1938–2025
Ronald J. Padvaiskas, known to most as Sam, passed peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family in a space filled with love, laughter, and music. Just the way he liked it.
He leaves behind the love of his life of 63 years, Doreen (Davies), their 3 daughters, Joanne (David), Gayle (Kevin) and Lisa (Todd), as well as 4 grandchildren, Connor, Maggie, Sam and Joey.
Born in Lachine, Quebec to Peter Padvaiskas and Veronica (Sarulis), Lithuanian immigrants who built a life rooted in resilience, humour, and legendary Sunday dinners. He is survived by his 4 brothers: Peter (Noreen, d. 2016), Gerald (Amy), Edward (Linda), and Richard (Linda) along with dozens of nieces and nephews. The Padvaiskas clan grew into a gloriously large family, gathering weekly at the homestead for Lithuanian feasts, spirited storytelling, music, and much laughter.
Sam’s career began at Bell Canada in 1955, where he rose from telephone line technician to global implementation manager of the SL-1 telephone system with Northern Telecom. His work took him all over North America and included stints in Iraq and Bahrain in the 1970s, but it was the stories he brought home, not the souvenirs, that became family folklore. After retiring at only 50, he launched his own consulting business, proving that even in leisure, Sam was never idle, passing on his astonishing work ethic to his daughters. Lasalle, Lachine and Dorval, Quebec were home base for most of his life, with a brief detour to Los Angeles that added a few stories to the vault.
A sports enthusiast to the core, Sam coached Lachine Lakeshore Football, paddled with pride at the Lachine Canoe Club, curled at the Royal West Curling Club as a skip, and golfed with gusto, with a personal best round of 78. He was a longtime member of the Beauchateau Golf Club in Beauharnois, serving as Club Captain and VP of Golf, titles he wore with immense pride. He and his wife were avid dancers, with no party complete until “Sam and Dodo” hit the floor.
Sam’s social calendar revolved around the Long Table at the Dorval Tavern, where he and his crew masterminded football and 6-49 pools. He won more often than statistically plausible, thanks to his uncanny knack for spotting trends, and maybe a little luck.
He will be remembered for his storytelling, his jokes, his jigsaw puzzle prowess, and his legendary pranks: streaking through Lachine, dressing as Big Bird for snow golf, and once convincing friends he’d died, only to show up with a beer and a punchline. One of his favourite gifts to give family became his signature birthday tradition: double-your-age in toonies.
Sam was a handsome devil, had a sharp wit, and was one of the very, very good guys. His imposing 6’5” presence lit up every room, and his legacy will live on in every laugh, every Sunday dinner, and every story retold. We will miss him fiercely, but know he’s watching with pride, likely grinning before the punchline from above.
We will miss you Ron, Sam, Ronnie, Daddio, Grampa, Grandpa and we will always honour your memory and all you did for us to give us the very best of the best of lives.
In keeping with Sam’s wishes, a private celebration of life with close friends and family will be held in the spring.
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL
2125, rue Notre-Dame, Lachine (Québec) H8S 2G5
Tél. : 514-639-1511 | Téléc. : 514-639-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca
7 Comments
It was always a treat to be in both of your parents company – loved to know they were dancers & I know he will be sorely missed. Hugs to all of you
I will always remember our dads—two very tall men standing above the crowd at our grade six graduation, joking around together at the back of the gym.
My deepest sympathies to the Padvaiskas family; the loss of a patriarch leaves a special kind of emptiness. May you fill that space with all your loving memories. Sending a big hug to Mrs. P, and to Joanne, Gayle, and Lisa.
Doreen, Gayle, Lisa and Joanne; Please accept our heartfelt condolences. May all the great memories sustain you in this time of mourning. Sending love and huge hugs. xoxoxo
I remember him from the Lachine Canoe Club in the seventies. He was my paddling coach. Rest on Peace Sam
Steve Legault
I met him several times, at his home in Dorval with Dodo, always quick witted, a wonderful smile, and always doing his crossword Puzzle!!R.I.P. , Your jokes and memories you shared with your family live on!
Dear Lisa,
Susanne and I are so sorry to hear that your dear Father passed away. Hopefully, in time, your sadness will be replaced by your many fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult.time.
Perhaps the following prayer will help you understand ..,
He Only Takes the Best”
God saw he was getting tired
And a cure was not to be,
So he put his arms around him
And whispered, “Come with me”.
With tear filed eyes you watched him
Suffer and fade away.
Although you loved him deeply,
You could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands put to rest.
God broke your hearts to prove to you
He only takes the best.
Author Unknown
Peter & Susanne
I’m sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Though both my sister, Joannie and I
never really socialized with Ron or his brothers, our families became connected
as other Lithuanians who also lived by the streetcar tracks on 6th avenue in Lachine.
As our mothers were the best of friends, I remember hearing about Verute’s sons like
Ron who lived abroad or elsewhere for some time. I loved Ron’s obituary
of his life retold by those who loved him. My condolences to Doreen and family.
Sincerely,
Anita Saltanis
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