Hancock- Samuel Namy Lawton In loving memory of Sam, born December 11, 1986, a gentle and kind soul, who died peacefully in his sleep on January 3, 2010. He is survived by his mother Linda, father Davis, sister Sarah, grandmother Charlotte, grandfather Fred, uncle John, aunt Cherrie, aunt Candy and Joe, uncles Nick and Mark, cousins Leyla, Kate, Alaina, Heather, Heidi, and Ashley, his beloved Ben, Jake and many other loving friends and relatives. Sam attended Darrow School, where he excelled as a soccer and basketball player. He also attended the Academy at Swift River where he made genuine, lifelong friendships. Sam took great pride in being a college student, and was interested in a career in counseling or teaching. He was a successful nature photographer, whose cards were marketed throughout Vermont and North Carolina. He had a strong connection to the outdoors, especially the ocean. He spent many hours at Texas Falls, a place of peace and tranquility for him. He was a lover of music, boating, basketball, baseball, and soccer. Sam is remembered for his love and compassion for animals, especially his dogs. He loved to travel, and had fond memories of Europe, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, where he had planned to return for a semester of study abroad. We love you, Sammy, and will miss you infinitely, and hold you in our hearts eternally. A heartfelt thank you to Sams loving supporters who recognized and appreciated his tenderness, grace, beauty, and intelligence, and helped to sustain him. Special thoughts to teachers Elaine Cissi, Joy Dobson, Jan Fraga, Mike Paretti, and Mac Cox, and to his counselor Scott Earisman. Also, a loving thank you to the Hancock community of friends, especially Robert and Sandy, the rescue squad, and Sams friend Mark Belisle, the constable. Thank you to the Vermont State Police for their outstanding support and compassion. Friends are invited to call Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 10-11 AM at Sanderson-Ducharme Funeral Home, 117 South Main, Middlebury. The funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to Women Safe, P. O. Box 67, Middlebury, VT 05753