Sam Scrutchins

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Samuel “Sam” Harvey Scrutchins on February 17, 2022 at the age of 76 in his hometown, Benicia, CA, where he resided for the past 46 years. He profoundly loved his home and family and will be dearly missed by his former wife and mother of his four children, Marilyn Scrutchins, his four children, Elaina Scrutchins, Hillary Scrutchins, Joanna Leal (John Leal), Benjamin Scrutchins (Destiny Scrutchins), four grandchildren, Payden, Annika, Sophia, Sam, and best friend, Alice Donovan. Born July 15, 1945, in Lake City, FL, Sam was the beloved adopted son of Thomas Scrutchins and Mary West. He was a proud Eagle Scout and member of the high school football team. He served in the Army and the Army Reserves. Sam became a CPA when he graduated with a degree in Accounting from the University of Florida in 1968 and was an avid Florida Gators fan. Sam worked as a Senior Analyst for the Federal General Accountability Office for 39 years. He loved his job and most enjoyed auditing the IRS and reviewing the feasibility of Inertial Confinement Fusion. Sam was devoted to his family and raising his children. For many years he dedicated all his time outside of the office to managing the local swim team, the Benicia Blue Dolphins, in which his children were very active. He was passionate about meteorology, science, and extraterrestrial life. After retirement, Sam traveled extensively, worked exhaustingly on home improvement projects, and obsessively followed politics and the stock market. He was a life-long learner of science, devouring periodicals, articles, and programs to remain current. When Sam was 72, he discovered his biological father through “23 and Me.” Having lived his life as an adopted son, finding his birth family and connecting with three brothers and three sisters brought him tremendous fulfillment and joy. In short order, a large family reunion was held in Texas in 2018. Sam’s life will be celebrated at the Community Congregational Church in Benicia on Saturday, February 26, at 2PM. All are invited to share in his memory both in person and via zoom. A zoom link will be shared. All are welcome.

Sam Scrutchins

July 15, 1945 - February 17, 2022