I'm sad and surprised to inform you of the passing of our Columbus Base shipmate Sam Templeton. Sad, because we've lost another shipmate. Surprised, because Sam passed on 23 January 2018 and we weren't aware!
Sam served in the Navy from 1955 to 1961, leaving as MM1(SS). He qualified in 1956 aboard USS Trutta SS-421, and also served on USS Skate SSN-578 in 1957 and USS Halibut SSN/SSGN-587 from 1959 to 1961. Sam was a Life Member of both USSVI (joining in 2001) and Columbus Base (joining in 2005), and also a member of Cod Base in Cleveland. Sam was inducted into the Holland Club in 2006. As a civilian, Sam served as a deputy sheriff and private investigator, and was also a pastor with Grace Communion International church.
Chaplain Sharon Lloyd learned of Sam's death when she called to see how he was doing. A member of Sam's family advised that he had passed. However, we've not been able to find an obituary, or any records (newspaper, funeral home, etc) of a funeral or memorial service. In fact, it appears that even members of his church were not aware of his passing for nearly a month.
Sam will be remembered and memorialized at the Columbus Base Tolling Ceremonies. Columbus Base will donate $100.00 to the USSVI Scholarship Fund in Sam's memory. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.
Sailor, Rest Your Oar.
Tim Barker,
Commander, Columbus Base
All Seas are Navigatable