Support for Sam Quady’s Family

There are no words to describe the unimaginable loss of our beloved Sam, a devoted father, son, brother and uncle. A ray of sunshine, full of life, and deeply loved by everyone whose path he crossed. He brought joy, kindness, and passion to everything he did, and the world is a lesser place without him in it.

Sam was an Alaska Airlines pilot, a pole vaulter, a bobsledder, a luge enthusiast, a skier, a river rafter, and someone who was always ready for any adventure. Wherever Sam went, life got better. Friends from middle school track, from the pilot’s seat, from luge tracks in Park City and Lake Placid, from Utah State pole vault, and all around the world all say the same thing: Sam was one of the best.

Nothing defined Sam more than his love for his children. He found a closed housing development so his son James could practice luge on wheels in the offseason. He built a full-size USATF-certified pole vault facility in his own backyard and opened it to any kid in Oregon who wanted to compete. He even welcomed professional vaulters, hoping to attract big names to train there ahead of the Olympic Trials in Oregon, and opened his pit to a California athlete during Covid to help her reach walk-on height for college vaulting. That was Sam, always thinking of others, always opening his door. He was endlessly creative and willing to do absolutely anything for his kids and his community. To know Sam was to know how deeply he loved being a dad.

Sam’s athletic journey was remarkable. He set high school pole vault records, went on to compete at Utah State, and made Team USA in bobsled, a sport he never let go of. He could often be found driving the bobsled track in Whistler, living out his love for the sport that first introduced his family to the sliding world. That spark led to James finding his passion in luge, and Sam became his biggest champion every step of the way.

Sam coached track and pole vault and was adored by every young athlete he worked with. He gave so much of himself to ensure kids felt supported, encouraged, and happy. Sam showed them a care and dedication that went far beyond sport. He wanted every child to know their dreams could be realized and to never stop reaching for them. He touched so many young lives and never stopped giving back.

His niece Emma still remembers the day Sam took her river rafting for the very first time. She fell in love with it, and that love was his gift to her. His nephew Jack, inspired by watching his uncle soar, recently earned acceptance into the aviation program at CTEC in Salem, following in Sam’s footsteps toward the skies. His daughter Callie holds her own precious memories close. She and Sam would make the family’s traditional cinnamon rolls together and deliver them to Aunt Molly’s and Grandma and Boppa’s. She also remembers a very special trip, just the two of them, flying to New York City and making it all the way down to see Lady Liberty’s toes. Those were the moments Sam lived for.

Fly high, Sam, as you always did. May you forever rest in peace.

How You Can Help

The funds raised here will directly support Sam’s family as they navigate this heartbreaking time and the road ahead. Sam poured everything into his children’s dreams, and your generosity will help carry those dreams forward. James is pursuing his goals in luge and Callie is continuing her journey in gymnastics, and helping them continue is one of the most meaningful ways we can honor Sam’s legacy. He was such a proud dad, and he would be so moved to know how many people came together to make sure his kids could keep reaching for their dreams. Please consider donating, sharing this fundraiser, and leaving a message of love or a cherished memory. Let this family feel the warmth of the extraordinary community Sam built around him.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​