Alex John Samarin

1947-2023

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in Heaven, not built by human hands.

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore, we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:1,5-8.

Alex John Samarin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend has passed away after battling a lengthy illness. He fought with all his strength against cancer, for almost 4 years, with his family at his side. Finally, on the evening of August 1, 2023, his earthly struggles ended, and he passed into his Heavenly home that the Lord had prepared for him, to be with his Lord and Savior forevermore.

He always showed such courage despite the pain he endured, and he rarely complained. He remained, to the end, so easy to love. He could be witty, or have some grumpy humor, but he was always satisfied and content with the care he received from medical staff and from family.

Alex was born in Bakersfield, California on November 19, 1947 to John William and Laura Alex (Dalgoff) Samarin. His family lived in the farming community of Wasco, where his father farmed cotton. Alex's family then moved to Los Angeles, where his father invested in a rubbish hauling business until his retirement. Alex graduated from Montebello High School in 1966, followed by working in the family business for several years. He then met the love of his life, Lynda Shubin. They married in 1969, in Los Angeles, and lived for a short time in Montebello, where they welcomed their first-born son, Mark. A second son, Andrew, joined them in 1972 at the home they purchased in Whittier.

They then moved to Fresno, and shortly afterwards to Kerman, where they purchased some acreage, and Alex learned farming from his wife and father-in-law. Alex and Lynda both took outside jobs to support their farming endeavor, while also growing their family as they added two daughters, MaryAnn in 1979 and Alison in 1980. Alex worked for J.C. Penney Custom Decorating for 30 years as an installer of drapery and custom window treatments, while Lynda worked as a medical transcriptionist. It was a very busy time in their life, balancing raising children and helping their aging parents. Yet they always found time to be involved in their Russian community and serve their church as much as possible. Along the way, they established many cherished life-long friendships.

After their retirement, Alex and Lynda were blessed to have the opportunity to travel. They loved the Central Coast, Morro Bay, Cambria, and Half Moon Bay, where they enjoyed RVing. They also made trips to Australia, Fiji, Israel, Turkey, and took a cruise sailing from Italy. They saw many amazing places and sights, but their hearts were forever changed, and their faith deepened, during the trips to Israel. They drew ever closer to their Lord Jesus Christ after these teaching tours, standing in the very places where Christ walked, talked, taught his Disciples, and performed His miracles. These experiences reinforced Alex's belief in the certainty of eternal life with Christ Jesus, and his confidence in his final destination.

Alex is survived by Lynda, his devoted wife of 54 years, and his children, Mark (and Nadia), Andrew (and Rebekah), MaryAnn (and Christopher), and Alison, as well as his grandchildren, Matthew, Bethany, Nathanael, Alec, Alex, James, and Melania. He is also survived by brothers, Bill of Los Angeles and John of Fresno, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friends, young and old. He was loved and will be missed by many.