Sanford Allen Beachy was born to David and Katherine Beachy on November 12, 1946, in Buffalo, NY. He passed away surrounded by loved ones in Homer, AK, on October 16, 2024, following an 11-month battle with cancer.
The third of four children, Sam grew up in Alden, NY where his folks managed a contracting business and pastored the Alden Mennonite Church. Chores with the chickens motivated him to work hard so he could get to the pond to go fishing. He and Marilyn met at Eastern Mennonite High School in Harrisonburg, VA. They were married in 1966 in Sarasota, FL where he worked in building construction. Daughter Lisa was born in 1967 and son Sheldon in 1970.
A trip to visit Alaska in 1974 preceded a move to Homer “for 1 year” in 1976. Nearly half a century later, Beachy Construction, Inc. continues to the third generation. His personal connection with clients enabled him to build not just homes, but lifelong friendships.
Sam was an avid fisherman and hunter with tales of fly-in trips and horseback adventures. He learned to fly a Cub and also explored the fishing industry, investing in vessels and permits. Work and mission trips to Ecuador, Haiti, Samoa, and Alaskan villages were highlights.
Sam and Marilyn served as foster parents which led to the adoption of Alaska Natives Willie in 1983 and Aimee in 1985. Sam served as an Elder at Christian Community Church and Board member for Community Christian School and the National Bank of Alaska. Retired in 2012, Sam and Marilyn spent winters in Florida near their folks, where he enjoyed motorcycling and birding.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marilyn Beachy, his mother Katherine Beachy (105 yrs), brother-in-law Dave Miller, sister Constance Alderfer, and brother Warren (Cris) Beachy. He is preceded in death by father David Beachy and sister Brenda Miller. He knew the greatest blessing was his family: daughter Lisa (Tom) Stafford; Daniel (Samantha) Stafford, Aidan, Asher, Atticus; Brittani (Robby) Switzer, Eleanor, Bennett, Oliver, Mabel, Harrison; Alecia (Tanner) Stengel, Finn, Amelia, Nolan; Kayla (Maxwell) Smith; Emily Stafford; son Sheldon (Kathy) Beachy; Brandon (Jaycie) Beachy, Sadie; Jordan (Annali) Baby Beachy, Clayton (Chloe) Beachy; son Willie Beachy, daughter Aimee Snodgrass.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 26, at Christian Community Church, Homer, AK. Memorial contributions may be made to University of the Nations, Youth with a Mission, Kona, HI.
