Born Leeds, January 2, 1924. Died Leeds, January 13, 2009, aged 85.
February 26, 2009 12:19Extrovert Sam Goldman was a prominent personality in the Leeds community, involved in golf events, charity concerts and residential care, writes John Fisher.
The youngest of three sons — one brother survives — he inherited his stage talent from his mother, Esther, who sang at the Leeds Board of Guardians concerts in the 1920s.
After Leeds Grammar School he started dental school but, volunteering at 19, he served as a sergeant with the Royal Army Pay Corps in the Second World War. Due to his training for dentistry, a reserved occupation, and his county-level skill at bridge, in which he partnered his commanding officer — he was also a champion ballroom dancer and sang a deep rumbling bass — he was never posted abroad.
His marriage to the vivacious Stella Ellis from 1947 until her death in 1997 led to his giving up dentistry and joining her father, John, in their Leeds family clothing business, PS and J Ellis.
His new status allowed him to develop his charitable role. A brilliant raconteur, with a joke for every occasion, he became a popular after-dinner speaker. His slight stammer was used to heighten his oratorical appeal.
Passionate about golf, he joined Moor Allerton Golf Club, Leeds’ first Jewish golf club, in 1945 while still in the army. He was a committee member when it bought its new site, Blackmoor Farm, in 1970; club captain in its golden jubilee year of 1973; treasurer from 1975-80; and chairman from 1980-83 — then became a life vice-president.
A past captain of the Society of Jewish Golf Captains, he played numerous pro-am tournaments for JNF Golf.
With his legendary support for JNF, he co-produced a succession of annual variety concerts starring names such as singer Shirley Bassey and fostering new talent such as the then unknown comedian Les Dawson. He was also active in the JPA in the 1950s and 60s.
A few years after the Ellis family business was sold to a Midlands retailer, Sam bought it back in the early 1960s. Renamed March the Tailor, it became a household name in the north with its innovative TV jingle.
It was finally sold in the 1970s to a Manchester buyer. Sam then built up and redeveloped a huge portfolio of North Leeds properties.
He was a major contributor and fundraiser for the United Hebrew Congregation’s move to its new building in Shadwell Lane in 1986, in an amalgamation of synagogues dating back to the 19th century.
In 1988 he became chairman of Donisthorpe Hall at the request of retiring incumbent, Manny Cussins. Faced with an urgent need for its updating, Sam spearheaded a transformation that today makes Donisthorpe one of the finest care-homes in the country.
A firm believer in motivating people through kindness, he led by example. A prolific correspondent, he wrote to local papers whenever he felt it necessary to put the record straight.
He joked that with a cigarette in his mouth and a golf club in his hand, he could die happy — which he did. Before suffering a fatal heart attack, he waved to his two daughters, Liz and Linda, on the golf course. His ball landed in the water.
He is survived by his second wife Pam, a family friend whom he married in 1998, two daughters and five grandchildren.