Dear Tom: I have read with great interest your very sensitive and caring review of your relations with Sam Armistead. I know you to be a very devoted friend of Sam’s. I am still reeling from his death. We were very close. I first met Sam when I went to UCLA to do my Ph.D. studies. He wore a searsucker suit and we all thought he was just another new grad student due to his very young look. Over the years I have had consulted him on all manners of affairs. He always had time for others. I looked upon him as my older brother, which I didn’t have. I simply cannot accept my life without the presence of Sam. He was always there.
How nice of you to remember him. Best, Joe Ricapito
From: Coloquio Cervantes [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Lauer, A Robert
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 10:08 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: FW: Sad news: The death of Sam Armistead
From: Tom Lathrop [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, August 08, 2013 09:57
To: Lauer, A Robert
Subject: Sad news: The death of Sam Armistead
I am sad to report the death of Sam Armistead. He had recently broken his hip, and I suppose that was too debilitating. I have known him
for 52 years, first as his student in an undergrad History of the Language course, and in recent years as his publisher (four books). I wil endeavor to make sure that vols. 6 & 7 of his collaborative Judeo-Spanish Folk Literature series get published.
He was a wonderful teacher, a genuinely caring friend, and a great person. It is quite an understatement to say that he will be missed.
Suzanne Silverman will prepare a Memorial for him at UC Davis, on September 7, between 2:00 and 4:00pm, followed by a reception at Sam’s house.
Condolences can be sent to his wife, Annie Laurie, at 843 Burr St Davis, CA 95616-3123. Maybe Karen Olson, Sam's former secretary, can answer questions about the Memorial. [log in to unmask]
[sic--there is another Karen Olson at UCDavis].
I made an iPhone video a couple of years ago of Sam describing projects and plans. I will try to put it on YouTube. If I succeed, I will send a notice through Robert.
Tom Lathrop