Samuel Palmer Eastman III ’62, 76, passed away peacefully on September 24, following a brief illness. Born in Woodside CA, he attended Bellarmine High School and later graduated from Santa Clara University. Sam was well known for his extraordinary work ethic as the owner of Monterey County Petroleum. There wasn’t a hand he wouldn’t shake, a dollar he wouldn’t give to someone in need, or a person he would ever look down on. He gave every spare moment to his family, his community, his friends and his beloved Fiddleback Ranch. He lived his life for his wife, kids and grandkids and gave them everything in the world. If you’ve been to the California Rodeo, you have seen him, in his silver felt cowboy hat and director’s shirt. Sam joined the California Rodeo Committee in 1964, serving as Chair of the Announcing Committee, Chair of the Nomination Committee, Director, and as President from 1990-1991. Sam is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gigi Eastman, two sons, Brent Eastman (Maureen) and Tim Eastman (Alex) and two daughters, Casey Ridell (Brian) and Halley Eastman. He has 12 grandchildren, Amanda, Sam, Cammie, Ben, Brent (Jr), Devin, Erin, Quinn, Ashton, Georgie, Cheyenne and Gatlin. He is also survived by his sister June Pausback of Aspen Colorado.