Sam, I just found out that you passed away earlier this year. I’ve been touch from so many school friends, and this news came as a great shock and with so much regret that I hadn’t stayed in touch with you.

It was something always in the back of my mind, to enjoy the chance to make contact with you again. It’s devastating to think that won’t happen.

I am proud and so happy to read about the man that you became, someone who followed their dreams and passions and who gave back to the people around him.

I recognize this person from when I shared a unit with you in Timbertop, and afterwards at school and I am so glad it survived with you til adulthood.

You were always the person you became. What a lucky thing to live Sam, and what a lucky bunch of people to have lived it with you.

All my love to your family. I’ll always remember your decency and spirit, and I’ll think of you living your life in the the bush.

Souls like you don’t disappear Sam. My love and respect to you.

Sammy: more present in the moment than almost anyone else I know, more genuinely humble and kind.
With a smile brighter than the sun, a generosity wider than this land…A total sucker for a hug and a massage- our families spent so many naked holidays together frolicking in the raw down south or at Boco. You were FUN and you are a spirit truly free and I’m going to listen to your words in the wind that blows, the river that flows as all of us wend back to the ocean of bliss that you’re part of now. Love you Sammy. Thanks for sharing your love with us all but especially to see how much you loved Loz and your kids. Wrapping all of your family and all the Bs and your friends in hugs and gratitude we got to share a portion of this life with you.

We got to know and work with Sam in the beautiful Kimberley of West Australia at NOLS. Sam was such a big and bright spark who brought so much enthusiasm to everything he did. Whether it be welcoming students to Australia, applying canoe resin until 2am in the morning, or bringing fun and joy to one of the memorable staff parties. Sam it was clear you always lived life to fullest and had a BIG life and a BIG love for Loz. Our heart goes out to Loz and your kids who will no doubt carry your spirit forward with their lives xx

Big Sam,
Sam needed more of the things of real value.
He needed more connection, more community, more freedom, more nature, more love. Big, gentle, authentic Sam.

Sam was one of the first people to arrive unknown and visit us when we moved to Tanja, to welcome us to the community. We came from turbulent neighbourly relationships and his big heart and embrace into the community contributed deeply to our sense of belonging and welcoming here. We will always be grateful to him for reaching out so soon after we arrived.

To me Sam was always this tall, strong, stoic figure. I would come across Sam regularly around the region or at the camp and be greeted with his beamy but humble smile.

He was knowledgeable about so many subjects.

When landscaping at the camp I was placing rocks in the landscape in a natural setting.
It is about understanding and copying the natural environment.
The geology, the weathering process, the balance of how rocks and plants compliment each other.
It takes someone who is sensitive and FEELS what is happening around them when in nature.
I have worked with this for 40 years, always observing, always learning Very hard to do.
Sam joined me to place rocks.
In 40 years I have never seen anyone place rocks and understand this process.
It showed his true understanding and connection to everything natural.
Miss you Sam.

Camps were always funner when Sam rolled up, camping gear rattling in the trailer, roo tea and topo maps, risky adventures, oversized campfires, stargazing. In our family, he was Mozzie Man, an epic figure who’d grab Bryn in a hug he couldn’t refuse, humming like a mosquito as he came in for a tickle. He taught Neisha the ‘art of tarpology’, and hoisted Lucy onto his lofty shoulders when she cut her foot prawning so she could see out the expedition as his spotter.
Sam and Dave had a special synergy…wild adventures, wild hair, and wide grins.
One of my last precious moments with Sam was after Dave died. I found Sam on his own, knocked off kilter in grief and awe after an encounter with a willy wagtail, a messenger bird that speaks of death and loss. The beautiful man with an enormous loving heart was crushed, but willing to share this glimpse into the rawest reaches of his spirit.
Sam was a big giver, a big hugger and a big thinker. Biggest love to all who loved him.

I worked alongside Sam for a few days, milling Redgum that would become our wedding tables, the built-in seats of the deck where we ate breakfast in the morning sun and farewelled the last light at the end of the day. Sam knew it was special stuff, or perhaps he was a part of making it so.
As we cut into the first log the happiness on his face, amongst the cloak of sawdust and ocean of noise was infectious. “That’s furniture grade” he shouted, right I thought, I don’t know that I can ever cut this up, it’s too good. I almost never did.

Working with Sam was just easy, taking smoko with Sam was just as easy, as if we had been doing this together for years. Working, resting, laughing and connecting, in all these times at ease, that’s rare, that’s a pretty special quality he brought to every interaction.
I reckon a part of that special Sam is imbued in the redgum, because he cared to connect to all that was around him.

Thanks for the connection Sam.

