WILLIAM JOHN WARDRIP

WARDRIP, WILLIAM JOHN With deepest sorrow, the family of William John Wardrip (born on November 12, 1992) announces the passing of their beloved William. Will was a junior at Santa Fe Christian High School where he was an accomplished student, and an outstanding player on both the varsity football and varsity lacrosse teams. Will is fondly remembered by his many friends as an amazing athlete who excelled at football, lacrosse, skiing, baseball, surfing, and soccer, playing on many championship teams and receiving MVP honors and Coaches Awards. A player with a big heart, Will led by example, bringing passion and great spirit to all of the playing fields of his life. Will was quick to laugh, always enjoying a good prank. With a seemingly ever-present infectious smile he endeared himself to the hearts of all who knew him. Parents, friends, teachers, coaches; he was admired and loved deeply by all. Will's family cherished his gentle, caring nature, his cheerfulness in all weather, and his love and enthusiasm not only for his life, but for all members of his family. Will was a loving and loyal son, brother, cousin, nephew, and grandson. His life is a gift, an immeasurable blessing from God. Will now has the heavenly sun shining on his shoulders, he is slicing through the backfield into the open-ground of heaven's great playing field. Gracefully, effortlessly, tirelessly he runs, in all his abounding youthful glory. With a wink and a grin he passes us by and whispers, "I'm OK I am with you always .I will see you again." William is survived by his mother and father, Sara and Dr. Eric Wardrip, his elder brother, Edward Wardrip, attending New York University, and his little sister, Elizabeth Wardrip. On Will's paternal side, he is survived by his grandmother, Kathleen Wardrip, of Westport, Connecticut; his uncle Gregg Wardrip of Sacramento; his aunt and uncle Deborah and Jack Zucco of Wilton, Connecticut; his aunt and uncle Leslie and Craig Thompson of Milford, Connecticut; and his cousins Allison Zucco of New York City, Johnnie Zucco of Wilton, Connecticut, and Lyndsey, Shannon, and Bryan Thompson of Milford, Connecticut. Will is predeceased by his grandfathers Edward Wardrip of Westport, Connecticut and Allen Matthews of Clinton, Iowa. On Will's maternal side, he is survived by his grandmother, Billie Milford of Spokane, Washington; his aunt and uncle Sherry and Rusty Ellis of Dallas, Texas; his aunt and uncle Kim and John Milford of Calgary, Alberta; and his cousins Kris Ellis of Denver, Colorado, Cory Ellis of Dallas, Texas and Jake and Riley Milford both of Calgary, Alberta. Will is predeceased by his grandfather Jake Milford of Vancouver, British Columbia. A Service will be held at the Horizon Church at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the organization "Advocates for Injured Athletes" (contact information at injuredathletes.org).