In Memory of Sam Uptegrove

The NATIA Board of Directors is sad to report the passing of long time NATIA member and instructor Samuel Uptegrove. Sam passed away onJune 28^th  in Buckeye, AZ, he was 66. Sam worked for the Phoenix Arizona Police Department, the Rocky Mountain Intelligence Center, and most recently the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Director of Training, Stuart Shockley remembers, ‘Sam was one of the nicest guys you’ve ever met. Many said his voice and demeanor was just like the actor Sam Elliot.’ Sam was known for his sayings over the years, his most memorable ones are, “Life is 90% what happens to you and 10% how you handle it,” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff because it’s all small stuff.” Another one that he was proud of was “SSNS, Super Secret Ninja Shit.” Take everything “One step at a time,” and “Hindsight is 20/20.”

Samuel Edward Uptegrove, age 66, of Buckeye, Arizona passed away on June 28, 2020 in Buckeye, Arizona. He was born on November 4, 1953 to Samuel Uptegrove and Barbara Ceason in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sam had been battling cancer for several years. Samuel is survived by his wife; Annette Uptegrove, his daughter; Mary Ann Green, his son; Samuel Fermin Uptegrove, his sister; Cathy Roberts and his 5 grandchildren; Hannah, Clayton, Connor, Cade and Zackery.