Samuel Alexander Marsh

Samuel Alexander Marsh, born June 2, 1993, lived a life full of heart, laughter, and adventure before his sudden passing in a car accident at the age of 32, shortly after returning home to Colorado. His life was marked by many diverse chapters, each shaping the man he became.

Sam’s story began in Toledo, Ohio, where he spent his younger years attending Toledo Christian School and forming friendships that lasted his lifetime. Summers were filled with family trips to Michigan—skiing, sunshine, endless puzzles, and cherished time at Aunt Cheryl and Uncle John’s cottage. Later, he served as a camp counselor at Gull Lake Ministries Family Camp, where his pseudonym was ‘California Dreamin’.

Sam’s family moved to Colorado Springs, where he attended Colorado Springs Christian School and Discovery Canyon. An all-around athlete, he especially shone in track and he and his brother Danny became state champions together. His speed and determination carried him to the UCCS, where he continued running before discovering his true passion—disc golf.

As an adult, Sam regularly played league with Pikes Peak Flying Disc Club in Colorado but whenever he traveled across the state or the country, his disc bag was slung over this shoulder ready to experience new courses. His adventures were almost always shared with his sweet and loyal dog Lucy; and he combined his love of the outdoors with his passion for competitive sports. More great friendships grew out of this tight knit community.

Every real-life story has highs and lows and one of Sam’s hardest seasons also became his greatest turning point, leading him to the fellowship of men at Victory Home in Northeast Georgia. What began as an obligation grew into a journey of deep faith in Christ—challenging but filled with grace, humility, and freedom. True to Sam’s spirit, he soon discovered an old disc golf basket in the barn rafters, set it up, and turned it into practice sessions that amused the other guys. The pack of southern men welcomed the Colorado guy as one of their own, introducing him to soup beans and pecan pie.

Beyond sports, Sam’s interests were as wide-ranging as his smile—he was a movie buff, a trivia regular, a history podcast fan, and a lover of obscure music and techno (often beatboxing at full volume). Creative at heart, he sketched, invented fonts, journaled stories, and even tie-dyed his discs when inspiration struck. He also imagined one day being a contestant on the Amazing race with his siblings.

More than anything, Sam will be remembered for who he was. He had the gift of making others feel seen and valued. He championed the underdog, stood up for the overlooked, and often stopped to help a stranger—whether changing a tire or offering a homeless person a ride out of the rain. He empowered others to believe in themselves, his bright smile outshining even his occasional grumpiness. He definitely wasn’t a wallflower. While he carried personal struggles, they gave him empathy, compassion, and a steadfast faith. He found strength in the words of Jesus that became his anchor: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11: 28-30)

Sam leaves behind a large and loving family who will forever miss his giant personality—parents Doug and Theresa; brothers Danny (Reagan) and Tad; sisters Ashley (Melissa) and Olivia (Ben); nieces and nephews he adored; many devoted aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a wide circle of friends across the country who Sam somehow managed to keep close.

We invite friends and family to celebrate Sam’s life at two remembrance gatherings:

• Saturday, September 27, 4–5 p.m. at The Sanctuary Church, Colorado Springs, CO

• Saturday, October 4, 4–5 p.m. at The Community House Church, Toledo, OH

Both services will be casual and family-friendly—children are always welcome, and light refreshments will be served. Together, we’ll lift each other up in love and carry forward Sam’s kind-heartedness, big laugh, and unforgettable personality.

Eventually there will be a memorial park bench (hole #4) and disc golf basket (hole #14) established at Cottonwood Creek Disc Golf Course (Sam’s favorite) Colorado Springs thanks to the generous donations of so many friends and family. We encourage you to visit.