Sammy passed into the arms of his Lord on Dec. 2, 2020, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, due to complications from COVID-19. Sammy was born Oct. 18, 1928, on the family farm near Bone Trail, North Dakota, to Masada and Sam Allick.

He now joins parents Masada and Sam Allick, sister Maryen, baby brother, Joe, first wife, of 27 years, Grace Baxter, infant son Robert, second wife of 38 years, Beryl Buck, son-in-law, Art Anderson, and granddaughter Kelly Tienvold.

After several tough years of working on the family farm, and at the age of 36, Sammy decided to move his family west to Montana. First stop, the big city of Wibaux, Montana, while he worked on the highway department as a heavy roller operator. After several months he moved the family to Scobey. A few months later, Sammy and wife Grace decided to move the family further west to be closer to her parents in Ronan. They ended up stopping in the thriving metropolis of Kalispell in 1965 where he went to work at the C&C plywood mill in Evergreen. He soon decided that he would rather get back into farming and went to work for the Grosswiler dairy farm.

Life was a challenge raising five children on a farm worker’s wages, and then a house fire in 1968 didn’t help the situation. The house became an inferno when an oil heater tank, at the back of the home, exploded. Sammy was blown through the rear wall and sustained severe burns. Sammy got up, walked to the front of the burning house, gathered Grace and his five children into the family car and drove them to the Grosswiler main house three miles away, before passing out. Friends and neighbors came upon the burning house and believed all had perished in the fire. The doctors were amazed that Sammy spent only six weeks in the hospital. The house was a total loss and starting over was all but overwhelming. With the help of friends and the local community, Sammy and Grace continued to provide for their family.

That house fire, while devastating to the Allick family, became one of the catalysts for creating the West Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Sammy also became a West Valley volunteer firefighter for 10 years. He and his family were also members of the Stillwater 4-H club and Stillwater Grange for many years. Grace and Sammy continued together until 1976 when they decided to go their separate ways. In 1979, Sammy met the love of his life, Beryl Buck, while attending a dance at the Eagle’s Club. They married in January 1980 and were together until her death in 2017. Sammy worked at the Grosswiler dairy farm for 38 years and four years for Kalispell Parks and Recreation when he finally retired at age 80. During this time, Beryl and Sammy lived on the Grosswiler farm until 1994 when they moved into their “new” trailer at Spruce Park, “down by the river,” on the east side of Kalispell. They had a wonderful view of the river with Blaine Mountain in the background. When it became too much for Sammy to take care of Beryl by himself, they decided they needed full time care for her and they both moved into the Heritage Place in April of 2017. Their next move was into the Brendan House in November of 2017, where Beryl passed away in December. Sammy was Beryl’s lifelong caregiver and missed her terribly when she was gone. They described themselves as “just a couple of old farm kids.” A few months after she passed Sammy commented that half of him had passed with her passing.

Sammy loved dancing, and enjoyed bingo, playing keno, playing cards, especially pinochle … “Never give up a bid when you only need two cards for your run … that’s what partners are for.” He also had a passion for reading old Louis L’Amour Western novels. Sammy enjoyed visiting with anyone, as he never knew a stranger. If you were willing to listen, he would make the time to visit.

Sammy is survived by his sisters, Ruda Roe and Helen Baesler; and brother, Joseph (Bertha) Allick; along with his children, Roger (Pat) Allick, Doreen Marquez , Karen Pelton, Merlyn (Kathy) Allick, Steven (Leah) Allick, Sharon Anderson and Vivian (Frank) Williams. Sammy was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great-grandchildren.

Due to current health concerns there will be a private visitation Monday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, and graveside services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Sammy’s family wishes to express our appreciation for the tremendous efforts given by the outstanding staff at the Brendan House. They became Sammy’s second family during this time of isolation and need. They continued to demonstrate unequaled passion in caring for him and were very pro-active in dealing with any changes that were needed while caring for Sammy. We are truly thankful for their heartfelt compassion.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory.