Our beloved son Sam Gustavus went home to be with his heavenly Father on June 16, 2017.  Sam was a gregarious young man who always had a smile on his face and had a knack for eliciting smiles from others.  He touched so many lives in his short 17 years through school, sports, church and work.

Those that knew Sam enjoyed his caring, genuine, and magnetic personality that was reflected in his diverse friend group that included all ages.  Sam even had a mischievous streak that sometimes led to a creative interpretation of certain rules, but there was no mistaking his deep compassion and desire to help others.  This was reflected in his volunteer efforts with pre-school at Mclean Bible church, Christian mission trips to the Dominican Republic, or simply inviting new students into his friend group.   Sam was always respectful to everyone he met, understood the importance of first impressions, and knew the impact of a firm handshake.  People were naturally drawn to Sam's great sense of humor and storytelling.  All these interactions also earned him diverse nicknames such as "Sammy!", "Sam-Bobo", and "Sam Burrito".

Sam was a rising senior at Heritage High School in Leesburg, VA and was a talented student and athlete who planned to attend college to prepare for a career as a Physical Therapist.  He was an accomplished wrestler as a Conference champion for Heritage and played for the Heritage soccer team as well.  Sam's fearless, competitive nature started at an early age skipping training wheels to prove he could, scaling 2-story brick façade in his soccer socks, and mastering the flip-throw-in for his travel soccer team.    He was always happiest when he was with other people, competing, and sharing a laugh.

Sam is survived by his loving parents Wayne & Jennifer; his sisters Anna and Rebekah, and brother Jonathan; his grandparents, Bob & Glynndia Gustavus, and Beryl Lemmond; his uncles (Bill, Greg, & Jamie Lemmond and Eric Gustavus), his aunts (Mandi Lemmond and Amy Gustavus).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Loudoun Fellowship of Christian Athletes to honor the memory of Sam as an athlete with a big heart for helping others.

Loudoun FCA 15 N. King St, STE 205, Leesburg, VA http://loudounfca.org/donate

Family will receive friends between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Colonial Funeral Home, 201Edwards Ferry Road NE, Leesburg, Virginia 20176.  Services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Reston Bible Church, 45650 Oakbrook Ct, Sterling, VA 20166.