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Tristan William Sawatski, age 14, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
Tristan was born on Saturday, October 31, 2009, in Dallas, Texas to Ryan and Jessica (Wilson) Sawatski. Tristan was raised in Chandler, Oklahoma, attending Chandler Public Schools. He was currently a 7th grade student at Chandler Jr. High School where he loved his teachers, friends, and classmates, and they adored him.
Tristan lived life to the fullest in spite of having hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart condition requiring three open heart surgeries and multiple related medical procedures. He soldiered through every surgery and procedure like the Heart Warrior he was. He was often referred to as “The Dog Whisperer” due to his close attachment to his dogs, Mia, and Taz, both pugs (his favorite breed), and his chihuahua, Peanut. Tristan’s love for dogs extended beyond his own. He loved all dogs, and all dogs loved him.
He enjoyed all things automotive and loved attending car shows with his family and car club, the Okie Sleds. He was a huge fan of the T.V. show “Street Outlaws”, all Fast and Furious movies, any movie with Will Ferrell and watching car building shows on T.V. He loved playing GTA (Grand Theft Auto) with his big brother on his Xbox (even though his mom didn’t approve). Tristan loved Mexican food especially from Michoacano’s in Chandler or any Mexican food restaurant for that matter. Tristan’s other interests included watching WWE and cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved telling jokes and pulling pranks, especially on his big brother.
Tristan was a proud athlete of the Special Olympics. He began competing in kindergarten where he participated in track and field as well as bocce ball. He brought home countless medals and touched countless more lives along the way. Last year, his schoolmates recognized his accomplishments with a Walk of Fame through the school halls.
Tristan never failed to find a friend and hear “hey Tristan!” wherever he would go. He gained a following of friends and family members who, with wanting to keep up with his endeavors, formed a community of supporters: “Team Tristan.” Tristan was instrumental in starting a charity car show for the Ronald McDonald House, in honor of the care they gave him and his family.
His courage, strength and affinity for lemon water were unmatched. He was a warrior. A heart warrior. A real-life hero. No matter the place, no matter the type of gathering, whether it was five people or five hundred, Tristan was the center of attention. His mere presence commanded it. He was quick with a joke, a hug and on many occasions, a 90’s rap song and a movie quote. He had a smile that could light up the darkest of rooms. A laugh that was so contagious, one couldn’t help but laugh right along with him. He adored his family and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with them at the lake and numerous gatherings. Tristan was always down for a party!
Tristan touched the lives of thousands in his short but beautiful life. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew him. To know him was to love him. It was instant and automatic. Although he is physically no longer with us, Tristan will live forever in our hearts and souls. He has made sure of it.
Tristan is survived by his parents Ryan and Jessica Sawatski, big brother Caleb, grandparents Bill and Pam Sawatski, Scott and Teresa Wilson, Aunts and Uncles Kendra and Rob Speight, Chelsey and Daniel Smith, Jarrett Wilson and his daughter Quinn Wilson, cousins Jerrod and Destinie Helie and their 3 children, Tyler Helie, Kyle Helie and great grandparents Darrell and Carol Wilson, as well as many great aunts and uncles, and more cousins and hundreds of friends and admirers.
In lieu of flowers, Tristan’s family requests donations made in his name
to The Children’s Heart Foundation,
www.childrensheartfoundation.org,
and the Ronald McDonald House – Okc, https://rmhc-okc.org/
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