Samuel Anthony Linn was born in Woodburn on Nov..12, 1946 and passed away in Silverton on Aug. 1, 2018.
The fourth of five children born to Floyd Linn and Verna (Berg) Linn, who moved to the Willamette Valley from North Dakota shortly after World War II, Sam grew up on his family’s farm and spent his youth hunting, fishing and helping out on neighboring farms.
He attended primary school in Monitor and went to high school in Silverton. While in high school, Sam met Sonya (Paulson) Linn, whom he married in 1969. Sam and Sonya welcomed two children, Chris and Wendy, in the early 1970s and raised them together in Silverton, where both still reside with their families. He worked for many years as a machinist in Woodburn, served as a church elder at the First Christian Church, and after retirement filled his days volunteering and helping others.
Sam was defined by many interests, passions, and accomplishments — far too many to be adequately summarized here. Nonetheless, some bear special mention:
Sam loved his cars, including the ‘67 Mustang he would race at the Woodburn dragstrip, the Triumph GT-6 whose wheel had the habit of falling off at inopportune times, the roadster he built from the frame up, and the ‘75 Porsche 914 he drove around town in recent years.
Sam had an intuitive understanding of the way things worked and a unique ability to design and build what others might only imagine. In his work as a machinist at Bird’s Eye he was often involved in the design of new tools and new machines which improved on what was previously available. These contributions garnered him praise, respect and a federal patent.
A lifelong outdoorsman, those who knew him were often regaled with tales of racoon hunting in the Butte Creek bottomlands, hiking in the foothills and the high Cascades, cross-country skiing with the Oregon Nordic Club, climbing at Horsethief Butte or up to the top of Mt. Hood, navigating the San Juans in his handmade sailboat, or swimming in any of a number of backcountry lakes.
Sam was an fan and supporter of soccer for decades and was instrumental in developing youth soccer in Silverton. He coaching his son’s youth teams, his daughter’s youth teams, and the Silverton High School
JV girls team. In more recent years, he continued to cheer loudly from the sidelines, whether at a grandchild’s game, a high school game, or a Timbers game.
Above all, Sam absolutely loved people. His greatest joy came from spending time with others. Filled with a kind heart and a humble spirit, he was always ready to extend a helping hand, a kind word, an off-color anecdote, a rambling tale, or an open ear to whomever he met. And this will be his greatest legacy — as an outgoing soul, an engaging character, and a loyal friend.
He is survived by Sonya Linn, his wife for many years; son Chris Linn and daughter Wendy (Gary) King; grandchildren Ezekiel Linn, Maximilian Linn, Paige King, Giselle Linn, Sidney King; as well as brothers Ron Linn, Rick Linn, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Farewell services will be held Aug. 18, 1 p.m. at Silverton’s First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Silverton Historical Society are encouraged.
