Samuel Brych Balent
November 26, 2006 - February 26, 2019
Sam, who always wanted to make people happy and laugh, went to perform his final act with God on February 26, 2019. The light and joy that was Sam came into our lives on November 26, 2006, much like a bolt of lightning. From the beginning, he was a source of joy, love, and laughter to those around him, and we knew he would have a huge personality.
Sam was spontaneous and brave, never afraid to put himself in front of a crowd or try something new. He tried all sorts of sports including basketball, soccer, karate, fencing, yoga, and boxing. His favorite food was sushi, and he would never turn away a bowl of ice cream. Sam was the consummate performer. He was funny and loved to make people laugh, even if it was at his own expense. In the classroom, on a stage, or just hanging around, he relished each laugh he created. He had an amazing imagination and was so incredibly bright. He loved Harry Potter, Legos, and was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge of all things superhero. He would say choosing between Marvel or DC was like having to pick your favorite child. He loved to read books and write poetry. He loved animals, especially his dog Ripley and parakeet Regan. Sam was always up for adventure and loved traveling to new places. He loved going on camping trips with his Boy Scout troop.
He was a sensitive soul and always wanted to ease the pain of those around him. His huge heart was overflowing with love, which he gave so willingly to his family and friends. When Sam loved you, he loved you completely and unconditionally, and was never afraid to show it.
Sam was a 6th grader at Summit Academy. His big personality will be greatly missed by his school family. Sam was happiest surrounded by his family. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Cathy, with whom he shared a special and unbreakable bond. His big brother Ben, whom he adored and loved tremendously. His loving grandparents Honey and Poppy Upchurch, Gigi and Grandpa Balent, and Papa Brych. And all of his aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Sam always loved a party with friends. So a celebration of Sam’s life will be held from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, March 5, at Starks Funeral Parlor located at 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City for his friends, schoolmates, and family. Please use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.
In Loving Memory
Jim, Cathy, and Ben, Our love and thoughts- peace be with you. Sam definitely left this world a better place. Mission accomplished, Sam. Bryn and Emri Serassio
Praying early and often for you and the family as you gather to remember. Love and hugs all around until we meet again.
Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love you. Leanne and Brian Guest
My thoughts and prayers have been with you all week and will continue. I loved Sam, and still do. I will never forget his love for books, legos and our book talks. Your obituary for him was, as he would often say in my class, "pure perfection".
Listening to Sam and the girls talk on the way to school was usually a highlight of my day. He was SO funny, I laughed my head off more than once because of something he said. He was always so sweet with you Cathy, it touched my heart. He will always be remembered. You are all in our prayers.
Dear Balent Family, My heart has been so heavy since hearing of Sam’s passing. My son is in a grade below Sam at Summit Academy. He had the privilege to get to know Sam last year in Chess Club. Sam has constantly been in our thoughts, prayers, and conversations as a family these last few days. When I asked my son what he remembered most about Sam, he responded, “He was funny. He was nice. He always gave me high fives in the hall. He inspired me.†What a wonderful example of kindness to other kids Sam was! He will be tremendously missed in a world in need of nice kids more than ever right now. My heart is broken for your family and wish there was some way to ease your pain. I just really want you to know that Sam was adored by many and was an inspiration to my son and I’m sure to so many other kids who looked up to him as well. I know that he is in the gentle and loving care of our Heavenly Father now. I pray that peace and understanding may eventually come to all of us who have been left with a huge hole in our hearts because of sweet Sam’s passing.
Balent family, I just want to say Sam was an extremely funny kid. I had the pleasure of listening to him the last 2 years in the speach festival at summit. My daughter Lexi and him became friends this year and she was always telling me how funny and sweet Sam was. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss, Sam was a loved kid.
Sam was one my first friends he helped me through the rough times, and we had fun through the good ones. I remember a real funny nickname we gave him I believe it was, Samalamadingdong I know it's weird, but it gave us the best laughs. Samalamadingdong was one of the best kids I knew growing up, he will be missed. Know we are thinking about you. From your friend Bowen
I only met you and your sweet family a couple of times. He was really a neat little boy. I set across from him at the Thanksgiving meal we had...remember how he made me laugh. There really are no words I can say to lessen your pain and sorrow....Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand and hopefully give you some comfort and peace. Love Jackie
Very sorry to read of the death of your son. I know it is very hard for you all to deal with. Sam will be missed dearly. Please know that your pain does not go unnoticed by God. He will comfort you and your family. Revelation 21:4.
Jimmy and family, My deepest sympathy. Praying for you and your family. Dee Dee (Amon) Hardy
Jimmy, Cathy & Ben, I was very sorry to hear about Sam. From what I've read about him here he seemed like a great boy. My deepest sympathies are with you.
Words are so feeble in the moments of life like these, yet we want Sam's family to know that we stand along side all of you, and with our cousins, Jim and Gail, as you struggle in the dark days of your grief. May the sun shine through soon. Noreen Garman Pittsburgh, PA
We send our condolences and please know as today may be difficult for you to see beyond the sorrow, yet looking back in memory may help to comfort you tomorrow! Dick and Sandy Norman
To Sam’s family, our hearts reach out to you in this difficult time - Margo, Craig, and Sarah Helms
My daughter had the honor of knowing your son. I say honor because he was and is a good person. As my young daughter expressed her grief, she also expressed her gratitude for the person that your son was. He was kind, generous and loving. Summit will never be the same without your sweet boy. Please know that we are all praying for your family, in whatever capacity or religion we are. God be with you until you are able to hold your beautiful boy in your arms once more.
At this time it is difficult to convey words in the loss of such a vibrant young boy. Experiencing the loss takes a long time, but the memories are there forever. My prayers and sympathy are with you and all the Balent family
Im so sorry on the lost of your young son. May the God of the heavens gives you all the strength you need. May the Bible Promise of an earthly resurrection giving in Acts 24:15 brings you hope and comfort. "And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous." Please accept my condolences.
Jim and Cathy, Jennifer and I were devasted to learn of Sam’s passing. We cannot possibly imagine the pain of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and love are with you both. Love, Dan/Jennifer
To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the experience of losing a child. Please take comfort in what the Bible promises for the near future, a resurrection of those who have died. John 5:28,29. If you have a chance read the comforting account in Luke 8:49-56, it’s such a comforting account of Jesus resurrecting a young girl, and the ease with which he was able to do so. This is just a taste of what we can expect in the very near future with our kids...and those we have lost.
Dear Balent Family, I continue to think about Sam and pray that the love of God will provide peace to your souls. I cannot help but realize what a wonderful family you are to have brought such an incredible child into this world. My daughter was in a few of Sam's classes and she has been deeply saddened by this loss. From what she tells me, he was a ray of sunshine everyday. What a blessing to have had him in your home. I am sincerely sorry and sad for the loss of your beautiful boy. Although I know that you will see him again, I pray that you will be able to pass through this painful time with peace.
Sam was a hilarious student. He always made people laugh and smile. He was always full of energy and provided entertainment for the whole class. He was in our friend group and I just wish we were better friends. We had so much in common that I did not know about. Sam will forever live in our hearts. Your family is in my prayers
In Loving Memory
