Samuel Cooke McCarver
November 23, 1927 - July 26, 2020
San Juan Capistrano California
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Samuel Cooke McCarver
November 23, 1927 - July 26, 2020
San Juan Capistrano California
Obituary
Samuel Cooke McCarver, beloved father and grandfather, died at the age of 92 on Sunday, July 26th, 2020 with his family by his side.
He was born November 23rd, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan – the only son of Sam and Mamie McCarver – who already had 3 daughters, Lillian (‘Lil’), Mary (‘Sug’) and Elizabeth (‘Toots’). After attending college and serving in the U.S. Army, he decided to head west to California. Sam would often say “I would have gone further, but there was an ocean stopping me.” He was a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for several major financial institutions, and in his retirement years an accomplished author of 6 historical mysteries, and 2 educational books which he used in teaching poetry and novel writing for aspiring authors. Sam also enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, and banjo.
He was a rare combination of someone who had a love of life and a firm understanding of what was important – the simplicity of living a life with music, literature, and celebration of the family that he so loved.
Sam took fashion cues from no one, but loved to wear one of his signature vests and always comfortable shoes. Everyone that knew him would say , “what a kind gentleman”. And he was a gentleman to the very end. While he lived healthy and independently for 92 full years, instead of passing away suddenly, he gave his family a few extra days so they would have the chance to say goodbye.
Sam was the last of his siblings, and the last of his kind. Of all the many lives he touched, he said his most proud achievements were his children and grandchildren. Sam is survived by his children Gary McCarver, Pamela Byrd, Cara Borger, Christy Montijo, and Stacee Freeman, along with 11 grandchildren and the spouses of his children whom he loved as if they were his own.
Sam was not a religious man, but as his pastor said, “Sam believed in Heaven.” And so, if you are looking for him, that is where he will be found.
Graveside Service
- Date & Time: August 22, 2020 (10:00 AM)
- Venue: El Toro Memorial Park
- Location: 25751 Trabuco Road Lake Forest, CA 92630 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (949) 951-9102
5 responses to Samuel Cooke McCarver
Rhonda Funes says:
August 11, 2020
Sams love if life and mischievous sense of humor will remain forever inspirational!
Roy says:
August 11, 2020
For the 27 years I knew Sam, he was always a ‘true gentleman’. There are not many left in the world, and even the word has lost some meaning. But, I feel super lucky, blessed and inspired to have known one of the best, one of the last….He was also the most consistent, present and loving father and grandfather, – and I will miss him tremendously.
Michael Wick says:
August 22, 2020
I worked with Sam at Fidelity Federal Bank. I was in the Legal Department. He was an excellent leader and it was an honor to be his colleague. As CFO he always seemed so serious. It was very interesting to find that he was great an author and so enjoyed music. The world is a lesser place without him.
Gary McCarver says:
March 24, 2022
In three months it will be two years since Dad passed. As spring arrives … I remember this is one of Dad’s favorite times of the year. The hiils were green … his roses would just start to bloom in the front yard … and the weather was warm enough so he could rest on his back proch and enjoy the view of the hills stretching out to infinity. Rest in peace. You are missed and remembered.
Kirsten Carter says:
December 27, 2023
Gary,
So sorry for the loss of your father Sam. He sounds like a wonderful person. I found his obituary because I have been doing some genealogy research. His mother was my grandfather’s oldest sister. My father was Merrill Sugg Carter (He went by “Sugg,”) and he was the son of Merrill Smith Carter, whom I never met. Sugg was also a writer and he had three daughters. I am his youngest and my name is Kirsten. Sugg died in March of 2020. He was well loved, wrote poetry and fiction and also wore vests! I think these two should have been good friends!
Please extend condolences to my cousins in California,
Kirsten Carter