Samuel J. Ganow
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Samuel J. Ganow, 65, of Cochranville, went to be with the Lord as a result of an airplane accident on Thursday, February 1, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Kendelyn Cadman Ganow, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. Sam was born in Mississippi, and raised in Grand Island, Nebraska. He was the son of the late Glen and Ruth Lillard Ganow, and was adopted by the late Ed and Norma Lillard after the passing of his parents.
Sam was a 1976 graduate of the Skyview Baptist Academy in Memphis, TN. He went on and furthered his education, receiving a Bachelor's Degree from LeTourneau University, where he found both faith and community.
Sam was involved in the Construction Equipment Rental business for over 30 years.
He loved to immerse himself in his faith, family, hobbies and volunteerism. He was a member and elder of Faith Bible Chapel in Cochranville, Pa. He was a dedicated volunteer and advocate for alpine ski races for over 20 years. He faithfully served on the Octorara School Board for 26 years, and his most recent role was as board president.
Sam loved flying. He received his pilot’s license in college, and flew recreationally for many years. He most recently got back into aviation with his friends at Rebuild Rescue, where he was a YouTube personality rebuilding and rehabbing airplanes. He also enjoyed testing his limits by running marathons with his Run Disney community. He was very proud of his Run Disney marathon accomplishment of being a “Perfect Dopey.”
He is survived, in addition to his wife, by three children, Steven G. Ganow and wife Abby of Nottingham, PA, Shawn J. Ganow and wife Nora of Landenberg, PA and Kelinda C. Heckert and husband Matthew of Parkesburg, and eight grandchildren. Also surviving are four sisters, Rosemary Pullen of Idaho, Suzanne Sanders of Nashville, TN, Amy Connor of Bartlett, TN and Laura Schafer of Colorado Springs, CO. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Glen Craig Ganow, Charles Ganow and Michael Lillard.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday afternoon, February 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Octorara High School Auditorium, 226 Highland Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Interment will be private at the Glen Run Cemetery, Atglen, PA.
Click Here to view the memorial service that took place.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg, PA. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sincere condolonces to your close friends and family
Blue skies and tailwinds Sam.
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of - wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew -
And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Sam Ganow condolence.
My family and I live in Washington State. I never met Sam but felt I knew who he was from the YouTube show he appeared on. I've always followed aviation since I was a kid. My Dad restored several antique aircraft and flew them for many years. Sam reminded me so much of the pilots my Dad knew as I was growing up, all good people. Godspeed Sam. May your family take solace knowing that you are in Christ's loving arms.
Rest in peace
My name is Brendan farr from Birmingham UK I want to send Sam's family and friends my heart felt condolences Sam was an amazing person I know him from you tube he was always smiling and always happy it's a great shame he is gone I wish I had the chance to have met him from my family to you we are all here for you all at this time he will be mist by all fly high sam
My sincere condolences
My sincere condolences to the family. I am glad to have met him at Air Venture 2023, after being a fan of his appearances on „Rebuild Rescue“ over the past years.
I have suddenly lost my father a day after Sam‘s passing. Sending you strength for everything that’s coming. You are not alone.
Our deepest sympathy and
Our deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences to the Ganow family and friends. Well noted he was rooted in faith first that resulted in being a blessing to his family and community. -David & Richelle Cucchi & family
Sentite condoglianze
My deepest sympathy from Italy
My deepest condolences to Sam
My deepest condolences to Sam's family. Aviation is an passion most people don't ever get the pleasure of feeling. I loved seeing every episode of RR you were in. Fly high with blue skies and perfect tailwinds to watch over your family!
Fan of Rebuild Rescue
Thanks for everything! You will be missed! God speed! May your family, friends, and fans find peace!
My sincerest and deepest condolences
Through Youtube and with his witty and dry humor, Sam touched hearts around the world. My deepest sympathy for the Ganow family. Sam will be in my thoughts. Condolences from a guy in Sweden who will not forget him.
RIP Sam
My heartfelt condolences go out to Sam's family. Sam was a TKD Brother from LeTourneau College. He was a Senior when I was a Junior there. I didn't keep track of him after graduation, as we were in different business circles. I remember him as a gentle soul with a good sense of humor, that everyone liked and got along with, I am sure he will be sorely missed by all of his extended family and friends.
Fly High Sam
My deepest condolences to Sam’s family. I never new Sam but watched him on you tube and realised what a fine man he was and was stunned when I heard the news. God bless you Sam from England
RIP Sam
When I first heard the terrible news I felt like a mule had kicked me in the gut and kept saying "No, no, no not Sam!" I'm in California and we've never met, only watched him for close to 2 years on Rebuild Rescue and really like him. My sincere condolences to the Ganow family. I so wanted to see Sam take to the air once again when the 401 was completed. And I'm sure Sam is still in the Rebuild Rescue corner rooting them on. RIP friend.
Saying good bye is never easy
Saying good bye is never easy. But it is not forever for those who trust in the Lord. I was shocked to hear the news, and still have a hard time accepting it. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the family. God promises to be close as always during the hardest times of our lives, to carry us through.
While this may not be the place to make this suggestion, I doubt I could find a right place to post this idea. Finish the restoration of the 401 completely, and find a general aviation airport that Sam flew out of to make a permanent monument to Sam using the completed aircraft. Hold an annual remberance at the 401 memorial. The plane would have a painted tribute, possibly across the wings saying, "In Honor of Samuel Ganow" or something fitting of his legacy.
Great Blessings to all
RIP Sam
As a Rebuild Rescue fan I only got to know him through the videos. But I'm really sorry that he's gone. May he RIP. You'll always be remembered whenever the 401 is in the skies.
My deepest condolences to the Ganow family on their tremendous loss. I met Sam at Amy and Chance Connor’s home when my wife Autumn and I visited them a few years ago. He was such a nice guy. Invited us to come ski up north.
Rest in peace Sam.
Sam Ganow fly high like you used to
My condolences to Sam's entire family, he was a special person and very loved by the Rebuild Rescue program, very viral on the island of Puerto Rico and he was a great Person, very loved and very kind. We are very sorry for the loss of him but he died doing what he liked to do. Keep flying high our dear friend Sam.
Rest In Peace Sam
My condolences to Sams family and freinds. I am a fan of Rebuild Rescue and enjoyed Sams sarcasm on the show.. You will be missed
Darrell From NJ
Sam - you will be missed
Never personally met, however though his passion of aviation shared on youtube it was clear from the outset that Sam was one of the good guys that I would have loved to meet in the bar and talk to in the bar. I was so saddened and shocked to hear the news today. My thoughts go to Sam's family and friends. I truly hope that Jason and the team of rebuild rescue continue their journey in honour of Sam and continue to inspire people like me around the world.
Jon from the UK
My sincere condolences to
My sincere condolences to Kenny and family - I was so sorry to hear of Sam's passing.