Rest in peace - Buffalo Sam

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

Sam Salvo

"Buffalo Sam" of Buffalo NY, Las Vegas NV and recently Florida - passed away yesterday from an illness and cardiac event.

 

Sam was an Eldorado Cowboy, Desert Desperado, Nevada Ranger, Silver City Shootist and probably a few others I am forgetting.

While I was introduced to Cowboy Action by my Dad - Sam was my mentor, my traveling partner and my decades long friend.

 

Sam and I worked together for a local pawn chain for ten years in the firearms liquidation department - this time gave Sam ample time to hook me into Cowboy.

Many an hour that we "should" have been working was spent cleaning crud from our competition guns or discussing that weekends shoot - or even more fun, making plans for our next venture out of town for a multi-day match.

 

When I complained that my advancement as a cowboy had plateaued - he was the one who admonished me that I had to shoot more. 

So, Sam guided me toward my first press and taught me how to reload cartridge ammunition.

While Sam was Club President for Desert Desperados; he allowed me the honor of being his assistant and Match Director, though in hindsight - maybe he knew I was young and stupid and would happily set the steel.

 

I accompanied Sam to my very first multi day match - "The Shootout at Brawley Wash"

Together we attended, John Wayne, Bordertown, Winter Range, Deadmans Point and Beyond Deadmans Point - and dozens and dozens of others.

We attended good matches and poor ones alike - I would complain and fuss about a weekend lost or money wasted; but Sam was always adamant.

"If you don't go - you don't know.  Now we know."

 

And monthlies - hundreds of monthlies and lunches afterwards.

And I am pretty sure; he flirted with the waitress at every single one (unless they served sweet potato French fries - then his priorities were elsewhere).

 

In a previous life; Sam had been a professional Sommelier, and he could wax on eloquently about all things wine, liquor and spirits related. 

Me, I'm a teetotaler - but I was fascinated by his breadth of knowledge, and on our various travels; we often walked thru large wine and spirits stores or wineries just so I could listen to him speak. 

I bought him an expensive bottle of Green Chartreuse one year and he raved about the gift - I had done perfectly and even though I am not a drinker - he demanded that I share in his joy. 

Based on color, smell and taste - I'm pretty sure I just purchased a super expensive bottle of Nyquil; but I loved seeing him smile. 

 

But time moves forward inexorably - the company we worked for was bought out.

I moved on to different opportunities; Sam moved into a differing department - and our hours together dwindled to just shooting together when we could to even losing those occasions to the realities of work, life, aging, illness and other demands upon our time.

 

I remember the last time I saw Sam in person - we were in his living room here in Las Vegas and he was discussing his idea to perhaps move to Florida to be closer to his brother. 

Sams health had already begun to decline, and he was sensing his own mortality - so I told him I would miss him; but he should go.

Write another chapter to his story.

So, he sold me a couple Cowboy guns - gave me a few more for consignment in my shop and moved away.

I would talk to him every so often - when I sold something to tell him money was on its way; to chat for a moment and then go back to my own life.

I always thought we would have another chance to catch up; but this time we didn't.

 

When I told Desert Scorpion that Sam had passed; she simply began weeping - Sam has been in her life since the day she was born.

I didn't allow myself to - because I knew I had to write this first.

 

EVERYTHING I have ever achieved in this game - he provided the foundation.

Goodbye Sam.

Now I am going to go cry.

 

 

Edited August 1 by Creeker, SASS #43022

[Chickamauga Charlie, SASS #47963]

Beautifully said creeker.

[Eyesa Horg]

My sincerest condolences Creeker on the loss of your friend. Prayers up Pard 🙏🙏

EH

[Sheriff Dill]

Prayers for you and your family as well for anyone that was touch by Buffalo Sam. 

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

I never knew Sam butt now I feel a loss as I did .

Beautifully said .

RIP  Sam 🙏

[Waimea]

My deepest condolences to you and Desert Scorpion over the loss of your friend.

[Rattler]

What a loss for those of us that knew Sam!   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

I always enjoyed shooting with him and those times that we would go out to eat at a match. 

 

I wish I could see him one more time.

RIP my dear Friend!

[Tex Jones, SASS 2263]

As true a description of friendship as has ever been written on the Wire.  Condolences. 

[Blackwater 53393]

Sorry for your loss!  I’ve had this happen to me, in another life.

 

Later, the memories and the laughs will crowd the sadness to the back of the line.  When it happens, you’ll find yourself smiling when something or someone reminds you of him!

[Rye Miles #13621]

Condolences 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