Samuel Lee Parisien

Samuel Lee Parisien (Soaring Eagle) was a fierce warrior who passed away on May 26th, 2026, at Altru Hospital, in Grand Forks, ND, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born into this world on June 11, 1979 to Brenda Parisien (Winters) and Samuel Baker. He spent his childhood years growing up in Dunseith, ND, then at the age of 10, two little brothers and three little sisters later, his mother moved him and all of his siblings to Minot, ND. At the age of 17 he was diagnosed with his illness and it was at that time the man he would come to know and love and look up to as a father entered the picture and they all moved to Grand Forks together.

Sam lived his life selflessly with resilience and positive energy, given a diagnosis with a chronic illness. He never complained about the health burden he carried. He never felt sorry for himself. He never wanted others to feel sorry for him. One of his strongest beliefs was that some of us suffered more so that others didn't have to.

He was a wonderfully caring man to his partner Ashley Sparks for 17 years. They met online before dating apps existed. He loved making her laugh with his dry sense of humor. He loved cooking for her and hanging out with her, watching t.v or going for long drives. One of his favorite names to call her was Lovey.

An avid fan of gold and goldmining, one show he really got into was Alaskan Goldmining. It really got his mind thinking and he would often wonder Ashley's opinion on how the gold was in any picturesque view.

Sam was also a movie connoisseur. His favorite genre was horror, but he really enjoyed a sappy rom-com as well. Some of his favorites were Alien, The Grey, anything directed by Kathryn Bigalow, Killer Klowns from Outer Space, and Stand By Me just to name a few. He connected with people through movies. Family, friends, and even strangers. He always had a good suggestion for something to watch.

He also never forgot how to beat Super Mario 3.

If Sam teased you – he liked you. He took his job as the oldest very seriously. Making sure his siblings were safe and taken care of growing up to never forgetting a niece or nephews birthday. When things would go wrong he was there to help pick up the pieces. When there was a school fundraiser, Sam was there to contribute. When someone needed groceries or money, Sam was there. If a random stranger on the street asked out for help, Sam would always find a way to help. Thats just who he was. He was patient, kind, but most of all caring.

The best title that Sam held throughout his short years was being a son. He cared deeply for his parents, Brenda and Todd Winters. He called his mom everyday to check in with her. He never missed a day without talking to her. If she went out of town, Sam made sure to watch the weather for her. He absolutely cherished his mother and he didn't care who knew it. He always went out of his way to come up with unique ideas for Todd when it came to Father’s Day or birthdays. He liked to play practical jokes on Todd not just to get a rise out of him, but also out of love too. Over the years he really came to admire and respect Todd as a father and he really looked up to him.

Sam is deeply loved by his family and friends. He will be missed always, but especially when the clock turns 12:34 and any time we hear an ice cream truck.

Remaining to cherish Sam’s memory are his parents, Todd and Brenda Winters, his partner, Ashley Sparks, his siblings; James (Michelle) Baker, Sean (Natalie) Baker, Brandie Baker, Desirae (Loren) Simonson, and Candace (Andrew) Summers, Aunt Punky and Uncle Danny Morin, Uncle Rich and Aunt Brenda Brummond, Uncle Scott Winters, nieces and nephews; Rose, Aaron, Taylor, Casper, Nyssa, Cece, Leo, Taryen, Mary and Ella, as well as numerous cousins. He is also survived by Aunt Pauline Baker, Uncles; Paul Baker, Bill Baker, and Tracy Clary and good friends Lexie Schmisek and Lloyd Counts.

Sam is preceded in death by Grandma Tootsie, Grandpa Leonard, Grandpa Ernest, Grandma Dee and Grandpa Rich, Aunts; Mary Parisien and Carol LaVallie, Uncles; Andrew and Dallas LaVallie, cousins; AJ LaVallie and Russell Brummond, and good friends; Lloyd and Jimmy Counts.

Funeral services will be held at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks on Wednesday, June 3rd with visitation beginning at 12:34 pm and a service following at 1:30 pm. There will also be a traditional ceremony held on Tuesday, June 9th beginning at 1:00 pm at the Sprung Building in Belcourt, ND. Please join us in celebrating Sam’s life at either (or both) services.