Samuel Eliowitz, 84, of Maple City, passed away Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 at the Munson Hospice House with his loving wife at his side.

Samuel was born May 8, 1936 in Ottawa, Canada the son of Abe and Gertrude (Lipman) Eliowitz. On Aug. 15, 1975 in Southfield, he married Mary (Elliott) Eliowitz.

The son of a Canadian football hall of famer, Sam was himself a gifted athlete. He led Detroit Western to victories as quarterback, then won football and track and field scholarships to Michigan State. His wins in the shot and disc helped MSU beat undefeated Notre Dame in 1958, and he held the Spartan discus record for many years. After graduation he quarterbacked for the army at Fort Dix.

His master's degree in education led Sam to teaching and coaching jobs at Detroit Southwestern High, then athletic director and night school principal at Detroit Chadsey High, where he coached football, track and golf.

Sam's free time was filled with a passion for handball, a sport he learned at MSU. After picking up State of Michigan titles, he spent six months in Tucson honing his skills. He began playing tournaments around the country.

In 1996 Sam garnered two 60+ national three-wall championships, singles and doubles. He won the national YMCA four-wall title the same year. In 1997 Sam competed in the world four-wall championships in Manitoba, where he lost in the final round. Later he took the handball prize of the US Senior Olympics.

This accomplished yet humble man cherished his wife, children, grandchildren and his friends. He enjoyed fishing, golf, travel, reading, and attending the Traverse City Film Festival. He loved animals, volunteering at the TC humane society, and he delighted in the wildlife in the woods surrounding his home.

Samuel is survived by his loving wife of forty-five years, Mary; his children, Debra (Mark) Skiba, Pamela Eliowitz, Mark Eliowitz and David Eliowitz; his first wife, Shelby; his half-sisters, Linda (Les) Gorback, Susan (Jon) Hoover; his grandchildren, Petra, Alexandra, Tyler and Paige.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Sam's life will be announced in the spring.

Memorials may be directed to the World Wildlife Fund.

Please share condolences with Sam's family at www.martinson.info

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.