Sam Wertheimer passed away unexpectedly on October 20, 2026, leaving behind a family and an enormous community of friends who loved him dearly.
Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Mill Valley, California, Sam was always naturally curious, incredibly driven, and headstrong. Whenever Sam spotted a problem, he was the first to jump in to do something about it, often recruiting unsuspecting friends and family to join him. Saying no to Sam was never easy, and usually not much use.
That was Sam. He had high expectations of himself and the people around him, and we were all better for it. He was gregarious, thoughtful, quick to laugh, mischievous, persistent, and just a lot of fun to be around. Sam never sat idly by when there was something to be done or someone who needed help. He gave his time, his energy, his ideas, and a whole lot of opinions to the people around him.
Most importantly, he always showed up for everything. Big milestones, small gatherings, celebrations, or simply an excuse to spend time together. If it mattered to someone he loved, it mattered to him.
While Sam built a fulfilling professional career, his curiosity extended far beyond work. He was constantly exploring fresh ideas, new ventures, and creative projects.
Sam made lifelong friends everywhere he went. His childhood buddies from Mill Valley remained core to his life, joined over the years by close friends from Cal Poly and every chapter that followed. He loved playing volleyball, mountain biking, spending hours tinkering in workshops, and working on projects around the house as a dedicated DIY-er.
Sam loved traveling the world with Tristin and many of his friends, as well as weekend trips with the people he loved. For Sam, exploring somewhere new was another opportunity to satisfy his curiosity, make memories, and spend time with his friends and family.
At Cal Poly, Sam met Tristin. They started as friends, and after college their relationship became something more. He loved her more than anything. Together, they built a life in Austin and later San Diego, supporting each other’s careers, interests, and families. They were an amazing team in every sense, and the home and family they created together meant everything to him.
Above all else, Sam loved being a dad. His son Ezra brought out his playful side. Sam loved being silly with him, wrestling and roughhousing together, and introducing him to new adventures, from museums to soccer to the swimming pool. When his daughter Remi was born, Sam finally felt his family was whole. She felt so safe and loved in his arms, and Sam savored their special moments together while dreaming of the day she’d be on the move, ready to join in all the fun he had with Ezra. For all the things Sam wanted to do and build in his life, nothing mattered more to him than Tristin, Ezra, and Remi.
Sam was the best dad and husband anyone could ask for. He filled his family’s life with so much joy, endless fun, and adventures both big and small. He was devoted to the everyday work of being a dad, working hand-in-hand with Tristin raising their two beautiful children.
Sam is survived by his wife, Tristin, and their children, Ezra and Remi; his mother, Marissa, his father Kim, and their partners, Stuart and Kathy; Tristin’s parents, Craig and Wendy; Sam’s siblings Max (and Meredith), Katy (and Andrew); his beloved siblings-in-law Briege (and Todd), and Cameron (and Caitie); his step-brother Jack; his nieces and nephews Van, Drake, Taelynn, Johnny, Isaiah, and Paetyn; and his many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
There are so many things Sam still wanted to do. So many plans he and Tristin hadn’t gotten to, and so much life ahead of him. His absence leaves an unimaginable hole in the community he built and in the lives of the people who loved him.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, October 25, at Fernwood Cemetery in Tam Valley. Service begins at 10am, please arrive by 9:30. Parking is limited and we ask you to consider carpooling. If you plan to join for the burial service, please wear comfortable walking shoes and expect 10 or more minutes of walking, including inclined sections. Afterward, all are welcome to join us at Travis Marina at 12pm for a Memorial to remember Sam and honor his memory. A light lunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sam’s memory to:
- The California Youth Connection (CYC), a youth-led organization that develops and grows leaders who empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative and policy change.
- The Crucible, an Oakland-based nonprofit organization and art school dedicated to making the fine and industrial arts accessible for all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support, 24 hours a day. You are not alone.
3 Responses
We are heartbroken by the loss of Sam. He was so much more than a neighbor to us. He was a wonderful friend, full of life, energy, warmth, and kindness. We will always remember seeing him working around the house, playing volleyball, walking with the kids and dogs, and sharing a glass of wine and laughter together.
One of our favorite memories is Sam introducing us to the wines of Paso Robles, sharing his enthusiasm for a region he came to know during his college years at Cal Poly. It’s a small but special gift he left us, and we’ll think of him fondly whenever we open a bottle from Paso Robles.
Sam had such a genuine love for life, and it was especially beautiful to see the joy he found in being a husband and father. He brought so much happiness to our little neighborhood, and it’s difficult to imagine it without him.
Tristin, Ezra, and Remi, please know that you are surrounded by love and that we will always be here for you. We will miss Sam terribly, but we will forever cherish his friendship, laughter, and the memories we shared.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Doug and Cesar
We are heartbroken by the loss of Sam. He was so much more than a neighbor to us. He was a wonderful friend, full of life, energy, warmth, and kindness. We will always remember seeing him working around the house, playing volleyball, walking with the kids and dogs, and sharing a glass of wine and laughter together.
One of our favorite memories is Sam introducing us to the wines of Paso Robles, sharing his enthusiasm for a region he came to know during his college years at Cal Poly. It’s a small but special gift he left us, and we’ll think of him fondly whenever we open a bottle from Paso Robles.
Sam had such a genuine love for life, and it was especially beautiful to see the joy he found in being a husband and father. He brought so much happiness to our little neighborhood, and it’s difficult to imagine it without him.
Tristin, Ezra, and Remi, please know that you are surrounded by love and that we will always be here for you.
We will miss Sam terribly, but we will forever cherish his friendship, laughter, and the memories we shared.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Doug and Cesar
To all of Sam’s family and friends. Shirley and I so sorry for your loss. We only met Sam a few times but knew instantly that he was a great guy with a big heart!
Love, Gary & Shirley