Remembering Sam: The Sam Posthumus Memorial

Sam Winter Posthumus lived life big, had no fear and when he wanted to do something, he was determined. The middle child in a family of 5, Sam had goals, dreams, and a bright future ahead of him. At 15, just 3 1/2 weeks short of his 16th birthday, Sam passed away suddenly and tragically at a rugby practice at his school. It was a devastating loss to his family, his school, his team, and the Abbotsford community as a whole. 

In their grief, the Posthumus family wanted to honour Sam by creating a student award in his name. To lose their son, their brother, their child – in such a way that was so shocking – made it difficult to breathe some days, to continue to function. And yet, somehow, even in the midst of such pain and loss, they were already thinking of ways to remember Sam’s spirit and how they could help others.

Sam passed away in January 2006 and the Posthumus family gave out Sam’s award for the first time later that June. Since then, they’ve awarded over $25,000 to help other young people who exemplify Sam’s approach to life, his determination, his work ethic, and desire to achieve their goals. For 20 years, the family has been there to present Sam’s award (with the exception of just once, when a family friend stepped in) because that’s how important this award is for them.

Maria (also known at ‘Toot’ by those who know her well), has made sure that we never forget who her son was or the person he wanted to be. She tells us funny stories about Sam, his big, easy smile, his sense of humor, his silliness that made people laugh. For her and her family, Sam’s award is their son’s & brother’s legacy; it’s a way to honour his memory; it’s a way to remember him and all the big goals and dreams he had for himself. 

Twenty years on, she still cries when she tells us about him and we cry together for his loss but also what her family has done for so many other young people in his name. 

Maria is saddened that as time passes, the people who knew Sam will forget him. But her family will never forget Sam. And with this award, there are people who will always get to know a little about the boy Sam was and the person he wanted to be. There are the pictures and stories of Sam that ACF has the privilege of sharing with generations of local young people – not just today but for decades to come. 

Sam’s brother and sister have gone on to build their own lives as adults and their parents are proud of the families their children have built. There’s a bitter sweetness to know that Sam’s life was cut short before he could do so. And yet, knowing they can support other young people – the award is a family effort where they all help review student applications and come to an agreement on recommendations each year – is something that they continue to feel honoured to do. 

The Posthumus family came together to make a gift for young people – a gift that continues to give in ways that are profound, life changing, and meaningful – all in Sam’s name. At ACF, we remember and we honour his family’s gift to others in the midst of their own tragedy. Being able to memorialize his story and his family’s story for our community, through this award, is something we are grateful to be able to do and will do for always. 

You can learn more about the Sam Posthumus Memorial in our student award directory. 

Would you and your family like to become a student award maker? Make a difference in the lives of young people today, tomorrow, & forever. Contact us to learn how you can get started with $50/month.