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.

"We know Dad didn't want any boring church-going affair, so what better way to send Dad off than with a bit of a celebration, some cold cans, and a sausage sizzle," son Willis Flanders told the hundreds of friends who gathered at St Joseph's Football and Netball Club to celebrate his dad's life last week.

With the family's permission we publish Willis Flanders' heartfelt tribute here.

We palled up through mutual friends about the same time as he started teaching our kids at St Mary's.

Firstly, thank you all for being here today. We were having a laugh and little bit of stress trying to figure out how many people were going to be here today, I can confidently say we underestimated that figure.

Nevertheless, Dad would be amazed to see all the family and friends here today. I remember I would dread going to town with Dad, as what should be a quick 10-minute trip to the shop to grab the paper, would feel like an eternity, as we would stop and talk to just about everyone and every other lamp post. I could never quite figure out how Dad knew so many people.

We know Dad didn't want any boring church-going affair, so what better way to send Dad off than with a bit of a celebration, some cold cans, and a sausage sizzle, not to mention he absolutely loved his Hawaiian and party shirts. Which is why we're all wearing a bit of colour today, in typical Sammy -style, rather than mourn Dad's passing, he would want to celebrate his life.

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 "We were loving life." Cindy Flanders' heartbroken tribute to her husband Sam

I'm going to miss big fella. Your great sense of humour and mischievous laugh and smile, our uncontrollable laughing fits at ridiculous texts sent to our mates. Thanks for all the kick-to-kicks in the backyard, teaching me to use my left foot. Dad used to offer me $20 for every goal I'd kick from the backline. The quarter-time message would be: "Use your pace Will, grab it and run!"

Footy, cricket, swimming, basketball, karate for a coupla weeks, letting me throw a party or two in the shed, fishing, music lessons and the endless punting lessons always preceding with, "Only punt your limit." Of course, your midweek wide-and-short quaddie would often provide the means to give me a limit.

Speaking of best bets, I can't talk about Dad without mentioning his passion for horses and horse racing. The horse racing was a great way for Dad and I to stay in touch while I've been overseas, talking tactics but mainly nonsense. So, thanks Dad for all the great tips you sent through, we don't have to mention all the other ones.

Race days, punters club sessions. We're still working out who will give us the form these days, Dad and I know, Snako's tips are useless!

Camping trips, surf trips, fishing, hunting, diving for your favourite crayfish, driving around in the blue washing machine, Lorne set-up day and pack-up day. Heading to the Kardinia or the G to watch the Cats. Late-night Uber Sam. Keeping me out of trouble through teaching me your tricks on how not to get caught! I think of all these memories, and I can see you there throughout my entire life.

It's a shame you won't be around to see my kids. I aim to be just like you Dad.

Mum, thank you for everything, just everything ever. Gemma and I have been so lucky to have a mum like you and I know Dad saw that. Reflecting on my childhood, I can´t believe how many things we did together as a family. Gemma, myself and Dad are so proud to have a Mum like you.

Gemma, Dad got to see you win a flag, a best and fairest and in the same year got to see Geelong win another flag, there's no argument that after that you are the favourite. Mum you've been promoted to sending me Gemma´s Saturday afternoon football or netball scores. Which have always followed Saturday's best and value bets.

On behalf of Mum, Gemma and myself, to all our friends and family. Thank you to everyone for being around and all your messages of support, we really do appreciate it all.

These passed weeks we really haven't felt alone. We love you all, you guys are awesome. Dad would feel at ease knowing he´s left us in the hands of so many great people.

Here's to Dad, our Everywhere Man, Big Sammy. Going to miss you big fella.

Here's to Sammy.