Sam Flanders

Sam Flanders, former Newtown teacher and footballer, died on January 15 from a heart attack while holidaying in Lorne. He was 65-year-old.

"Can I ask everyone here today to look after yourselves, your family members, make sure to keep an eye on your health, don't put off regular check-ups," his grieving wife Cindy Flanders told hundreds of friends who gathered at St Joseph's Football and Netball Club to celebrate her husband's life last week.

With the family's permission we publish her moving tribute here.

Sam, he has had an amazing life. Friend to everyone. We also called him, "Everywhere Man".  

'Mr Geelong' Sam Flanders farewelled after sudden death

Sam has friends from all aspects of his life:  

* His family - his late parents Mary and Don, four brothers and one sister. Just a note, there's a lot of photos of Sam, the first born, and Kate - finally got the girl.

* School - he was very proud to be an old collegian of Sacred Heart College. 

* Footy - I never saw him play but I'm often told how good he was.  

* Teacher's college.  

* Teaching.

 * A 12-month teaching exchange in Iowa, America.  

* Holidays at Lorne.  

Willis's, Gemma's, and my friends all quickly became his friends too, he got to know people at the supermarket, The Diggers, the Western, the taxi/Uber driver on the way home from a night out. He really was our "Everywhere Man".  

'Mr Geelong' Sam Flanders farewelled after sudden death    

Sam left a lasting effect on everyone he met. He was a connector - keeping in touch, taking an interest with anyone and everyone.  

We know we are the three people he would do absolutely anything for. He was most proud of his two beautiful kids.

There are many examples, but I pick these couple to share with you:  

Willis's travels - he would always check-in daily. Take a keen interest sharing his Google searches on everything. This would involve a text to share, the best accommodation, pubs, and restaurants, where they are on Google maps and a picture of the menu or a review.  

Gemma - he never thought he'd see his daughter play AFL footy and was so encouraging of her and her teammates. We attended every game we could. He always offered to wash the mud off the footy boots and would dob me in to wash the footy clothes.  

How amazing for him to see Gemma's women football team win the Grand Final against Torquay last season.  

Every family has its own little things. Living with Sam was always fun. Here is an insight into our life with Sam.  

Here are some of his favourite things:  

Mad sports lover - our television would be on sport 24/7. He would be up early or late to watch the game live - clapping loudly whenever a goal was scored. Geelong Cats, St Joeys, soccer, grid iron, Tour de France, and Olympics.  

Television that was not sport related - Kath n Kim, The Voice, Australia's Got Talent - often getting a tear in his eye and Hard Quiz.  

Best event last year 2022 - Gems Grand Final, "Never thought I'd see my daughter play footy and win a Grand Final".  

Second best event in 2022 - Geelong Cats winning the Grand Final.  

Best event this year - Willis and Oda visiting us from Norway.  

Holiday place - Lorne.  

Drinking Spot - Lorne Aquatic Club.  

Radio station -RSN, Deano's tips, Macca on a Sunday morning.  

Most annoying (for us) - his antique brick iPhone 5, always forgetting his wallet,   glasses or having to go back for something.   

Self-taught photo-editing skills including pic collage which he loved to text around.  

He loved takeaway - KFC half-price Tuesday or five Maccas $2 hamburgers and a   coffee.   "Want fish n chips?" - "Yeah, that'd be good", and he would order enough for dinner   and lunch tomorrow.  

Food - loved his tucker and was always interested in the next meal.  

He'd send a text every night - "What's for dinner? What's this called? Spag Bog."  

Always thankful for every meal - "That's the best spat bog I've ever had."  

"Want a cup of tea, tea, tea?"

"Yeah, that would be nice."

We were all loving life before we were thrown the biggest curve ball last weekend.  

We would like to thank everyone who assisted to keep Sam here with us, unfortunately he had to go.  

To the ambulance staff, thank you for all you did and thank you to the nurse at the hospital in Lorne who comforted us so well.

 You know when we met, he probably thought, "She's all right, a pretty good catch." But I was the lucky one to have found him and be able to build and have an amazing time and life together.

Sam really has infected so many, look at the turn out today. He would love to be here right now with everyone.

I would like to also thank the following people who have helped to arrange this special day: Flash and Danny Lannen, Beaver and Donna, Jenny and Snake, Janine Hill, Johnny McKinnon, Lisa and Paul Northey and all the other volunteers who have helped us with today.

Can I ask everyone here today to look after yourselves, your family members, make sure to keep an eye on your health, don't put off regular check-ups, it's certainly well worth it.

Till we meet again, RIP Sammy.