In one of my final memories of Sam, he was tearing out of town in a firetruck—his eyes narrowed in sunlight above a wide, wholehearted grin. That grin seemed carved into him by joy itself—etched deep by his boundless love for life.

I remember his rare blend of strength and softness, steady commitment to work, his love for his family, his kindness in a wide circle of friendships.

And what ground he chose to rest upon—beside the wild Snowy River, embraced by the landscape, doing one of the very things that made him feel most alive.

Dearly loved by our family – he was a force of nature both in nature and on the passion pop sparkling wine

Beautiful Sam
I will forever remember your enormous smile,
your love of big love,
your huge generous heart
and your giant zest for life.
Love always Sim

We spent only a year under the same roof at ANU in 1990, sharing an adventure, then shared too few moments after that. The last time a little over a decade ago, after decades. That night it felt like he’d just ducked down the shops and the conversation picked up from an unfinished thought from college.
Such an open hearted lovely man. Smiling and twinkling. Wrapped in a holey knitted jumper he seemed always of the earth, and would have been at home around any fire, at any time in history. Listening, creaking while laughing, making you feel wholly welcome and immediately at ease. It was magnetic and indiscriminate – almost beatific. But he was saltier than that and loved most raucousness on offer too.
We lost touch as people do, but in the moments I thought of him I smiled goofy and wide at the wonder of the bloke. Just like now. I’m sure there will be another conversation some way down the line.
Till then, thanks, Sam.
Heartfelt condolences to all who loved him and were loved. X

Bright is the River
~for Big Sam

Bright is the day
with the steady step of friends.

Bright is the face
of country under moonlight.

Bright is the fire
under our sure stoke.

Bright is our laughter
and the yarns we spin.

Bright are our hearts
till their work is done.

Bright is the rush
of the river’s invitation.

Onwards she flows
bringing us home.
—
So many memories of dear Sam from school, uni, on the road, on the slopes, over tea or a pint, and out in the natural world. We celebrate Sam, and are sending love to you all from Switzerland.

A kind man always with a smile, positive words of encouragement and acts of encouragement

Big Sam
Big heart
Big hands
Big laugh
Big love
Big quests
Big dreams
Big care
Big warmth
Big hugs
Big sook
Big spark
Little chuckle
Big friend

Laila and her family were fortunate to have met Sam in person, creating their own memories of him. For the rest of us, we didn’t have that opportunity, but we’ve heard many kind and heartfelt words about him.
He was the father of our dear friend’s children, and it’s clear that he touched the lives of many – not only through his role as a father, but also in the relationships and memories he shared with those close to him.

To gather in celebration of his life is a beautiful tribute – a way to carry forward the joy, meaning, and light he brought into the world. The bonds we share don’t fade. They remain – in stories, in memories, and in the hearts of those who loved him.

With this, we send our love to all of you – and hold Malakai, Torren, Jasper and Amber especially close in our thoughts.
With warmest thoughts,

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sam since becoming friends at school.

Sam’s friendship and generosity were boundless. Having fallen out of contact for over a decade, we shared one of those chance encounters while driving somewhere down the Hume Highway – he in his much loved Land Cruiser, and me in my Honda. While driving, I remember looking over at this moron singing with full gusto out an open window, with a mop of out of control hair that was creating a true traffic hazard. When we recognised each other, the maestro immediately flashed me that goofy grin. We spent the next 30 mins on the side of the highway reminiscing like we’d never been apart. This was Sam: unique, living in the moment, always warm and with a heart of gold.

This was the last time I saw Sam, but I know I always had a mate. This is now etched in my heart.

We’ll miss you mate.

I met Sam as a hitch hiker outside Cooma on our way to uni. Talk about sliding doors. It is through Sam I got roped into working some PNG trips with he and Loz and later entered the fold at OB. So many laughs. Criss crossed at NOLS too. Thank you Sam. Our time together was limited and peppered over many years. But you had an outsized impact on the direction of my life. I know many others could say the same. Thank you. So much love to you, Loz and kids.

Dear Sam, it’s Jac. I planted sweet peas for you back in March… gently, care-fully, one by one.
And guess what… they are already by far the most rapidly growing seedlings I’ve ever seen. Tall, strong, cheeky like you. I reckon the flowers are going to shine bright too. I’ll treasure their presence in my life, just like I do you. Big love friend Xx

Sam always lit up the space he was in with warmth, energy and smiles. Such fun times in Broome with the fam and the wonderful NOLS crew, great company. To be wrapped up in a BigSam hug hello always made you feel welcomed. He had such zest for everything. The world has truly lost someone we needed. Sending love to the whole family. I’ll be thinking of you all and Samwise on May 24 under a big east Kimberley sky and wishing you were here again. xxx Ness.

