Samuel Alexander Macbain

Samuel A. Macbain of Edgewood, NM passed away March 26th, 2021 with his three children at his side. Sam worked hard to keep cancer at bay after being diagnosed in 1997, however, the loss of his wife proved to be too great and his health steadily declined thereafter. Sam was born in Bottineau, ND on August 18th, 1943. At 6 years old, his parents were divorced and after a year of living in a boys home, he spent the next 6 years in shared custody between his father (who moved frequently) and his mother in Flagler, CO. At 13 he lied about his age to get a job working on a pipeline in Kansas. He saved his money to buy a piece of land where he built a small house (shed) in Minnesota. He managed to not only work and finish high school, but got himself into college, where he loved acting in his Thespian club. However, within 2 years of starting college he was drafted by the army, but told if he signed up for 4 years, he could choose his “occupation.” He chose to sign up for the ASA, (Army Security Agency.) Unfortunately, family history would disqualify him for the clearance required to continue his ASA training. He was assigned a new MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) as a radio operator, and transferred to Fort Bennings in Georgia. Shortly thereafter, the 1st Calvary Division was shipped to Vietnam. Having not had enough time to actually train in his new MOS, he became a “volunteer,” which led to his involvement in the battle at Ia Drang, where he was ordered to help the chopper crews deliver much needed supplies. It was this battle that was depicted in the book written by Joseph L. Galloway, “We Were Soldiers Once… and Young.” After returning from war, he finished out his military enlistment time at White Sands Missile Range, where he met and married Gilda Torres, a local woman who was one of only two women working at the missile range at the time. Shortly after marrying, they moved to Colorado and started a family. Three children were born, each five years apart. Sam spent the next 20 years doing his best to support his family and maintain the kind of life he always wanted. However, life would take a dramatic turn when PTSD finally took hold of him, his marriage ended, followed by being diagnosed with cancer. It was also in this time period where he met a kindred spirit in Gwen Crockett and they were eventually married. They would spend the rest of their lives together in Edgewood, NM. Sam joined and became active in the local Baptist Church there, where he enjoyed singing in the choir, worship, and making lifelong friends. He will be remembered by his charm, great sense of humor and love of animals. Sam is preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Stake, his father Loren Macbain and his wife Gwen Macbain. He is remembered by her children; daughter, Beverly Covert (David), son, Vince Mouser (Debbie), grandchildren, Ty (Brittany), Brittney (Mario), Ashley (Joshua), Megan, and great grandchildren Kamiryn, Mario, Madison, Bridan and Gwendolyn. Sam is survived by his sister Delene Gorski (Ski), brother Dwight Macbain (Donna), daughters Tanya Macbain Eipper (Daniel), Stefanie Smallhouse (Andy), son Steven Macbain and grandchildren Hannah and Johnny. God bless you and may you rest in peace. Funeral Services will be held at 11am on April 20, 2021 at The First Baptist Church of Edgewood, NM. Interment to follow at The Santa Fe National Cemetery at 2:15pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a local animal shelter or veteran nonprofit organization of your choosing. https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=531