Samuel Hay Savage Magruder

Samuel Hay Savage Magruder, of Newton born on April 30, 1945 passed away suddenly July 25, 2012 at the age of 67. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Clarke Magruder for 39 years and devoted father of William Wallace Burns Magruder, Elizabeth Beane Magruder, and Abigail Lowell Magruder, all of Boston. He was the son of the late Lloyd Burns Magruder Jr. and his surviving mother Beatrice Hardcastle (Lowell) Magruder of Barnstable, MA. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Blue Magruder with her husband John E. Hurwitch of Cambridge and Sarah Beall Magruder with her husband Michael Wardman of Barnstable. His brother George Lloyd Magruder predeceased Sam.

Sam grew up in rural southeastern Pennsylvania, where he attended the Avon Grove consolidated school until age 12 when he entered boarding school in Kent, Connecticut. Sam graduated from the Kent School in 1963, followed by Princeton University, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering, stroked the freshman crew and was a Naval ROTC scholar and Tower Club member. After graduation in 1967, Sam went to the U.S. Naval Nuclear Power School and did active service in the US Navy submarine fleet in the north-Atlantic between 1967 and 1971. He returned to civilian life, attended Harvard Business School, and earned an MBA in finance in 1974.

Sam's career spanned stints at Bank of New England, as a commercial lender in the energy field; followed by years at Fidelity Investments, and a final career at New York Life.

Sam's lifelong love of racquet sports began as a child with tennis lessons at the Barnstable Yacht Club. His passion for squash led to decades of involvement with the Harvard Club of Boston Athletic Committee and the Massachusetts Squash Racquets Association. He participated in weekly games as well as competitive league play. He liked watching young people learn the excitement, discipline, and enjoyment associated with squash.

Being a faithful member of Grace Church in Newton Corner was always important to Sam. The service music gave him great pleasure as he sang along in his baritone voice. He volunteered his time at the church helping on the finance committee. His volunteer activities also included the Rebecca Pomroy Foundation of Newton where he served for many years as the Treasurer of the Board.

As an expert hobby woodworker, he produced many fine pieces for his family and friends with finish and detail that will be cherished for many years to come. He would meticulously plan and build custom pieces to fit in just the right place. One of his final projects was a drop down table for picnics in the family boat house at "The Shore" in Barnstable.

Sam dedicated countless hours to Boy Scout Troop 311 in Newton, encouraging all the boys, and supporting his son Will to earn his Eagle rank. Together they went on camping trips at all times of the year, participated in orienteering competitions, and attended the National Jamboree in 1993.

The quintessential family man, Sam took an active interest in the academic, extracurricular, and career pursuits of all three of his children. He was frequently spotted on the sidelines of soccer games, cheering at swim meets, or awake in the early morning hours editing the girls' papers. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of the close knit team he led with Leezie through adventures on the water, overseas, and on road trips across the country.

Every summer of his life, and countless weekends, Sam spent with his extended family in Barnstable on Cape Cod, and he treasured these times. It was also in Barnstable where he met, fell in love, and married Leezie on August 25, 1973, his true companion. Continuous involvement with the Barnstable Yacht Club, as long-time treasurer and former Commodore, gave him time to sail both his Beetlecat and Rhodes18, play tennis, and appreciate the beauty of Barnstable Harbor and Sandy Neck. Clamming and trying to catch the perfect striper helped Sam thoroughly enjoy some of nature's bounty and wonder.

In addition to his immediate family, Sam is survived by his uncle and aunt Dr. T. Berry and Christina Brazelton of Cambridge and aunt Carolyn (Murray) Magruder Barrett of San Antonio, TX, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to attend the memorial service on Friday, August 3 at 1:00 p.m. at Grace Church, 76 Eldredge Street, Newton, MA, as well as the burial service on Saturday, August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at The Magruders, 243 Indian Trail, Barnstable, MA.

In lieu of flowers donations should be made to: SquashBusters Youth Program, Attn: Greg Zaff, 795 Columbus Ave., Roxbury, MA 02120.

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