glasto experience.. & what an experience that was.. that mud though! Fast tracking the queues by rallying around the B roads, ! You & Becca pitching up, after the marathon muddy walk, with your pull out Z-d beds ( separate) Becca taking her morning cold water shower..
You really are a TOP bloke..
Everyone in life hopes & dreams of finding that special connection with someone that you & Becca has. All those amazing years you spent together. You were truly blessed to have had that. You both found your special
Someone.
I know it was your time to go, but you won’t be forgotten.. have fun up there till we all join you.. xx

Sam will be missed in many ways and he will continue living in my heart and thoughts. I've never understood why people that are so special are taken so soon. I learned much about living through Sam as he never once complained or allowed the illness to take his life. Yes, in the end, it was what took him to another place, however, he never allowed it to spoil the life he had and shared with all of us. When I start to feel sorry for myself or my situation and start to complain all I have to do is think about how Sam faced his situation with dignity and bravery. To be fair, I believe I was more worried about his situation when I was with him more then he was, so typical of him. I will eternally be grateful for the time I had with him, his extended family, and what I learned from him Sam, I miss and love you and I hope wherever you are you can feel how much you are missed and loved.

With Love Always,
Sam..."Vegar"

What an amazingly fitting service for Sam yesterday. The words and sentiments shared in the tributes were beautiful and a true testament to the vibrant, warm, genuine and all round wonderful person we all knew & loved in Sam.

As with everyone who knew Sam, I will forever be sad that he’s no longer with us though, perhaps more importantly, I will always feel so fortunate to have had him in my life. Sharing happy memories of Sam and hearing special stories and memories from others yesterday was so heart warming and highlighted the impact that Sam and his larger than life personality had on so many people.

One thing I’m certain of and is hopefully something that Becca and the whole family can take some comfort in is that Sam will absolutely live on through these shared memories. Whilst it may have been too short, what yesterday emphasised was how Sam lived his life to the absolute full, no more so than when he met his match in Becca. As cheesy as it sounds, Sam’s attitude and real zest for life is an inspiration and if I can approach my life with even half of this enthusiasm, I hope I can do Sam’s memory proud.

With continued love and thoughts - today & always to Becca, Marie, Rod, Justin, Ashley, George and the rest of the family x

What a fantastic bloke! I use to love hearing his infectious laugh around the office - he was a real culture carrier! A great guy, taken far too early and will be missed by all.
Rest in peace Sam
Olly

Sam had such a love for life an was the ultimate compliment to my equally spirited friend, Becca.

The two partners in crime went on to share such amazing experiences, some of which people may spend their whole lifetime, Becca and Sam would cover in a year- no problem! No moment spared or wasted. An example of how to live life to the absolute maximum, such an inspiration to me.

Im luckily to have shared some of those wonderful memories, their wedding, Glastonbury, Gigs in london, not to mention the annual World Cup parties, Reading biased football parties and football matches. The Ibiza 2015 holiday! BBQs in the parks, house parties (some to the small hours!) the list goes on. But every time feeling so fortunate to have such fun loving, warm, generous and just all round amazing people in my life.

My love for Sam will always stand strong, his infectious and iconic laugh so many people refer to. I will miss you Sam but you’ve left me with such cracking memories and they aren’t going anywhere xx

From nights out in Cheeseland, Manchester, Reading and then London, time with the Vann-Pearcey’s was never dull. Having met Sam through Becca, I was immediately struck by his laugh! When I think of Sam, I see him laughing and I think for me that sums Sam up. Never miserable, always seeing the best of every situation and tackling life in a measured and balanced way, he’s honestly an inspiration and a great example of how to make the most of every day. This message doesn’t do him justice but his legacy and how he’s touched everyone’s lives does. I feel immensely lucky to have known him.

Best friend, best mate

I was fortunate to meet up with Sam's older Brothers in London in the late 90's. Through them I got to know the family and in particular Sam. He became one of the golfing DOGS and joined us on tour, and whenever he did, he provided some of the funniest and memorable moments. The endearing memory is always one of fun and laughter which is so accurately reflected in the comments and pictures in this tribute.

Looking through those comments and photos makes you realise that the world is definitely a poorer place without Sam in it. This is truly a beautiful tribute to a truly beautiful person.

We are unable to be their tomorrow but we will thinking of you all.

Our heartfelt condolences are with Becca, Marie, Rod, Justin, Ashley, George, and all of the family and friends.


Rodney, Sybil, Fredrik and Joshua Scholten.

I've known Sam since being best mates at Uni, what an absolute ledge he is! It's hard to quantify just how much influence he's had on my life, in short he's influenced nearly everything. From the first few days at uni halls I found myself speaking like him, words like saf and boygeorgemichaelowenimhardjimmygreaves come instantly to mind. The way he reasoned and his thought processes are still very much ingrained in me. My entire career and adult life has spawned from Sam's crazy idea to jump on a plane to NZ 1 day after my final uni exam, I worked away from UK for over 10 years from that moment. When I protested about missing my graduation he simply said "you can graduate anytime", but this 2005 Lions tour of New Zealand is a once in a lifetime experience Davros! Needless to say he was one of the most convincing and persuasive people I've ever met. He made me laugh like no other, he's fiecelessly loyal to his friends and family and I'm going to miss him so so much. Looking forward to seeing all his family and friends and raising a glass to a true legend!