To generations of students at an elite British boarding school in India, he was “Sammy”. Mr. Edward Samuel — teacher, pianist, hunter, fisherman, all around good guy. He taught math for over 40 years at one the finest schools in the country. Maybe I am partial, as I went to that school and Sammy taught me when I was in fifth grade. He clearly had questionable judgement, as he allowed me to marry his daughter.
Sammy was a slightly built man with a great sense of humor. He was simple, humble, kind. Traits we too often take for granted. He lived a simple life in the foothills of the Himalayas — walking with his dogs and enjoying the clean air and the beauty of the mountains. He enjoyed his daily scotch whiskey and bummed an occasional cigarette. When you live to be 96, you are allowed these minor transgressions.
This past Saturday, Sammy passed away with the same dignity with which he had lived his kind and selfless life. Messages have been pouring in from all over the world from his students going back to 1960. He was, is, and will always be a legend.
The greatness of a person is determined by their ability to positively touch the life of others. Who better to do that than a teacher? There was none better than Sammy.
Rest in Peace Sir. Yours will be a tough act to follow. We will miss you.
About Hemant Rustogi
Outstanding Rusty sir. Very well put. Best Pawan Bahuguna
Very well written. He was a great teacher and a wonderful human being. Rest in peace, Sir.
Our heartfelt condolences. Cherish the little time I spent with him in Kanra
We had been neighbours, with the Samuels, the Hakeems and the Pants when as newly weds we came to stay in Ayerpata House. Mavis had been my mother-in-law’s friend so the association with the Samuels went a long way back before I coincidentally started my career as a teacher in Sherwood and also providentially happened to marry, Ranjana, a Naintal bred girl. For me he remained Mr. Samuel, I just couldn’t be irreverent or be too familiar to call him Sammy. Though a colleague, he was more like an uncle. And he was so protective and generous. I would repay that kindness by sharing my Charminars. He probably was “forbidden” to keep a pack in the house, so he would walk past our kitchen door, spot me and say “pla (read pila) yaar” in a Punj intonation. Once in a while he would leave behind a full pack of cigarettes with me. Now that you are gone, Sammy/Mr. Samuel you have left behind a packet full of memories. Rest in peace dear friend, colleague guardian.
Thanks for the lovely tribute. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Lives like Sammy’s should be celebrated not beraved!
How is Mavis A.? Convey my love to her.
Roma Datt Robinson.
Intricately laced in my precious memories of my stay at Ayarpata House, is the memory of Mr. Samuel. An affable gentleman to the core, our weekend early morning tea times were captivating story times.
Sammy, happy story telling times on the other side! A very special niche in my heart bears your name…. Rest in Peace.
It is such a lovely tribute! I remember him well, young as we were when we lived in the hills. Humble and kind. My father was the Presbyter of the St Nicholas Church where Mr Samuel attended and played the piano. I remember him visiting us with his dog trialing him. If my dad was traveling, he made it a point to visit us every day and ask us if we needed anything from the market. That memory is so clear in my mind – him at the door with his backpack calling out, “Memsaab, kuch mangana he?” Or his tiff with another legendary church member for singing loud and off the tune -vocal in his displeasure but never holding it against each other! Hearts that were clean and large hearted! My dad always wanted to visit him when he moved to Karnal, but regrettable could not. He had a special place for Mr Samuel in his heart, and so do all of us! RIP Mr Samuel! Heaven I’m sure gave you a grand welcome!
It is such a lovely tribute! I remember him well, young as we were when we lived in the hills. Humble and kind. My father was the Presbyter of the St Nicholas Church where Mr Samuel attended and played the piano. I remember him visiting us with his dog trialing him. If my dad was traveling, he made it a point to visit us every day and ask us if we needed anything from the market. That memory is so clear in my mind – him at the door with his backpack calling out, “Memsaab, kuch mangana he?” Or his tiff with another legendary church member for singing loud and off the tune -vocal in his displeasure but never holding it against each other! Hearts that were clean and large! My dad always wanted to visit him when he moved to Karnal, but regrettable could not. He had a special place for Mr Samuel in his heart, and so do all of us! RIP Mr Samuel! Heaven I’m sure gave you a grand welcome!
A wonderful man with a great sense of humor. Will miss him