Samuel Openshaw

Samuel Duane Openshaw, 74, passed away on July 2, 2008. Sam was born on October 14, 1933 in Mesa, AZ to Samuel Carlos Openshaw and Rose Mae Brown. In 1943, the family moved to Waddell, AZ where Sam attended Dysart Elementary School and then Peoria High School. Sam excelled in several sports including football, and in 1950 was All State as a running back. In 1952 Sam was elected Senior Class President for Peoria High School. In 1953, Sam enlisted in the US Navy. Sam's naval training took place in Norfolk, VA as well as San Diego, CA. In 1954, Sam was assigned to the US naval destroyer, the USS Brush DD745. Sam was honorably discharged from active duty in 1957, and remained in the military reserves until 1961. In 1957 Sam and Genevieve Shiflet were married and started a family, having two children, Julie and Tim. Sam was a loving Father his entire life. In 1958 Sam Openshaw #443 became a Phoenix Police Officer and had a distinguished career until his retirement in 1978. Sam was also an active member of the Bill Williams Mountain Men since 1969. Sam loved the rich traditions of the Mountain Men and cowboy way of life. He loved making "The Ride" year after year, and talking about the people and the memories from each of them. Sam's honesty and integrity as well as his passion for the outdoors, and his love for his family, will always be remembered. Sam is survived by his children Julie and Tim, his brother Walt, two sisters Rosalie and Karen, as well as four grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 12, 2008 at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 12851 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, AZ.