Over the years at Outward Bound, we’ve known many big hearts, strong arms, hearty laughs, courageous adventurers, and passionate educators. None more so than Sam Bright. Few have had a field career that spans a generation, coming and going from OB from 1995 to 2025. Sam seamlessly integrated into any field team, always knowing what was needed, what mattered and what didn’t. His judgement was easy to trust. His presence made it natural to embrace the journey—with fun and surprises along the way. The number of participants impacted by Sam’s leadership is beyond counting— surely in the thousands. That is a remarkable legacy, living on in the hearts and minds of all who shared a path with him, from the Brindabellas to the beloved Snowy River. Sam found love and friendships through Outward Bound. We found in him a life-long contributor, an exceptional outdoor educator, and loved member of our community who will be often remembered in the fire-side storytelling of Outward Bound adventures.

Sam always had the uncanny ability to put things into a different perspective: physically through his size yet gentleness, practically through his way of simplifying apparently complex problems, artistically through his patience and creativity, and socially through always seeming to be there.

An enduring memory was sharing a sinking Wobbegong canoe with Sam in big water on the Murrumbidgee. All I could hear from Sam was ‘Keep going, keep going’ as we sank lower and lower, and then wild laughter as we finally floated clear and the boat disappeared beneath us.

Nick Cave’s expression of grief keeps coming back to me: ‘We are here, and you are where you are now.’

Bon voyage big feller!! Your smile remains after the tears have fallen.

I had 5 children, Dd, Michael, Christian, Toby and Sam. Now I have only 3. Of course I am heartbroken at losing my baby Sam – he was loveable and yet cheeky and with always a smile on his face. But I feel so for his children who have lost their father far too soon. I will love my Darling Sam until I die.

Was really sorry to hear the news about Sam’s passing and my thoughts go out to you all especially your family which was such a tight unit in my experience. I’m from Sam’s distant past and had the good and bad fortune of celebrating end of year 1990 from Uni at the Croajingalong NP with Sam, family and friends. The magnificent stop at the farm but then flying off the front of Charlie’s ute in the middle of nowhere to come back to consciousness with half the skin missing from my face and a badly broken hand. We still managed to spend the 3 nights camping anyway after it was agreed we wouldn’t let a meer flesh wound ruin a good weekend! I mention this story as it was one of multiple really memorable and unique experiences with Sam like skiing from the top of Thedbo to Dead Horse Gap. As it happens the repair on my hand has now failed and everyday it reminds of that trip. It’s been a long time since Charlie left us but those two lads I hope are hanging together looking down on you all.

Sammy ran me over in the land cruiser once… on purpose.

Admittedly he was going 3km/h, and I was walking right in front of him – apparently in his way – at the OB base in Tharwa. But soon enough an acceleration, a bump and I was on the ground: and all I heard was a wicked cackle of laughter!? I was incensed for a short time, outraged for a second… But soon I was laughing too, and I’ve looked back and laughed at it ever since 😂(for 25 years). A wicked sense of naughtiness only made possible because behind all of it, there was the cushion of a huge heart. Sammy represented a lot of what I – and many of us – wanted to become, or continue to be. And the love emanating out of and between Sam and Loz made me feel well at home in what before had been a strange country. Shit, I just feel so lucky to have been around at the same time as you Sam 💚💚💚

Early memory of a big new year’s party at Tanja n Dazz’s.
Sam had made this big Metal man sculpture down near the dam. Some sort of flying fox was rigged up and sent pelting down the slope to crash into the sculpture and set it on fire !!!
It was pretty wild….
Of course. 💥💜
Sam… definitely a wild and joyful spirit. His energy now in the Wild River country to flow and surge, dance and reflect…

When I think of Sam I think of the initial days of his and Loz’s relationship. Like most OB relationships it started as a long distance courtship with Loz in WA and Sam in the east. It was pre email and text message so Loz and Sam sent letters to one another. I remember Loz face lighting up when a letter came from Sam, she would have a big smile and talk about how beautiful Sam’s writing was and that she felt that she and Sam fell in love through the written word, like in a time gone by It was beautiful to witness.

“Hey John… it was a good idea to call me (over) & yes we do need more water on that.”.. (Lots dude)… 4/5000 litres later!
“Well that went well eh John.”
“Yeah Sam… Was looking a bit ordinary there for a bit…(Like fu$#ing hectic @ abt 4:30 to 6:30am) before I called you… Thanks dude!
“Hey Sam, feel like an early beer/++..?”
“Yes John, think we have earned it… But looks great now… Real clean for summer.”
“Sam it will look even better in about 15 minutes.”
“Yeah John I think you could be right there.”
Hazard reduction burn in mid winter on a cold night that went… ‘Woosh’.
Sam always ready to lend a hand & have a great laugh with… We placed a few house & shed slabs together. No panic, no yelling, always a great guy to work with & a great friend… Loved by all.

