Christian James Sanchez was born in Plano, Texas and was killed during a storm while camping near Basswood Lake in Ontario, Canada while participating in a BSA Northern Tier Trek from the Charles L Sommers Canoe Base. He is survived by his parents, James Omar Sanchez and Rhonda Russell Sanchez; his sister, Isabella Michelle Sanchez; his grandmother, Yolanda Sanchez Coco; and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. Christian was devoted to his older sister, Isabella, and at the time of his death considered his Northern Tier Crewmates as his brothers. Christian was a joyful young man who was always ready for an adventure. He was entering the eighth grade at Trinity Christian Academy where he was an excellent student, a promising athlete, an artist and a caring friend to all. Christian was a Prince of Peace Christian School "Eagle" from preschool through fourth grade where he made some of his most lasting friendships. Christian was an active and beloved member of St Andrew United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. He spent many hours at St Andrew from the earliest ages. Christian was a worship leader from kindergarten to his death as an integral member of the children's and then Salt and Light youth choirs. He was an active member of the St Andrew Youth Group. In the last weeks of his life, Christian poured out God's love on others in Lake Providence Louisiana on the annual youth Mission Trip and throughout New York City on the annual Salt and Light Youth Choir Concert Tour. Christian embodied the tenants of the Scout Law. Christian joined Pack 701 (sponsored by Prince of Peace Christian School and Lutheran Church) as a Tiger Cub in first grade eagerly completing each requirement to advance through the Cub Scout and Webelos ranks culminating in his earning of the Arrow of Light and Webelos Super Achiever Awards. Christian enthusiastically made the transition to Boy Scouts in fifth grade and was a valued member of Troop 121 (sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Carrollton). Troop 121 enabled Christian's natural leadership skills to be refined through various Patrol leadership positions and completion of Den Chief Training, Oak Leaf Training and National Youth Leadership Training. In 2016, Christian was named Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, served as acting Senior Patrol Leader for Summer Camp at Camp Constantin and was nominated to the Order of the Arrow national honor society by election of his peers. Subsequent to his death, Christian has been awarded the Spirit of the Eagle Award by the Boy Scouts of America. Visitation will be held at Aria Memorial Chapel on Thursday, July 28, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:30pm. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at St Andrew United Methodist Church on Friday, July 29, 2016, at 10am with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Sanchez Memorial Scholarship Fund at Trinity Christian Academy. "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." Isaiah 40:8 Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700