A LUAU TO CELEBRATE SAM OUSLEY

It was a "Full-Scale Luau" to honor Sam, and he would have loved every minute and every bite of it!

The memorial was held in Oakdale, CA, the town in which Sam and Billie have lived since the early 1960's. The auditorium was rated to hold almost 500 and it was just about full. Here's some interesting observations: several preacher friends of the family delivered various thoughts, but without any heavy preaching! The congregational singing was bright and uplifting. And... by request almost everyone attending wore Hawaiian shirts or dresses, and family members wore leis flown in from the Islands for the occasion. The memorial was happy and hopeful and comforting, and the "reception luncheon" afterward really was a luau.

Brian, who owns the Lunch Pail (in Modesto on Bangs just west of McHenry), put on the meal as his tribute to Sam and the family who have been close friends for years. All the staff volunteered to serve "for Sam" and the meal was excellent. Colorful, cozy, filled with Sam's favorite Hawaiian music, this was the most cheerful wake I've ever attended. The place was filled twice over before everyone had a generous serving and a place to sit and enjoy it. All who came were greatly refreshed in body and spirit. Thank's Brian. Well done!!

Chile verde and handmade tortillas led the table followed by Hawaiian chicken and marinated tri-tip followed by Sally's pineapple salsa. Whoo-eee, Good!!

Billie, son Joe to her right, dear friend Joanne standing, and Joe's mom-in-law Anne to Billie's left show the kind of support she will have and hint at the joy of the event at which all who attended - by my estimate perhaps approaching 200?? - were delighted by warm fellowship, renewed friendships, Island fun and decor, and the fabulous food. Sam would have had a blast! It was exactly the kind of gathering of friends and family that he most enjoyed himself.