Football field at night

Samuel Fenlason

October 3, 1996 – December 10, 2025

Samuel Fenlason

Join Us For

Celebration of Life

We invite you to join us as we honor and celebrate Sam's life

A Note on Attire

While we ask that you dress appropriately for a church setting, we invite you to celebrate Sam's life through color rather than black. Consider wearing something that reminds you of him, one of his favorite colors, team colors, or simply something that brings you joy.

Celebration of Life

Friday, January 16, 2026

11:00 AM

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church

17010 Pomerado Rd, San Diego, CA 92128

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Reception

Following the Celebration

Following the Service

Mia Marie Vineyards

15036 Highland Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92025

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The livestream will begin at the start of the celebration

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About Sam

1996 – 2025

Samuel Colton George Fenlason, 29, passed away on December 10, 2025. Born and raised in San Diego, Sam lived his entire life surrounded by the people and places he cared for most. Sam was a gifted athlete with an unwavering love for sports. He attended Rancho Bernardo High School, where his competitive spirit and teamwork first took shape. Sam played football as a kicker for both the University of Idaho and Illinois State University while earning his undergraduate and masters degrees.

Beyond athletics, Sam had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed playing beach volleyball, hiking, skiing, walking along the beach, and especially paddleboarding with his mother – one of the many ways they shared a close and meaningful bond. He was always ready to talk about Star Wars, a lifelong favorite that brought him joy and sparked countless conversations.

Sam held a quiet, steady faith and a sincere love for Jesus that influenced his warmth, gentleness, and the way he treated others. Above all, one of his greatest joys in life was being an uncle. His nieces and nephews absolutely adored him, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

Sam was the cherished son of Donald and Michelle; and his older brothers: Nate (Jennifer), Andrew (Jennifer), Jared (Jessica), Aaron (Kiara), and Jacob, as well as his loving grandfather, Michael Csader. He is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews: Benjamin, Caleb, Owen, Evangeline, Emmalene, Colin, Mara, Joel, Ava, and Gabriel. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virginia Csader and George and Ardith Fenlason.

Sam's spirit was defined by kindness, humor, loyalty, and a calming presence that made others feel at ease. Whether with family, outdoors, or connecting with those he loved, he carried a genuine warmth that left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him.

Sam's life was far too short, yet profoundly full.
He will be remembered always and loved forever.

Support Sam's Legacy

Like all of his brothers, Sam played club soccer growing up before becoming a talented football player. Soccer brought him fond memories, lifelong friends, and set him on the path to becoming a Division I kicker.

We're raising funds to establish an annual scholarship in his name at the club that shaped him, so his legacy can help the next generation find what he found—whether in the classroom, on the field, or wherever their path takes them.

Donate Today

Celebrate His Life

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Photo Gallery

Browse photos from throughout Sam's life

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Timeline

Journey through the chapters of Sam's life

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Memories

Stories and memories shared by loved ones

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Ignite a Lightsaber

Light a saber and leave a message for Sam

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Share a Memory

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Sam's Playlist

Songs that remind us of Sam

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Football Career

From Broncos to Vandals to Redbirds

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