Sam S. Thacker

Samuel "Sam" Scott Thacker, 54, died unexpectedly June 21, 2022, at his home in East Wenatchee. Sam was born in Longview, WA but was raised in Wenatchee. He had the best parents in the world, Andy and Christie Thacker. Their love, support and guidance is what made Sam the wonderful person he was. Sam was a kind and loving child but with an adventurous and sometimes mischievous streak. He attended Washington Elementary, Orchard Middle School and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1986. Sam played many sports in his youth before joining the Wenatchee Youth Circus in 1980. He loved the circus and its founder, Paul "Guppo" Pugh. After high school, that love of the circus took him to Australia where he toured and performed with the Ashton Circus. When Sam returned home from Australia, he began teaching and mentoring the next generation of performers alongside Guppo in the Wenatchee Youth Circus. He became Guppo's right hand man and assistant director. Sam met the love of his life and best friend, Jennifer Cave, in 1991.They were married a year, week and 2 days later. They spent 30 years raising their family starting with Jake in 1994 and Mitchell in 1998. Sam and Jen also helped raised 3 young ladies, Layceann, Kayla and Colleen. The Youth Circus also provided Sam and Jen with hundreds of kids to teach and mentor. This was Sam's greatest joy! Sam was a big NASCAR fan. He also loved to bowl. Sam could be found at the bowling alley 2 to 3 times a week. Though he never got a sanctioned 300 games, he did have two 299 games that he was very proud of. Sam also like to fish, camp, play cards and be with his dogs, Sasha and Jax Sam is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children, Jake and Mitchell Thacker, Layceann and Chris Russell, Kayla and Colleen Taylor; grandsons, Greyson Phillips and Carter Russell; parents, Andy and Christie Thacker; sister, Vicki Steiner; nieces, Isabel Ramirez and Alexandria Steiner; half siblings, Dylan Dorhofer, Rebecca Harrison, Laurie Rasco, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jack and Jean Paslay, in-laws, Allen and Nancy Cave, many aunts, uncles, and cousins that he loved dearly. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, July 16, 2022, 10:30am, at Wenatchee High School auditorium; a come and go potluck reception to follow at 12:00 pm at the Eagles in Wenatchee. Hawaiian shirts encouraged.

Sam S. Thacker

April 27, 1968 - June 21, 2022