Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Garret Zuppiger Obituary
Garret Zuppiger, 27, loved to be funny, said Tony Burris, a trainer at a gym where many of the Hotshots worked out.
Burris said the two bonded over their hyper-manly ginger facial hair.
"We both had a red beard and so we would always admire each other's beards," he said. "We also had a few conversations about beer."
Zuppiger's humor was evident on his blog where he wrote about his grandmother's one-eyed Chihuahua, his "best hair day ever" and a hike with his mother on Camelback Mountain in Phoenix. There's also photos of a tongue-in-cheek project to build a "ski-chair," in which a living room recliner was placed atop two skis.
"Garret Zuppiger turns 25!" he wrote in a post several years ago. "Everyday is like a gift!!"
Associated Press reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles; and Felicia Fonseca and Hannah Dreier in Prescott contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
120 Entries
Hallory Roth
February 21, 2014
What an amazing writer he was--his blog is wonderful! I am sorry for his friends and family--a terrible loss.
Daniel Koerschner
January 4, 2014
Some days are hard for me and I just want us to be kids again. You may be gone but noone will ever forget you. I miss you dog.
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of Garret,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
How you can show support
A headstone from ireland quote
August 15, 2013
Michelle Kendall& Family
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
A mountain reflection the stars
August 9, 2013
The voyage
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Zuppiger
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
Twizzle Williams
August 3, 2013
We love you buddy!!
Still can't believe your gone:(
Thank you for all you have done for my family. And for saving all those in yarnell. You truly are and will be missed~till we chill again kiddo<3
Nikki Aloisio
July 14, 2013
"Lifting the family up in prayer"
May God comfort the family and give
them peace.
"The HotShots will forever be loved and remembered"
SHIRLEY DOIL
July 13, 2013
RIP GARRET. WE WILL MISS ALL THE FUN TIMES WE SHARED IN DEWEY AND THE WAY YOU ALWAYS ENJOYED THE SIMPLE AND BEAUTIFUL THINGS IN LIFE, NATURE HIKES AND RIDING YOUR BIKE AS JUST A COUPLE.SHIRLEY DOIL, WANDA SCHMIDT, DEWAYNE SPIRES,AND ALL THE BOYS.SURE GOING TO MISS YOU BUT YOUR TURN HAS COME TO GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN AND WATCH DOWN TO KEEP THE REST OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY SAFE. YOUR FAMILY CERTAINLY RAISED A WONDERFUL BLESSING. GOD BLESS AND BE WITH THEM
Heather Lederer
July 12, 2013
You are forever etched in my memory for your sacrifice.
Heather Lederer
July 12, 2013
God bless you for your sacrifice! My prayers go out to all who know you for their hearts are broken and can never be repaired! May you RIP and know you are missed
Amanda and Don Vollmer
July 12, 2013
Our hearts are with your family. We are sorry for your tremendous loss.
Deborah Bostrom
July 12, 2013
To Garret's family our hearts go out to you. No words can express our feelings. God Bless. Deborah and David Bostrom
Ed and Christine Bridwell
July 12, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss and we pray that Garret's honor and his amazing zest for life will remain alive in your hearts. Our prayers that God will provide comfort and peace in each moment. Our kids,Greenway High friends, spoke of all good times with Garret.
Karen Zuppiger Groves
July 11, 2013
I just can't imagine the world without you. Our family is now incomplete. There is such a huge hole where you were. I still can hear the way you used to banter back and forth with your grandfather, you kept him on his feet that is for sure. We miss you kid, I wish I could have had more time with you. You were a gift to us all. The way you lived in every moment and gave of yourself is something that I will keep in my heart.
Love to you,
Aunt Karen
Bernie & Brenda Martin
July 10, 2013
Are thoughts and prayers go out to Garret's family. It was a pleasure watching Garret grow up to be such a fine youth man. Every time Garret visited us his wit and humor made our day.
Patti Timmerman
July 10, 2013
Sending my deepest sorrow, love and prayers to the family. Garret, I will remember you ... always. ?
