A Life Well Lived: Samer Farid Abujoudeh

While many find it challenging to find their way in a new country, one man let determination guide his success.

Samer Farid Abujoudeh 10/11/60 - 1/13/2010

(SALEM, Ore.) - In every community within a community, there are leaders. It is these men and women who rise to the call of their neighbors and loved ones; that tie together the fabric of their daily lives. They usually spend a lifetime earning their estimable admiration.

Samer Farid Abujoudeh was such a man. Born October 11th, 1960, he lived in Jordan until he was 21. It was then that he met Jehad, from the U.S., while she was visiting her grandfather. They married after the couple had only known each other for two weeks, and five months later moved to the United States with no more than $100. Sam was determined to find success.

Sam was one of those men that keeps his word. He worked hard as a heavy duty machinist in Jordan, but had to learn new skills to make it in the States. He worked for airlines, liquor stores, and eventually came to be the owner of two gas stations in Oregon.

The couple had three boys, Farid, Faris & Fayez, all blessed with their father's drive.

Sam's reputation was that of a hard-working, honest man who wouldn't make a promise he couldn't keep. Sam made it a tradition to take his family to new places every summer. They went on trips to California, to different lakes and cabins, and experienced what the world had to offer as a family. When his wife was hesitant about the cost of such a vacation, he would say "There is nothing worth more than your happiness. It's not the money that makes the man, it's the man that makes the money."

Sam's family says that he always loved putting a smile on people's faces. Sam helped his friends and family in any way he could, which they loved and appreciated him for. Sam was generous with others also, donating to the community, taking in stray animals, and inspiring people along the way. His wife said that instead of waiting for a door to open, he would push it open.

He achieved the American Dream.

Unfortunately, in September of 2008, Samer Farid Abujoudeh was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Doctors gave Sam only two to three months to life, but Sam did not accept that, for he was not done with life.

Sam still had to teach his two older sons the last steps to becoming real men so that they could do the same for their younger brother, but most of all, he had to help his family understand that he loved them with all his heart and soul and that he would not leave them until he was ready to go. They got his message loud and clear.

Sam lived almost two years after being diagnosed. His doctors called Sam an angel... for every time the road looked bumpy, he passed smoothly.

He fought cancer until he himself was ready to let go and save a spot in heaven for his family and friends.

Samer Farid Abujoudeh
10/11/60 - 1/13/2010 (5:05 pm)