SAMMY MINOR WARREN, of 6200 Deer Run Lane, Trumansburg, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at the age of 57. Born in Ithaca, NY on December 6, 1951, Sam was the son of Charles and Janet (Updike) Warren of Trumansburg. Sam was a dreamer who continually transformed his creative ideas into results. A self-educated genius and sustainability pioneer, Sam proudly lived off the grid and made his own power from the sun, wind and water. A farmer, welder, mechanic, carpenter, inventor, artist and sculptor, Sam built a waterwheel used in the operation of On Warren Pond Farm. Sam was a spiritual man with a unique connection to the animals that he cared for over the years, especially the deer, elk, bison and his faithful dogs. The pond he helped his father dig in 1968 is where he made his home and loved to fish. Sam restored antique tractors and cars, rebuilding both bodies and engines to perfection. Sam had owned a Cub Cadet small engine dealership and drove tractor trailer for Daily Express, hauling Haz-Mat and oversized loads. He cooked great meals without recipes and played the drums without reading music. Sam never asked for assistance but rushed to the aid of family and friends countless times. Sam’s presence will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved him. Sam is survived by the love of his life, Jill Swenson, of Trumansburg; parents Charles and Janet Warren of Trumansburg; children, Tricia (Kip) of Trumansburg and Sammy Jr. of Elmira Heights; sister, Judy (Wayne) Lauper of Trumansburg; nephew and Godson, Jamie of Trumansburg; niece, Marti-Jo (Randy) of Ithaca; great-nieces, Jadyn and Cailyn; and Jill’s family, Robert L. and Arlene Swenson, Barbara D. and Eric Nelson, Emma Kay and Benjamin Robert. A public Memorial Service was held on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at the Cayutaville Methodist Church. Those who wish to make a contribution in Sam’s memory consider the Sam Warren Scholarship for Sustainability Studies Fund. Please make your check payable to Sam Warren Scholarship Fund and mail to Trumansburg Central School, Attn: Treasurer, 100 Whig Street, Trumansburg, NY 14886.

 

SAM WARREN SCHOLARSHIP FOR SUSTAINABILITY STUDIES FUND

In Memory of Sammy Minor Warren (1951-2009)

First recipient 2010 = Grace Parker Zelinski

            This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Charles O. Dickerson High School who demonstrates personal or professional interest in sustainability and/or the environment and has been accepted into an accredited two-year or four-year program at any college, university, technical school, institute or apprenticeship program. The recipient will be selected based upon scholastic achievement, financial need and community involvement.