February 17, 2011
Boquete Panama
Written by Paul McBride
Panama Investor Blog
Sam Taliaferro, devoted father and husband, developer, entrepreneur and cherished friend to hundreds of people around the world, passed away early this morning after a two year battle with cancer.
Words like “pioneer” and “visionary” are used frequently to describe successful people but few truly deserve those titles as much as Sam.
Sam was a pioneer in the true sense of the word. He came to Panama with a desire to settle here and make this country a better place to live and there is no doubt that he succeeded. He loved his adopted country and Boquete so much that he spent much of the past ten years telling the world what a special place Panama is. His enthusiasm was infectious and hundreds of people from all corners of the world came to Panama and to Boquete to share in his dream.
Sam’s vision has always been clear and unwavering. He knew Boquete’s true potential and his deepest desire was to enrich the lives of others – both the local people working here and the people from around the world who would call Boquete their home. For Sam, vision was a real and tangible thing. He could “see” what he wanted his world to be and used his energy and focus to shape this vision into reality. His legacy, Valle Escondido, is a testimony to this vision.
They say that the value of a man’s life is not measured by the physical things he possesses but rather by the lives he touches. By this measure, Sam was truly a rich man. Over his lifetime, Sam physically and spiritually touched the lives of hundreds of people and touched the lives of thousands more through his blogs and his writings. Each of these lives is a little better off from their contact with Sam.
Sam’s physical presence is gone and he will be sorely missed by his family and friends. But, Sam’s spirit is still here and alive in the community he created and the lives he touched.
In this time of sorrow, let’s try not to focus on what is gone but instead look to what has been achieved. Sam wouldn’t want it any other way.
God bless Sam Taliaferro and God bless and comfort his family during these difficult days.
Sam’s ashes will be placed in the chapel at Valle Escondido tomorrow, February 18th at 2:00pm if you wish to stop by and pay your respects. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19th at 2:00pm at the Catholic church on main street in Boquete.
Editor’s Comment
I knew of “Sam” long before I arrived to Boquete. I guess you can say he was largely responsible for my relocation to Boquete.
I heard tales of what a wonderland this “Valle Escondido”, somewhere in the distant coffee highlands, had become. Some guy from the USA they said. I guy named “Sam”, a guy way ahead of his time some say. He dreamt, designed, engineered and built a dream community. I had to see it for myself. And when I did, I slipped into a hypnotic state.
It was total sensory overload. It was Zen like. It was Nirvana. It was actual, it was real. It was alive!
Meandering rivers flowed, exotic flora thrived throughout this garden of Eden setting in this magical canyon.
Sam embellished the magical canyon with thoughtful and exquisite edifices. I don’t know where he derived the architectural theme from, but I would guess it is a little bit Mexican, a little bit Spanish, perhaps even some Colombian. It just works! Charming, romantic, warm are the adjectives that come to mind.
Anyone who knows how difficult it is to build just a modest residence in Boquete, bow in homage to “Sam’s” super human accomplishments. This is part of what made “Sam” so very special.
Sam, with his wife Thalia lived life to the MAX! They played host to Artists, Musicians, Miss Universe Contestants, Hollywood celebrities and politicos alike.
I was fortunate to know “Sam”. We shared business concepts. I performed design for him. We explored ways to advance the business community. And “Sam” rang me up when he needed a Pro Photographer to photo shoot the Miss Universe beauty contestants. He was a good man, husband and father. He was fair, provocative, savvy and controversial.
“Sam” is an icon who created an enduring legend. His legacy and his accomplishments will forever be remembered, enjoyed, revered and appreciated.
My condolences to Thalia and children.
“Sam”, I leave you with this poignant message left by Ana Royo on your blog:
“Before the sublime mystery of life and spirit, the mystery of infinite space and endless time, we stand in reverent awe. This much we know: we are at least one phase of the immortality of life. The mighty stream of life flows on, and, in this mighty stream, we too flow on…not lost…but each eternally significant.
For all this: The spirit never betrays the person who trusts it. Physical life may be defeated but life goes on; character survives, goodness lives and love is immortal.
God bless you and rest in peace.”
We just got in the Aged Filet Mignon that everyone is Talking about so come on in while it lasts.
The Dinner includes all three (the beef, chicken & Pork), a Margarita, a Margarita Jello Shot & a Taste of our New Mayan Hot Chocolate all for $12.95
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