Nancy Bruns Finch
July 10, 2013
I feel very proud to know that this young man was part of my family and very sad that I never got to meet him. He looks so like a Fisher. Grandpa Jack has taken him under his wing & they are fishing.
Vicki Vasquez
July 10, 2013
My heart goes out to you for your loss. May God be with you. Garret is a true hero and will be remembered.
Bob & Wanda Chaulklin
July 10, 2013
We new Garret during his high school days, a close friend of our daughters, Amber, Chase & Misti.....Always a very fun, humorous & respectful young man! Family & Friends are in our Prayers.
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
melissa hawkins-hoffman
July 9, 2013
Grandpa, my name is Melissa (Mel). I used to work at Zeke's here in Prescott, your bartender. I miss you. I miss him. I loved him, I love him. I'm so sorry. All I know is, heaven is more beautiful now. And all the angels are now as privileged we were. Blessed be
Kevin and Tasha
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Lynda Maleta
July 8, 2013
Find healing in the cheerished memories that will live on of these Angels. These "19 HEROES OF THE FOREST" will never be forgotten. Keep the Faith. Many Blessings and Hugs.
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
Debbie Clark Furgerson
July 8, 2013
Uncle Tom, Aunt Donna, Bill and Suzanne, I am so sorry for this great tragedy that has overcome our family. Garrett looks like a Fisher thru- and thru! I know you are proud of the young man he had become. I'm sure he and Grand Jack are fishing today! Blessings and love to you all!
Vanessa Dahn
July 7, 2013
Our hearts go out to your family in this time of great sorrow. May you have all the fond memories of Garret to help sustain you through the grief. Garret was a hero, as were each one of his comrades that perished. Always remember the good times, as these thoughts will keep him more real and his time here more meaningful.
Sincerely,
Gary & Vanessa Dahn
Greenway High School Class of 1978
Mike Willing
July 7, 2013
Garret, we were good friends as kids and even though we went different ways through HS and further I never forgot growing up with a kid that loved to make people laugh and push the limits of the YMCA counselors like I did :) I wish we woulda stayed better friends but I'll never forget the times we spent. You were an awesome guy, and there are so many lives that are that much less with you gone. RIP brother, we will not forget you
Templeton Walker
July 7, 2013
We know you are in a better place and our prayers are with your family my friend...
Jo Allen
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sandra Gordon
July 6, 2013
Everyday is a gift. This was his motto. I shall try to live it everyday. May his family find peace and comfort. RIP . . . From Donya's mom
Laura Clementson-Johnson
July 6, 2013
May you have everlasting peace Garret.
I know Rick will miss you more than you could know. I can still picture you with your stocking hat on making jokes in my kitchen. That makes me smile.
Julie
July 5, 2013
Garret.You had such an incredible brilliancy about you...I hate the idea of living in a world without a Garret Zuppiger in it... you gave something so special I am so lucky to have known you and call you my friend... I have never seen someone so loved by so many. love you always.... give Rissa hugs for me... see you again. love.
Diana Frank Hancock
July 4, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with this family . My son went to high school with him I remember him coming over to our home to visit and ride my sons hand made barrel for bull riding . This loss has made my heart so heavy for my son is the same age as Garret . May God bless this Heros family
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
Martha moreno
July 4, 2013
Thoughts and prayers going out to this brave man that lost his life in thinking of others. May God give you the strength that you need at this time.
July 4, 2013
So sorry for your loss...may he rest in paradise
Vicky Quiroz
July 4, 2013
I still picture you as an 11 year old kid sitting at our dinner table doing your Beavis and Butthead talk and me scolding you to behave yourself. That is the Garret I take with me.
Sharon Anderson
July 4, 2013
I understand why you do not wish to talk to the reporters. But I do want you to know that Prescott (and beyond) is mourning with you. I hope you will find peace. I lost my own son in May to heart disease. He wasn't that old. The ache and emptiness don't go away easily. May God comfort you.
The Earland Family
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry about you loss. What a wonderful person he was! God cares so deeply about us that he has gone to great lengths to make the fulfillment of his promise a certainty (John 3:16) One of his promises is no more death. Another of his promises is that those in his memory will be brought back to life. May these promises comfort you.
susan cowell
July 4, 2013
Thoughts and prayers with the family of this BRAVE firefighter who thought nothing of putting his life on the line to save others
KO
July 4, 2013
You are in heaven now. Bless you. We will always remember you and thank you. Amen.
