Samuel Alexander Barklage

The parents of infinitely precious, Sam (Samuel) Alexander Barklage, are E.J. and Joy Barklage. Sam was born on the happiest day of their lives, April 30, 1992. With Sam, our family circle grew to include his birthparents, Abby Ewert and Luis Elizalde, who were, after all, the first to love him. They only wanted his best through his whole life. We will always be inextricably connected by the love for a boy named Sam.

Sam was blessed with 20 Aunts and Uncles, and 21 cousins. Even though miles separated Sam from his family, he always looked forward to time together and enjoyed every moment. Sam’s other nurturing community growing up was a graceful place, New Hope Presbyterian Church.

Sam graduated from Castle View High School in 2011 and was a member of the Lacrosse team. Sam finished his education at Lincoln Technical Institute with a certificate in welding in 2014.

Sam’s passions have always been the great outdoors, camping and fishing. The first trout Sam caught at 2 years of age lit a fire for the sport of fishing, which continued throughout his life. Sam fished and worked and then fished some more. Sam also loved to laugh, had a quick wit, and was the life of the party.

Sam moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in January, 2015. It seems Sam was best known, as an adult, by those who knew him in his last 4 years. Sam had wonderful, kindred -spirited friends and a wonderful job. He worked for ORE Design, as Lead Fabricator on his shift, and was proud to be part of the ORE family. ORE Design is a Mission driven, highly creative company that cares for their employees and the greater Salt Lake City community. ORE gave him many opportunities to grow. We were blessed to hear ORE describe him as intelligent, dedicated to his craft, a problem-solver and compassionate in his role. They tell us he will be deeply missed, which warms our hearts.

The meaning of Samuel is “gift from God”, which he truly was.

Passing at 26 was a devastating accidental loss of our best teacher. Sam will be deeply missed by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations made to Karis Community in Sam’s name would be appreciated. You may contact www.kariscommunity.org for information on how to give.

Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday, November 23, 2018 at Olinger-Andrews funeral home, 407 Jerry Street, Castle Rock, Colorado 80104

Celebration of Sam’s life will be at 11:00am, November 24, 2018 at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3737 New Hope Way, Castle Rock,Colorado 80109.