Finding Purpose Through Tragedy

"The world was made because God saw good things in us, that is what matters"

- Sawyer Schipper

A Life Cut Short - Lasting Inspiration

Sawyer Schipper: May 28, 2008 - September 22, 2024


On a rainy day, September 22nd, 2024, at just 16 years young, Sawyer was involved in a fatal car accident that tragically claimed his life. He was just a few miles from home. Sawyer made it home, just not the home we might prefer. He went home to Jesus' arms in paradise.

Sawyer will always be remembered for his kind and tender heart, calm and humble demeanor, incredible attention to detail, and his desire to care for others when they were in need. His humor would light up a room, his contagious laugh could make anyone smile. He was a skilled gamer, he loved researching cars, and detailing cars, especially his dad's. His favorite things were dancing like a foo, traveling with family, cars, dirt-biking, and hunting.

Sawyer touched the lives of so many and brought happiness and support to everyone he met. He is deeply missed. But his legacy and influence will carry on forever through the Sawyer Schipper Memorial Foundation.

Sawyer Schipper Memorial Foundation

Supporting our youth, in honor of Sawyer’s legacy of kindness and love

“They will one day learn… That being different is good, it brings out my personality”

- Sawyer Schipper

“Be Yourself” (Origin Story)

In 2022, reflecting on the upcoming 9th grade school year, Sawyer spent time writing his thoughts of joy and trepidation in a small notepad.

On a page titled “The end of Summer”, Sawyer wrote about his older brother, Henry, and how much he loved spending time with him and “his boys” over the summer. How he cherished that time, and how he knew everything would be ok because his brother and he would be at the same school building again.

He concluded with this:

“I might be scared for high school and scared to get kicked around by them kids but as dad says “Forget those kids”. Then, he dedicated the whole next page to the statement: “Be Yourself”

His writings echo the thoughts and fears of so many teenagers

Sawyer clearly knew the only way to overcome social challenges was to ignore what others think, do and say, and simply to be himself; a valuable young man who was created in God’s image, unique and gifted in so many ways.

Sawyer was wise beyond his years, and we intend to carry on his legacy through his foundation. Because all kids should feel valued, and free to be themselves.

"We all work so hard for a good future, but not only do we work hard, but we put our trust in God to know that he has a future planned for each individual…. We make things happen when we need them, and we put trust in God so that we know we will have eternal life."

- Sawyer Schipper

Support The Cause

Sawyer Schipper Memorial Foundation’s application for recognition of exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is in process. If the Foundation ultimately qualifies for exemption for the period in which a contribution is made, which is subject to the IRS’s discretion, the contribution will be tax deductible by the donor to the extent the law provides.