Karen O'Toole
July 4, 2013
My heart bleeds for you. I am so so sorry. I wish I could take on some of your pain. Please be well. I wish I knew what to say. I am crying for you.Thank you.
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with your family
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
I've struggled and failed to find words that truly encompass the loss of such a great person like Garret and his 18 comrades. I met him only once in May of 2013 and found him to be an all around excellent person; he was outgoing, kind, free-spirited, and funny, to name a few.
I will not forget Garret or this tragedy. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and my sister, Emilee. I cannot comprehend the magnitude of your loss.
Garret and Parker at Slide Rock
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
At Slide Rock, May 2013
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
Emilee and Garret at the Haunted Burger in Jerome, AZ. May 2013
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
At the Haunted Burger in Jerome, AZ
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
Emilee and Garret at Slide Rock, May 2013
Chadrick Ashby
July 3, 2013
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
My sincerest condolences, love, and light to the Zuppiger family. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell; Toronto Fire Services
July 3, 2013
a true hero. prayers toyour family rip
Always in our hearts!
July 3, 2013
Danny & Joyce Snide
July 3, 2013
Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az
Lori Delgado
July 3, 2013
It is important to remember that being a firefighter was a dream and a passion for this young man. He was Brave and a Hero, who loved his work. You should be so proud of Garret for all that he has done. Its heartbreaking for eveyone, but mostly for you, the families, and friends who knew Garret well. He will be missed by many, but he will be in our hearts always.
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
My deepest condolonces for the Zuppiger family. May God bless and comfort each during this time. A true Hero!
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Catalina flyer
July 3, 2013
Everyone from the Catalina flyer sends there sincere condolences to the family. Thoughts and prayers
Leslie Christison
July 3, 2013
I only met Garret once but I quickly learned that he his kindness, ability to never meet a stranger, humor, and love of life is what drove him. Thoughts and prayers to his family, Emilee, and friends. He has left a legacy.
Dave and Susan
July 3, 2013
I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Garrets family and friends. We met Garret about 2months ago, he immediately touched our hearts with his quick wit and constant smile. We are deeply sadened by the loss of such a great man, you will be missed!
July 3, 2013
May God take this young hero and his family under his wing and bless them always.
Darlene
July 3, 2013
Thank for your service.RIP
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God bless the Zuppiger family and friends during this difficult time. Garret is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did for a living. May God bless Garret!
Lynn Paige
July 3, 2013
Garret worked with us at PerfectPower Solar.
We all remember him with fondness and honor his ultimate sacrifice while keeping us safe. Garret left the world a brighter place by sharing his light with us for a time.
Karyn Handy
July 3, 2013
After reading about Garret, I feel his family and friends will really miss his sense of humor and love of family. My prayers are with all of you who are grieving this profound tragedy and the loss of Garret. He was a hero and I thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect others. May God comfort each of you in the days ahead and may He give you peace, and wonderful memories to sustain you.
Jenni Mosca
July 3, 2013
Oh zookeeper, I cannot think of someone loved more than you. You stole my heart when I was 9 and you've kept on ever since .... I love every memory I have with you because even a simple convo with you a memory makes. I just love you. Shower Riss with kisses ( and perhaps some cheap beer) "now it's time to get out of the desert and into the sun, even if its alone"
Patricia (Patty) Gallagher (Gehris)
July 3, 2013
Peace be with you, Garret and your dear family for whom I've missed these past years. I will always remember the great times we had while you were growing-up. So vibrant, so fun and funny, so smart, so handsome. I will always remember you forever. My deepest condolences and love to your family. Rest In Peace!
Austin LaMotte
July 3, 2013
R.I.P Garret. I will always remember your sacrifice
Ernie Peraza
July 3, 2013
Rest in peace friend . My prayers are with your family.
Robyn
July 2, 2013
You get a real sense of Garret from his photograph. Strong, scrappy,funny, fiery!
