“We lost one of my greatest mentors and favourite humans last night. Sam taught me so much about how to be a musician, how to work hard and how to enjoy life... Every piece he played on was a little jewel…”

“Sad to have missed Sam’s memorial today. My daughter’s college graduation in Savannah... Thankful to have been able to listen to the live stream. Lots of great words. I particularly appreciated Jeff Conner’s heartfelt thoughts... I’m still having a hard time processing the loss of someone who taught me so much about so many things. Tuba playing, for certain, but that was only a small part of the lessons…”

“Very sad and sobering to hear of Sam's passing. Life is very precious and then it is gone. I did not know Sam as well as many of you who posted...but to me he was always positive, friendly, encouraging and quick to give a smile. He always seemed full of boundless energy and when I would see him he always treated me like a long lost friend. You will be missed Sam but your legacy will live on.”

“We’ve lost one of the finest human beings and musicians many of us have ever known. God bless you and thank you for everything, Sam.

Eternal rest grant to him, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. #yeahman”

“Rest in peace Sam Pilafian you were a true inspiration to every kid who has picked up a tuba and blew their first note. You will never be forgotten and your legacy will truly live on through all of the generations who have music in their hearts.”

“Late last night I found out that one of my most influential mentors, Sam Pilafian, passed away!

I was very blessed, like many others, to have him as a teacher and mentor during my time with The Academy D&B Corps. He was so passionate, inspirational, and truly cared about everyone he taught. There were so many wonderful stories and analogies that he would share with us, which would directly apply to our specific playing or more importantly to our lives.

I will never forget his genuine caring nature and passionate drive in making us better musicians and people in general! Rest In Peace Sam and thank you for all the lessons! #yeahman”

“Heavy heart tonight, hearing of the passing of the incomparable Sam Pilafian. Thank you for the inspiration - in so many ways. I am a better musician and teacher because I knew you. Rest in peace.”

“Words will not do justice to describe the loss that the musical world has been dealt tonight. Ever since joining the studio at ASU in 2006, Sam has loomed large in my life as a mentor and friend. Perhaps as time goes on I will share some of those stories.

In short, so many of us owe an incalculable debt of gratitude to him. He touched so many people. Every day is an effort to pursue the quality of musicianship and humanity that he embodied.

Thank you for everything, Sam. Rest In Peace.

#Yeahman”

“Cancer has taken another great soul. Rest in peace Sam Pilafian. Thank you for all you taught us. You legacy and memory will live on in each and every one of us. We've lost a true giant in our profession.”

“I only knew you for a short while, but it felt like I’d known you for much longer. I was so fortunate to get to learn from him personally as well as from the countless hours I’ve spent listening to his recordings, masterclasses, and interviews over the years. The things he taught me changed how I thought about playing the tuba as well as how I approach music and teaching. His influence will continue to shape the world of music and brass playing for a very long time. Rest In Peace Sam Pilafian. #yeahman”

“RIP Sam Pilafian. You were one of the greatest musician, educator, and all around human I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. The world lost a great light today, but your influence on the world of music and education will be felt for a very long time.

#yeahman”

“Very sad to hear of the passing of Sam Pilafian tonight. The world has lost a musical giant. A truly amazing person, who could connect with everyone he met, and an amazing musician. It was a privilege to have had the opportunity to know him and learn from him.”

“The music world has lost one of the very greatest. I was at ASU for only a few years but was lucky to be part of the tuba family there. Those morning sessions changed my life. Thank you, Sam Pilafian. I still hear your voice while I’m teaching. Rest In Peace. I hope Gabriel has his valves oiled up. He has no idea what is about to happen to him. #yeahman”

“The world of music lost a big one today. I can't describe how influential you were to me as a musician and a person, and I know hundreds of others feel the same. Thank you for everything, Sam Pilafian. My life wouldn't be the same without you.

#yeahman”

“The world lost a remarkable person last night. Sam Pilafian made my ASU experience extraordinary. I'm so lucky to have not only met him, but to have studied under him. He was an inspiration to so many, and changed so many lives for the better, forever.

You made the biggest and best impact on the world, Sam, and we will miss you. Thank you for your positivity, humor, guidance, and love #yeahman”

“We lost a God of the tuba and music world today. He touched so many of us and changed our lives. He was always so kind and encouraging to me and it will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Sam Pilafian. Much love and thanks.”

“I would like to share with my friends the thoughts that hit me when the reality that we had lost Sam Pilafian. The joyful memories, the genuine feeling of loss and the universal respect expressed by others over the last few days has been quite moving and inspirational…

“Just lost a dear friend, and the music world lost one of it's brightest stars: Sam Pilafian you are one of the people in my life who I was proud to call a close friend, and even though our times together were brief I felt that I had known you all my life. Rest in peace my my dear friend, let's meet up again soon OK? ...with love”

“Hard to overstate Sam‘s influence on me at an important time in my life. Feeling pretty lucky for the time I spent with him. May he Rest In Peace.”

“It’s been difficult hopping on Facebook at all the past couple of days, but it’s also quite beautiful. Sam Pilafian was a beautiful soul who deserves to be remembered forever. I loved the way that when you talked with him, you were his whole world in that moment. He shared his light with everyone around him. Rest In Peace, Sam. We all love you!! #YeahMan”