Samuel Max Blackham

Samuel Max Blackham completed his sojourn in mortality on January 22, 2026. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a patient teacher, a loyal friend, and a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. All who knew him were better for having known him — steadied by his kindness, uplifted by his humor, and strengthened by the quiet integrity with which he lived.

Sam was born June 15, 1934, in Ruth, Nevada, to Angus L. Blackham and Mary Berniece Christensen. He grew up in the close-knit mining community of Ruth, a place he always considered home. He experienced profound loss early when his father died while he was still a child — an experience that shaped his steadiness, empathy, and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His mother later married Denton Roy Abernathy, who became a deeply loved stepfather.

He graduated from White Pine High School in Ely, Nevada, and attended Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a major in mathematics and a minor in physics. He later received a master’s degree in mathematics from Bowdoin College in Maine. Sam devoted his professional life to education, teaching high school mathematics for more than three decades. He taught at Provo High School and later at Timpview High School, where he played a key role in establishing the mathematics department. He was a teacher who believed deeply in his students and influenced so many of them for good.

Sam served honorably in the United States Naval Reserve for eight years. He also served faithfully as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a young man in the Mexican Mission and later, with his cherished wife, Sybelle, in the Argentina Resistencia Mission. He served in many capacities in the Church, including as Bishop of the Provo 12th Ward. His faith was thoughtful and sure, rooted in hope in Jesus Christ and His Atonement. The way he lived his life was a true reflection of the Savior – with love, without judgment, and with open arms.

On June 24, 1960, Sam married his sweetheart, Sybelle Ann Archer, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Of their marriage, Sam later wrote that she was “the best thing that ever happened to me.” Their life together was one of devotion, partnership, humor, learning, and enduring love.

The hallmark of Sam’s life was his integrity and his ability to love steadily and well. Countless people were the recipients of his patience, generosity, and thoughtful care — students, ward members, family, and friends alike. His gentle, playful nature especially endeared him to his children and grandchildren.

Sam loved music and played the piano throughout his life, often accompanying congregational singing in church meetings. He also loved genealogy and devoted countless hours to indexing records and Family History Center callings. He anchored deeply in the stories of pioneer ancestors who gave everything for faith, and documented their history and his own so that future generations could remember where they came from and gain strength from their stories.

He and Sybelle loved long car rides together, especially outings to find birds and enjoy the beauty of the world around them. He delighted in taking his granddaughters on adventures that taught them a love of the land, their family history, and of country – especially beautiful Utah and the surrounding desert states. He traveled widely to support and be present for his family, cherished the opportunity to walk the Holy Land, and took deep pride in the education and accomplishments of those he loved.

Sam never stopped celebrating his good fortune in marrying the beautiful love of his life, “Belle.” He was a devoted father and grandfather, and his granddaughters were among the great joys of his life. He also carried deep love for his daughter Suzee, who preceded him in death in 2001. The promise of eternal families and reunion through Jesus Christ was a source of comfort and joy to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Angus Udell Blackham; his sister, Mary Blackham Hall; and his daughter, Suzannah Lee Hasty. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sybelle Ann Blackham; his dear son, Samuel Angus Blackham; his daughter-in-law Jennifer Bowers Blackham, his son-in-law, Robert Thomas Hasty; and his granddaughters Sarah Beth Wills (Drew Gregory Sharp), Morgan Lee Wills, Hannah Elizabeth Hasty, and Ashlyn Mae Blackham; and his great granddaughter Zoey Suzannah Wills Sharp, along with extended family, former students, and many others whose lives were blessed by knowing him.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 30, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 965 N. Locust Lane, Provo, Utah 84606. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon for family and friends will be held afterward. Interment will take place at the Moroni City Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.