Samuel Christian Garaycochea

On Thursday, March 21, 2024 Sam crossed from this life to the next and into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Sam was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 4, 1999 to Christian and Stephanie Garaycochea. He immediately stole their hearts and forever changed them in the best way.

Sam carried with him a polite and obedient manner. Even as a toddler his speech therapists, and then later his teachers, recognized his sensitive soul.

Sam had an off-the-charts imagination. He could play for hours on his own. His “Thomas the Tank Engine” era is a particular favorite. Sam was his own person from the very beginning.  When a fellow medical school student and friend saw Sam for the first time he said, “Clearly, he’s a genius!” We agree;)

Sam was a born leader and held the mantle of the oldest child, as his two brothers, Isaac and Joey later joined the family. As small boys they loved playing together, but as they grew older their interests lead them in different directions. However, their brotherhood was always a priority and they loved having weekly condo nights, family vacations and snowboarding with each other and their dad.

Sam thought big, and was “all in” when he wanted to accomplish something. He would map it out step-by-step and make it happen. For instance, he didn’t like swimming pools as a child but as a teenager he was determined to conquer that fear and he became a lifeguard. 

Sam was a deep thinker and could be found asking a very deep question right on the cusp of bedtime. His mom will always remember him coming into her room and asking, “Mom, what are your thoughts on that?” just as she was drifting off to sleep.

At family get-togethers, Sam preferred a deep conversation to small talk, and often was apart from the larger group. However, on the way home, he would always comment on how good it was to be together. Sam was blessed with a large group of cousins from both the Seelos and Garaycochea families.

Sam was a mathematician like his dad. He and his dad had many common interests, one of them being a healthy debate about politics, but don’t worry, they were on the same side.

Sam was a patient, kind and accepting man. He didn't hesitate to welcome his step-mother Lynn into the family. They were each other's best supporters. Sam also deeply loved his two siblings who came later, Gabi and Micah, and enjoyed spending time with them. Micah, with a childlike knowing, gave Sam his last hug on this earth. 

Sam served in the Baguio, Philippines Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He fell in love with the country, and went back to visit two more times after his mission. He found and fell in love with Nica, the woman he intended to marry after he finished nursing school.

Sam has been, and continues to be, our greatest teacher, stretching us with his unique perspective and his empathetic approach to the world. We look forward with a perfect brightness of hope to the day we will be reunited with him. 

As a gift to Sam and to us, please take your children in a loving hug and never pass up an opportunity to say “I love you”.

Sam is survived by his father, Christian (Lynn) Garaycochea along with Gabi and Micah and his mother, Stephanie Seelos and his two brothers, Isaac and Joey.

Funeral services will be on Friday, March 29, 12:00 noon at the Hidden Oaks Ward chapel, 11755 S. 2000 E., Sandy, Utah.  Friends and family may visit Thursday evening, March 28 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Hidden Oaks Ward chapel. Interment to follow service at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, Utah.