Samuel Vander Heide

Samuel Lewis VanderHeide
January 4, 1945 – November 9, 2026

Samuel VanderHeide, 81, passed away on November 9, 2026. Affectionately known as “Sammy” to his childhood friends in West Ogden, Sam will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend whose dedication, humor, and love for family left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Born on January 4, 1945, in Ogden, Utah, Sam was a true Utah native who spent most of his life in Weber County and later made his home in Clinton. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of spending summers in Idaho with his cousins. He graduated from Ben Lomond High School and maintained a lifelong connection with his classmates. He especially enjoyed planning and attending high school reunions, where he could reconnect with old friends and reminisce.

In 1987, Sam married his sweetheart, Shari. Together they shared many wonderful years, adventures, and memories. He especially treasured the many trips they took to Hawaii with friends.

Sam dedicated much of his professional life to serving and protecting others. He worked for the Weber County Sheriff's Office, ultimately serving as Chief Deputy Sheriff, until his retirement in 1997. Never one to sit still, he continued his career as Director of Animal Control in Summit County and later worked as a security guard at McKay-Dee Hospital.

His dedication to service extended beyond his career and into his faith. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sam served in the California North Mission and faithfully served in various Church callings. He found great joy in family history work and serving in the Ogden Temple, both of which reflected his love for family and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sam was hardworking, organized, and always concerned about his family's well-being. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease those around him. He enjoyed sharing funny stories and anecdotes that brought laughter to family gatherings. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed gardening, and loved to travel. Making and maintaining friendships came naturally to him, and he genuinely enjoyed the people who crossed his path.

Sam's greatest legacy is the family he loved and the many lives he touched. He is survived by his daughters Shaunell (Kenyon) O'Hara, Shelley (Thian) Nakasone, Connie (Chad) Wright, Tammy (Mike) Gates, and Samantha (David) Larsen; stepdaughters Stacey (Kurt) Strong and Stephanie (Joe) Akre; stepson Shane (April) Ward; his sister, Judy Bingham; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shari; his parents, Samuel and Anona VanderHeide; his brothers-in-law Brent Bingham and Steven Hill, and sisters-in-law Vickie Otterstrom and Bonnie Clark, and his son-in-law, Leo McCabe.

Sam's presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his laughter, stories, adventures, and love will live on through the generations of family and friends whose lives he touched.

A viewing will be held Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S. 1900 W., Roy, Utah.
A second viewing will be held Friday, November 20, 2026, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at the Clinton 7th Ward Chapel, 1448 W. 1800 N., Clinton, Utah, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m.
Friends and family are invited to share memories and upload photos to Sam's memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com, helping preserve the legacy of love, friendship, and laughter he leaves behind.

Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Roy.