Thank you for coming home to say goodbye

for grand adventures and crazy projects.
for our deep friendship
for listening to my stories
reassuring me there’d be a solution.

mindful conversations varied
narrative and news
poetry and performance

with softness and strength
in deeds and in heart
you held your arms wide
embracing land and community

Thank you for warm honey teas and squeezy hugs
For cradling me in your expansive love, always

Thank you for being with us ever more, in spirit and in nature
I love you
xx

My first and very memorable experience with Sam was at Phillip Hearnshaw and Cathy Griff’s property at Tanja during the construction of their amazing garden and the capture of a wayward escapee steer. Sam, single-handedly, ran the beast down, knocked it over with his bumper bar, lept out of the vehicle, tied up its legs (using Bruce’s belt) then proceeded to drag it into the trailer and headed off to market. What a man! All with a smile on his face .
Sam certainly stood tall and his warmth and love of life touched us all. He will be sadly missed.

Mate! We still have the tree to move…… it’s F$&8en huge! Last time we spoke you said we would counterbalance it on the tracker …..you were always crazy like that……

Thanks for being my mate, for not flinching for showings me what it means to show up .

Love you brother

So kind, warm and fun. Even though only really friends at school, whenever we caught up, it was as though it was yesterday. Until our paths cross again xx

I will forever remember this wonderful smile on his face as he came into our Tanja Market Hall looking at what delights he might buy. He would single handed grasp a fruit cake and joyfully hand over the money and I knew it was because he wanted to support whatever was happening in our little community…I will so miss that and the knowledge also that he won’t be there to fight any future fires- he will always be remembered as one of our heroes….RIP beautiful Sam

A snuggle bunny from a young age, Sam was well known for his warm embrace. This cheeky, sweet and captivating boy became a loving, generous and free-spirited man who expanded a network of connections with family, friends, community and country. He was a true “ Bright” in his love, his shining spirit and his sense of adventure. I feel so blessed to have know him. With love, Fi 💚🙏🏽💚

Working with Sam in the business he and Loz created at Tanja has been such a joy. Sam was always good fun to work with we would banter and joke around endlessly while we cleaned. He would tell me stories of adventures he’s had, of earthquakes taking away rivers, of the back tracks he’s explored to the latest achievements of his children he’d be so proud to share! He was never fazed from being told off by me when he would try and touch the white sheets with his grubby hands, or walk in on the freshly mopped floor.. and at the end of every working day he would always thank me for my help.
Outside work we shared countless beers around a fire with so many other wonderful friends. He once even taught my young daughter how to light the pile burn herself, then marvelled with her as she ran around saving every skink that was trying to escape the blaze. I am going to miss Sam so much and I know i will always feel his spirit around at Tanja Lagoon camp. Love you Sam. ❤️ Megstar

Sammy would a bright beautiful man you were. Our house would not be built without your contribution. You are such a good neighbour and friend you’re welcome us to this land and reminded us of how beautiful it was all the time.
I will miss your bright engaging smile, your open heart and your love for all.

Sam was such a kind-hearted, generous man whose memory will continue to inspire me to follow my dreams and be the best unique version of myself as he was in his life. His deep passion and commitment to nature and indigenous culture, his adventurous and playful spirit, his strength of character, courage to take risks, deep love for Loz and his family, his humility and creativity are only some of his wonderful traits that will live on forever in our hearts.

Such a big heart, a shining soul, an immensely wide smile, a mischievous twinkle in those big blue eyes.

I can’t imagine living in Tanja without Sam and his incredibly generous spirit will live on in us all. From the moment we arrived, Sam’s huge, bright and beautiful heart welcomed us to this special place. Before or after any event at Navigate Arts (especially the big ones) we would hear Sams truck roar up the drive and see his enormous smile asking if we needed a hand with anything.
He was honestly one of those rare spirits that burn brightly and fiercely, with so much care, love and compassion.
I feel so deeply honoured- not only to have known and cared for him but to know and spend time with his beautiful family and children.
THANK YOU big, beautiful Sam for all your gifts- we will hold you in our hearts always and part of us will remain forever anticipating and missing the roar of your truck and the brightness of your smile- always supporting and surprising- laughing and caring.
THANK YOU
Your beautiful heart was a gift to us all.

Today we said goodbye to the magnificent vessel that carried Sam’s boundless spirit on this earth. It’s a shattering reality that I can’t have the next chapter that I imagined full of beautiful connection, healing, love, nurturing, passion and adventure….he was my craftsman of love and he’s left a gaping chasm in my heart….I’m finding solace in nature every day where he shows me that he is right here with me in spectacular ways.