My son Alexis Poupard who knew Sam really well has asked me to make this contribution: -

When they were children Sam and Alexis as with many young lads would very often get into all sorts of mischief.  However, Sam was always protective of his younger friend and helped him out on a number of occasions.  Like the time Alexis's bike was stolen and Sam seeing this boy riding it, got it back for him.  There was another instance, when they came across an old house in the process of being demolished and Sam realising that there was a hole in a gas pipe, belching out gas, stuck his finger in it and waited for the gas people to arrive.  Not that this was a very safe thing to do and he was probably given a severe telling off, but he realised the danger of escaping gas and felt he had to take some action. 

These are just two of the many events these boys shared, cementing their friendship.  Alexis was very saddened by the news of his friend's passing and asked me to get in touch with his family to convey his sorrow and add a few memories of their time together.  As this appears to be the only way I can reach them I hope that they will keep in touch with this tribute page and perhaps read this account in the very near future.