Rev. Harry Sam remembered

At Rev. Harry Sam’s funeral at Uliga Protestant Church Monday, from left: Alvin Jacklick, Mike Sam, Rev. Jeledrik Binejal, Cathy Matauto, Rev. Lawson Matauto and Telmong Jacklick Kabua. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

HILARY HOSIA

The United Church of Christ congregation in Majuro bid their final farewell to Reverend Harry Sam Monday evening prior to Harry’s departure to his resting grounds on Kwajalein.

UCC core leadership President Rev. Lawson Matauto and Rev. Jeledrik Binejal presided over the service Monday at the UCC headquarters in Uliga while former Kwajalein parliament member Alvin Jacklick and Mike Sam spoke on behalf of the family.

Rev. Harry passed away while under medical care in Seattle, Washington on June 18 in the presence of his wife Teaoi Sam and family. 

Harry was born on Ujae Atoll to Jelbur and Taila Sam on February 6, 1949. While on Ujae, Harry gained two younger sisters: Kiorong and Nira. So he had an early understanding of the hardship of living on a remote island, so much so that when he became a pastor and was sent to Ujae, he ensured he would do more than preach. He created a store to help the community. Items in the store cost the same as Majuro and Ebeye small stores. He made no profit from the store and he wanted it that way as long as he was stationed in Ujae. This is the type of person he was. 

As the eldest of the family, Harry was entitled to Kwajalein land payments. With the support of his siblings, Harry used these funds to supplement his missions throughout his tenure in the islands and in the US.

While Harry spent most of his life for the church, he invested a great number of years at Marshalls Christian High School in Rongrong as principal, vice principal, teacher and pastor. He is also responsible for the creation of the UCC church in Fayetteville, Arkansas and was a vital member for the Theological College in Majuro. 

Rev. Lawson and Rev. Jeledrik praised Harry as someone who never complained about assignments and served in various missions in the islands without hesitation. US-based missions come with luxury and he was not like that, his children said.

Harry had his first three children while in Rongrong: Sam, Freeda and Tebakabo. His other children were born in Majuro: Neisum, Solomon and Leslie. His younger children Junior, Aketa and Thomas were born outside of Majuro during his assignments to other churches.

Son Solomon was the first and only Marshall Islander to be killed in action in the US armed forces. SSG Solomon died in Iraq in December 2008. The College of the Marshall Islands sports court was named in his honor and includes a large plaque honoring the late Army sergeant.

Burial for Rev. Harry is expected later this week on Ebjedrik Island in Kwajalein. 

In addition to Kiorong and Nira, his other siblings are Liotumur, Mike, Taidrik, Jerta, Marisa, Toene and Robert.

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