Tripp Michael Schultz was born on 08/11/1992 in Ogden, Utah to Brenda Sudweeks and Matthew Schultz. He came into this world with his lifelong best friend and Grim Twin, Dante Schultz.
Tripp passed away unexpectedly on 12/18/2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
He is survived by his parents Brenda & Michael Sudweeks, Matthew & Sherree Schultz, and his siblings: Dante (Taylor), Nick (Dani), Will, Tyler, Ethan, Michaela, Mckennan, and Mitchel. He is also survived by his grandmother Connie Schultz, his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew, and the many more friends and family that he found and loved so deeply along the way.
Tripp was preceded in death and welcomed into the loving embrace of his grandparents Vincent & Sharron Spilde of Lander, Wyoming and Stephen Schultz of Clinton, Utah.
To know Tripp was to immediately love Tripp. He had a smile that lit up the room, and a booming contagious laugh that instantly drew people to want to meet him. He was a fiercely loyal friend to anyone he met and would go to the ends of the Earth to help and protect those in need. Tripp was a strong advocate, participating in peaceful protests and shielding members of his community; He could be found joyously participating in LGBTQIA+ celebrations and advocating for the queer community. Tripp also loved children and often rose to action in championing for their safety - kids adored Tripp and found kinship in his forever-young personality and the safe space he created. He always extended his hand to those who felt lost or scared, and many found continuous respite in his company.
Tripp was an avid musician, playing bass guitar in multiple bands and touring with his bandmates in Consumed by Silence, The Lament Configuration and many more. Tripp loved horror movies and was particularly interested in early horror films from the 1930s and ‘50s, such as Frankenstein, The Invisible Man and Creature from the Black Lagoon. He enjoyed camping and being in nature, often surrounded by friends; he enjoyed working with his hands and had a natural skill in carpentry and mechanics, and could often be found working on cars or putting together a new project. He took special interest in robotics, space exploration and theoretical physics.
Tripp made a career in managing and tending the bar at local pubs like Piper Down and Citizens, and was passionate about his work there; he loved his regular patrons who would stop in to grab a bite or a quick drink, and his coworkers quickly became a close-knit family; his open-armed approach to everyone who entered the doors made a huge impact on all those he came in contact with.
Tripp made a deep impact on the lives of all those who found him. The amount of support, love and admiration to come forth since his departure shows just how truly and deeply he loved and was loved by everyone who knew him, even briefly.
Tripp’s loving friends and coworkers are hosting a memorial celebration at Piper Down in Salt Lake City on December 28th at 7PM. For those attending, please bring a new or gently used blanket.
In honor of Tripp's passion, love, and goofy-goober nature, we will be building the best blanket fort to share all of the amazing stories we have of him. Afterwards, all blankets will be donated to the VOA’s LGBTQIA+ resource center in Tripp’s name.
An upcoming celebration of life will be held by the family and the dates and location will be shared online. A tree planting memorial will be held in the spring in his honor. Any who knew and loved him are welcome to join us in remembering the light he brought into the world and to the hearts of so many.
In lieu of flowers or cards, we have several very important requests for those that loved him, knew him, or are reading about him for the very first time here. This is how my brother would want to be remembered and have his memory honored.
First, always be unapologetically yourself. Love yourself. Shine bright and true.
Second, love hard and unconditionally. Surround yourself with the people that lift you up and be the voice and shoulder for those who need it. And finally, if you ever feel lost and alone know that he will always be with us. Energy like Tripp’s will live forever.
