The Death of Samuel Gibbs Witt occurred at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Friday, November 10, 2000. Samuel Witt was born in Winnipeg on November 11, 1920, the youngest of three sons to Earl and Ida Witt and brother to Bob and Harold. The family moved to a mixed farm near Yorkton, Saskatchewan when Sam was quite young. Sam grew up doing chores on the family farm, as well as other area farms, until his enlistment in the army in 1939. Sam was very proud to have served his country during World War II as an anti-tank gunner. He saw action in Germany, France, Holland, Italy, Sicily and North Africa. During these years Sam developed many close relationships across the world that continued until his passing. He took great pleasure in visiting friends both in Canada and overseas. A career military man, Sam was in the army from 1939 to 1974 and received numerous decorations and certificates of achievement. While stationed at Fort Osborne Barracks in the late 1940's, Sam met June Nancy Dones, and the couple were married in 1948. Sam always said that his family made him the luckiest man in the world and was a devoted husband and father. The couple had two sons, Stephen and Jack. After retirement Sam resided in the Shilo/Cottonwoods area and enjoyed spending time playing cards and socializing with his friends at the Sprucewoods Hall. In the summer of 2000, Sam moved to Riverheights Terrace in Brandon and was very happy there. He is survived by sons; Stephen (Faye) and Jack (Darlene), grandchildren; Jack, Hailey and Melissa. Also surviving are: brother, Harold Wise of Altoona, Wisconsin, nieces; Barb, Penny and Judy, cousins; Freda and Harold Hopper (Jean, Joyce, Judy, Kathy and families), Don McDonald and family, brother-in-law Jack Dones. Sam was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife June in 1986 and a brother Bob. As per Sam's wishes there will be a private family graveside service. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in memory of Sam may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 203, 42 McTavish Avenue East, Brandon R7A 2B2 and/or the Canadian Cancer Society, 415 - 1st Street, Brandon R7A 2W8.

"Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away".