Bursting into the world in record speed on July 13, 2000, Sam the “I Can Man” lived every single moment of his life to the absolute fullest with zeal, delight, and determination. An inspiration to all who knew him, he was eager to try anything despite the challenges he had living with Aicardi Goutieres Syndrome (AGS), a rare demyelinating disease.
His love for adventure brought him trackside at the Kentucky Derby, riding the rapids down the Grand Canyon, tailgating and attending college football games, shredding snow and ziplining in Utah, catching perch on Lake Erie, canoeing the rivers near Yellowstone, exploring the streets of Paris, and playing beach golf in Hawaii, He adored riding horses, swimming, being with his dog - Baby G, dancing, parties, music, and musicals (especially when his sister was performing). More than anything, he loved spending time with family and friends.
Although he didn’t speak in the traditional sense, he spoke loud and clear with his eyes, smile, and big heart. You absolutely knew it and will never forget when you connected with Sam! Sam’s Super Power was that he brought out the BEST in everyone.
Sam is survived by his parents, Amy and Andy Weyrich, his sister, Sarah Weyrich, his grandmother, Kay Weyrich, his beloved service dog, Baby G, a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins and the many friends he considered his family in Utah, Ohio, and Oklahoma.
In honor of Sam, please consider giving a donation to the National Ability Center (www.discovernac.org), Canine Companions for Independence (www.canine.org), or a tribute gift in Sam’s name to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation to amplify clinical care and biomedical research (www.OMRF.org). Most importantly, please take time to make the most of every moment, smile often, and laugh vigorously as Sam did. And, never pass the chance to talk to and spend time with individuals who are differently challenged. Like Sam, they have super powers.
We invite you to join us for a celebration of Sam’s extraordinary life on Friday, June 28 at 11:00 am St. Luke’s Methodist Church 222 NW 15th Street Oklahoma City, OK 73103. The service will be livestreamed, https://stlukesokc.org/online-campus/watch-live/
Please wear bright colors to honor the bright life Sam was to us all!
