The death of Sam Leighton certainly marks a sad moment for the people who grew up in Edgartown during his tenure as director of the boys’ and girls’ club, including myself. Sam’s influence helped so many to navigate those teenage years which can often be troubled times. Sam knew what it was like growing up here — long, harsh, winters that saw families struggle just to get by, followed by summers when both parents took maximum advantage of income opportunities, often working multiple jobs.

He understood this pendulum of family life on the Island and the critical need for kids to have engaging activities after school and during the summer. In his role as boys’ and girls’ club director, he built programming to attract kids to sports and other activities. Club participants learned about teamwork and respect for others. The club gave shelter to kids whose parents worked and those who needed a place to hang out. In the days when organized activities for youth on the Island were far less plentiful than today, Sam was instrumental in starting a sailing program at the club which is credited with teaching many Island youths how to sail, and to appreciate the sea and all its gifts.

Those are his credentials and his resume in a small Island community with a distinct culture.

But the things that really endeared you to Sam don’t appear on his resume. They include his strong character, easygoing personality and relentless sense of humor. He was a skilled basketball player, a World War II veteran and dedicated family man. This rich background provided him with a toolbox full of skills perfectly suited to serving children. Sam was laid-back but direct, jovial but with a clear bottom line, and he had an unwavering — and at times unforgiving — sense of fairness about what was right and wrong. Kids liked him and trusted him and were eager to learn from him through his effective style of imparting life’s lessons.

Sam Leighton was a local hero who was revered for what he accomplished in our community. We will miss him dearly.

John Stevens is principal of the Edgartown School.