Samuel Marcus Grossman

Sam spent nearly every one of this summer’s days, as he had over so many seasons past, sitting on his patio in Sun Valley, basking in sunlight and studying one of his favorite views—green grass, ochre mountains, dappled light, birds, grazing elk and running water. “Isn’t it spectacular?” he often asked his beloved wife, Peggy, his kids, his caregivers, and the many friends and family who came to visit. As this particular summer marched on, he seemed to have increasingly open eyes and ears to the colors, lights, sounds and deep-running love all around him—and for Sam, that’s saying quite a lot. He had always felt deeply and delighted in every drop of life—especially of life in the mountains. Sam used to joke that he loved Sun Valley so much, "they’d have to take me out of here feet first." Ever a man of conviction, he stayed true to his promise. Samuel Marcus Grossman left us on Sept. 10, 2024, at age 94, during the last of the season’s summery evenings, hands held by his wife and kids, together with three of his long-time caregivers. In true Sam fashion, he took the summer sun with him, and the next morning was the first sure day of autumn air.

Sam was a man of discernment and vision in more ways than one, and he led a truly spectacular life.

Born in Los Angeles, California, on Nov. 7, 1929, Sam Grossman was charismatic and energetic right from the start. Together, he and his best friend and younger brother, Teddy, ran each other ragged at the Santa Monica beach and wild throughout the neighborhoods of 1930s and '40s Los Angeles. They were playful troublemakers, well loved by their close-knit Jewish community and by their loving immigrant parents, Anna and Jack. Teddy remembers that he and his parents would know for sure that Sam had just blown through the backyard or the kitchen by the disassembled bike on the lawn or pile of radio parts on the counter. Ever curious about the machinations of the world around him, Sam went on to hone his focus, attend College of the Pacific, UCLA, and Stanford University, developing a sound educational foundation and robust personal network to support what would become a truly diverse and vibrant career. In his early years, Sam ventured into acting, game show hosting and sports broadcasting, practicing the art of charisma, showmanship and sales. He served in the armed forces as a radio DJ and had stints as a television actor and theater producer. Along with Teddy, Sam co-founded Safari Ski & Sport, one of Los Angeles' first ski shops.

Sam’s career in real estate began in earnest in the 1960s. He founded Grossman Company Properties, a firm that would go on to acquire, manage and redevelop more than 4 million square feet of real estate over six decades. In 1991, Sam purchased the historic Arizona Biltmore Hotel, and in partnership with his wife, Peggy, repositioned, redesigned and ultimately sold it for a then-record setting ‘per-key’ valuation.

Grossman possessed a visionary approach to real estate. He transformed underperforming assets into thriving establishments, emphasizing the importance of continual updates to meet changing consumer tastes. His signature design elements, such as the use of residential-leaning light, water features and inviting landscapes, have become hallmarks of his legacy.

In addition to his business pursuits, Sam was a dedicated public servant and philanthropist. He ran as Arizona's Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in 1970. Throughout his life, he remained committed to his community, founding the Arizona Biltmore Children's Charities and the Sam and Peggy Grossman Family Foundation.

Sam was also a New York Times best-selling author, with his book "Win the Food Fight: The 7-Week Victory Diet". He continued to share his insights through lectures and his audiobook, "The 10 Commandments of Making it On Your Own."

A passionate sportsman, Sam was an early pioneer in surfing, windsurfing, whitewater kayaking and helicopter skiing, and in 1965 co-founded Sun Valley Heli Ski, the oldest and longest running heli-ski operation in the United States.

All that and so much more mark Sam’s legacy.

But it is the hours upon hours spent with Sam around breakfast, lunch and dinner table, at the campfire, under the stars or on the road that will stay in our hearts forever. From intellectual sparring to heart-to-hearts, he never tired of hearing what his friends and family had to say nor of sharing his mind and heart in return. Whether he was delighting in sunrise or sunset, sitting at river’s edge or running its rapids, setting off down freshly groomed slopes or closing a deal, Sam lived a life of vibrant joie de vive, complexity, love and purpose.

Sam Grossman leaves behind an ongoing wave of innovation, dedication and generosity. His contributions to real estate, community service, and philanthropy have enriched countless lives. Ever the keen observer of people and places, Sam surrounded himself with those he could count on for excellence, for candidness, for love, for fun and for chocolate chip cookies—even if he did have to sneak a bite off your plate! He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements, but also for his convivial personality and unwavering commitment to his large and cherished circle of loved ones: family, friends, team members and community.

Sam is survived by his brother, Ted; his wife, Peggy, with whom he shared a love story for the ages; their beloved children, John (Ginna) and Courtney; and by his deceased son Jim’s (Shannon) kids, Saba and Buey.

It will always comfort our hearts to be among those who understood and loved Sam for the full spectrum of who he was—a purpose-filled, complex, generous-hearted, free-spirited, one-of-a-kind person with a samurai-sharp mind and beautiful mountains around his edges. He touched, encouraged, challenged and changed all our lives and beings. Through his inspiration and example, in one way or another, he shaped us all.

Over the last several years, on the daily, he rode his tricycle, lifted weights (ever seeking to retain his vigor), ventured outside and loved his people sweetly until the very end.

The morning after Sam graduated from this life, a massive herd of elk arrived in the yard, surrounded the house, and filled every window in every direction. It felt so much to us like a giant hug from Sam. A big hug, from a big life force. From Sun Valley to Santa Monica and well beyond, we pass his hug along to all those who love him with us as we do—wholly and forever.

Thank you for helping to make his life a truly spectacular one.