Samuel Arthur Scanga

Samuel Arthur Scanga, 74, went home to his Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018.
Born in Salida, CO to Frank and Louise (Salerno) Scanga on October 6, 1943. He was raised
on the family’s farm and ranch just west of Poncha Springs; graduated from Salida High School
in 1961; and attended Colorado State University, earning a degree in Forestry and Range
Management in 1965. He was drafted into the United States Army where he put his talents
and passion as a steward of natural resources and love for trees to use, conducting
surveillance during the Vietnam war. While serving his country, he met the love of his life, Anita,
in New Hampshire. They were joined forever on November 2, 1968 at the First Baptist Church
in Revere, MA. This union produced three loving children. Sam dedicated 32 years to the U.S.
Forest Service, improving and protecting the forests of Colorado. He retired as the District
Ranger of the San Juan National Forest in Pagosa Springs, CO after stops in Norwood,
Steamboat Springs and Craig. After the passing of his father Frank in 1988, Sam’s
involvement, love and passion for his family’s ranch in Poncha Springs, which was always
there, bloomed into a major part of his and his family’s lives. He began to implement
improvements to the ranch, expanding the hay and cattle productivity. After Anita’s retirement
from teaching they built a home overlooking his ranch where he could serve as the conductor
of daily operations and moved permanently back home to the ranch. If he was not able to be
outside working on his ranch, checking cows, harvesting hay, tending to water, or spending
time with his family (especially his 5 grandkids) he was certainly not where he wanted to be.
Despite his lengthy battle with rheumatoid arthritis, Sam amazed all of those around him with
his determination and drive to remain active until his last days on earth; he never quit!

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 49.5 years Anita, a sister Marie Perri, his daughters
Rebecca (Robert) Montoya and Lisa (Dana) Hatfield and his son John (Chauna) Scanga. In
addition, Sam was most proud of his 5 grandchildren: Megan, Sam, Ian, Madison and Ben.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on April 14, 2018 at the Salida Methodist Church, 228 East
4th Street, Salida, CO with a reception for friends and family to follow at the Poncha Springs
Town Hall, 330 Burnett Avenue, Poncha Springs.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that contribution be made to the following
organizations in the name of Sam Scanga:

Arthritis Foundation https://www.arthritis.org
Heifer International https://www.heifer.org

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in
charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master.’” Matthew 25:23

Arrangements are with Lewis and Glenn Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at lewisandglenn.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Samuel Arthur Scanga, please visit our floral store.