Sawyer Cope VanPoppelen
Sawyer Cope VanPoppelen, age 31, passed away in the Nolan Neighborhood of Northeast Detroit on May 15th, 2025. Sawyer is survived by his parents and his brother Holden.
He was born on June 1, 1993, in Detroit, Michigan to Patricia (Pat) and Christopher (Chris) VanPoppelen. He resided in Detroit prior to moving to Troy, Michigan.
His loving grandparents Gerald (Gerry) and Mary Lou Monroe and the deceased Frank and Mary Doris VanPoppelen opened their heart and home to Sawyer and Holden. They were fantastic babysitters and were always there when needed.
Sawyer was compassionate and strong. He cared about others more than himself. He was a charismatic and natural leader. In his youth, whether he was organizing a game with his brother and cousins or captaining the Troy rugby team, he excelled at bringing people together. Later while in the workforce he exhibited those same characteristics. He was caring, kind, intelligent and funny.
He loved and was well loved by his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with them in in nature, whether camping in the Upper Peninsula or vacationing in Florida.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Sawyer’s tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
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Sawyer was very passionate. If he was in on something he was all in. His passion, however, didn’t prevent him from being an incredible companion because he was also always aware of other people’s needs. I am thankful for the time that we had together.
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Sawyer. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I was just thinking the other day about how your stories of camping with Sawyer and Holden, all those years ago, actually inspired me to start camping with my own children. I hope the beautiful love and cherished memories you shared with Sawyer will bring you some comfort and help ease your pain during this incredibly difficult time.
I have more memories than I can count with Sawyer. He was one of my best friends growing up all through grade school. He was a Pilar I could lean on growing up as a kid, and I could never thank him enough for that. Much love to him and his soul. Also much love to Mr and Mrs V and Holden. I love all you guys and well be thinking about everyone. Well catch you soon
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. During this time of grief, may you find solace in the love and memories you shared with Sawyer.
Patti, Our heartfelt condolences sent to you all. We are keeping you and your family in our prayers and sending much love as you navigate this heartbreaking time.
Pat- Sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Lifting you and your family in prayer.
Your former Lynn Haven neighbor, Haley
Here’s to Sawyer, to all the lives he touched with his bright light, directly and through the many stories that echoed around him. May he rest in peace.
Chris, I wish I could properly convey the depth of the love and respect I have for you, and how effortlessly they extend to your family. Take good care.
Sawyer had a great way of making the visitors feel welcome. Even at his grandparents home. He was an excellent host and companion at family get- togethers. If anyone needed anything he was on it. Love you family, mom💕 and dad💕. Prayers are going up for you.
I did not know Sawyer; however, I know his father to be a caring and thoughtful person who treats everyone with respect. I imagine Sawyer was a fine man who shared these traits and had a kind, loving nature. My heart goes out especially to his parents and to all who loved him. May he rest in peace.
Our hearts go out to you all during the heartbreak of loosing Sawyer. Please know we are holding you up in prayer for peace and comfort during this time of sorrow.
My heart is breaking for your entire family. I can’t even express the deep sorrow I feel for your loss. I remember Sawyer fondly with school memories he shared with our son, Joey. Two memories that come quickly to mind are Sawyer going to Cedar Point with our family for the weekend, and transplanting the gazillions of hostas in my front yard. Those hostas still grace the front of our house and look fantastic. He never took a dime for all the hard work he and Joey did that day. He was a kind, thoughtful young man and will be greatly missed. My prayers are with all of you and especially Sawyer during this difficult time. I will always remember Sawyer as the kind and generous young man that he certainly was. God Bless Sawyer
Oh, I’m in pieces, it’s tearing me up, but I know
A heart that’s broke is a heart that’s been loved
Spread your wings as you go
And when God takes you back
He’ll say, “Hallelujah, you’re home”
Our family’s heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and everyone who loved Sawyer! We hope all the memories you have of him bring you a small sense of comfort during this most difficult time. Steve and Angela Ferensic
I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. My heart is broken over losing my nephew Sawyer. Though I didn’t get to see him as often as I wished, every moment with him was truly special. He was kind, loving, funny, and such a joy to be around. We will miss him more than words can say.
Please know I’m here for you, today and always. Sawyer’s memory will live on in the love he shared and the happiness he brought to all of us.
With all my love,
Angie
I remember the fun and joy of spending time with Sawyer, Holden, Pat and Chris with our family during holidays and birthdays. Sawyer had a good heart. He will be missed.
– Uncle Dennis
Chris,
We are all deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved son Sawyer. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you and your family during this time.
I never met Sawyer, but I recall how every time we spoke, you mentioned some activity or trip you were either planning or had just completed with your kids. From reading everyone’s messages, its apparent that Sawyer was a remarkable person, and his warmth, kindness, and spirit touched so many lives. His memory will always live on in the countless moments of joy and love he shared with those around him.
With my deepest condolences
Hassan
Chris & Pat,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and the days ahead. I’m very sorry to learn about Sawyer’s passing and send caring thoughts and love to all of you!
Michael