Sam Tikkanen
Sam Tikkanen was born in Aberdeen, Mississippi, on February 18, 1937 and died on February 9, 2015 at the age of 77.
Sam was raised in Milltown, Colorado, and joined the Marine Corps on 7 Aug 1956, and was assigned to Okinawa, Japan. He was discharged on 6 Aug 1959.
Later, he went to work for Television Station KOB, Channel 4 in Albuquerque, NM, where he retired as Chief Engineer after 30 years.
Sam was a fellow collector who I met during the 1980s and we stayed in touch ever since. He was a student of military history, and
we spent many interesting hours discussing different aspects of WWII history.
Shortly after getting his flu shot this winter, Sam developed a severe case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare disease for which there is no cure.
TIKKANEN, SAM Age 77, a man of strength, charisma and charm, passed away 2/9/2015 on his own terms.
Rest In Peace.
1937-2015
We've lost another good man.
M55 155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer
Sam and a few of his friends on Okinawa.
Sam and his lovely wife, Kristin
Here is his obituary:
Sam was born February 18, 1937. He is survived by his loving wife and partner of 25 years Kristin Favatella.
He is also survived by his daughters Nadine Tikkanen, Stasia Tikkanen and Lara Reising.
All loved and adored Sam. He worked for KOB thirty some years and retired as Chief Engineer in 2001.
Sam was a scholar of WWII military history. Sam had many talents. He could build or create anything he set his mind to.
Sam loved to ride his bike, lift weights and in his retirement years liked to air himself out by playing golf with his buddies Randy and Glenn.
Sam was loving and caring to all and will truly be missed.
Farewell, my Friend.
Semper Fi