May peace be with you all and know our hearts are with you!
Edgar&Nell Brown
July 2, 2013
Our prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace from all your unselfish labors. Thank you for service.
Donya's Mom
July 2, 2013
I had the pleasure of knowing Garret fairly well when he was in high school. He and my daughter dated for a short time, but even still, stayed really good friends. He would come to our house often after school while waiting for his mom to pick him up. There were other times as well, and all were filled with fun and laughter. He always had a way to make you laugh. He truly lived and loved life. My heart is broken with his loss. RIP Garret . . you will be sorely missed.
Kate Lathrop
July 2, 2013
We had the pleasure of knowing Garret for several years as we are neighbors of his grandmother. Garret was an exceptional young man, incredibly brave and will be greatly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers
Sarah wyczawski
July 2, 2013
May God hold you tight in your time of mourning. May peace find you quickly; you're always in our prayers.
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
Deeply sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Garret was a hero, and he will never be forgotten for his selflessness.
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless your family.
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.
Trish H.
July 2, 2013
Dearest Emily and Garret's family, I'm truly sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking along with yours. I know God will bless you now and forever. Garret is a hero, an incredibly brave and kind man.
With love,
Jody K
July 2, 2013
I am so very sorry that your family is going through this great loss with the passing of Garret. Please know that your family and his friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Julie O'Kon-Vallely
July 2, 2013
Our sympathies and heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
July 2, 2013
Deepest of Sympathies to the Zuppiger family. May he rest in peace.
Kim Duguay-Graziano
A high school classmate of Garret's parents.
Mary Holmes
July 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy for your loss. This was a Horrific situation for all involved. Hold your memmories close to your heart. and may god bless you all. Garret will always be in my prayers.
Nancy and Norm Sandoz
July 2, 2013
As so many have expressed, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Such a fine young man who gave so much. God will bless you with strength and comfort at this tremendous loss. He is in heaven with our Lord.
July 2, 2013
God's Blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
andy
July 2, 2013
Keep on Keepin on brother! We are better men having known you.
Maria
July 2, 2013
Condolences to the family for the great loss of a young man caring for his community. May they find comfort in his bravery and kind soul
The O'Coys
July 2, 2013
We are deeply sadden by this tragic event. We send our deepest sympathies to Garret Family and Friends. Go in Peace Garret. You will never be forgotten. A HEROE you are.
Alison R.
July 2, 2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to Garret's family especially his wonderful grandmother. I am so sad and heartbroken for all of you. He was a true hero and will be remembered as one. Your family is in my prayers.
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gina Winstead
July 2, 2013
I'm so glad I had the pleasure of meeting you. You always had a smile on your face and would say hello to me. The summer of 2011 will always be the most memorable summer I had so much fun hanging with you and your friends. Im gonna miss you garret. Thank you for your bravery and service you maybe gone but you will NOT be forgotten. Love you garret :(
jacki
July 2, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for your family!
Ryan and Amy Trask
July 2, 2013
We wll miss your infectious smile. We will miss your contagious laugh. We will miss your sill antics and that big red beard and mustache you were so proud of. But most of all, we will miss you! We will cherish every memory you have given us for the rest of our lives. We love you Garret, rest in peace!
Claudia Reissig
July 2, 2013
My heart goes out to all of Garret's friends and families. As I watched the live fire update, I was saddened to hear all of the 19 names who passed. I was shocked to hear Garret's name. I went to Desert Foothills with Garret and we had many mutual skater friends. After school or on the weekends we would all go to the church/coffee shop to hang out while the boys would skate. Although it's been many years since we've hung out, I feel like it would be just like yesterday if we did. I will always remember him as fun-loving, very nice, silly, and up-for-anything. Please accept my prayers and sympathies for his loss. I can't imagine the pain you are going through during this difficult time - Garret will always be remembered as a hero to those who barely knew him, those who knew him well, and those who got the opportunity to know him through his bravery. Sending much love to you all during this tragic time.
Showing 1 - 100 of 120 results
Make a Donation
in Garret Zuppiger's name
How to support Garret's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Garret Zuppiger's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored