Born Sage Phoenix Corlett Waters on February 3, 2003, in the vibrant city of Atlanta, he began his journey, one that would touch the hearts of countless individuals throughout his brief yet impactful lifetime.
After a year in Atlanta, the Waters family relocated to Las Vegas to be closer to extended kin. Soon after, they found their home in Seattle. Sage's academic journey commenced at Whittier Kids for preschool and transitioned to Whittier Elementary. By 4th grade, he had settled into Salmon Bay K-8, completing his time there through the 8th grade. The foundation of his education culminated with his graduation from Ballard High School in 2021. During the tumultuous times of the pandemic, Sage found solace in the embrace of nature, camping frequently with a close-knit group of friends from Camp Sealth.
Camp Sealth held a special place in Sage's heart. Starting as a young camper at age 5, he quickly became a staple of the camp community. By 13, he transitioned to a junior counselor and eventually a revered full-time counselor. But at camp, he wasn't Sage; he was "Kerbal", a unique identity that encapsulated his vibrant personality. Camp Sealth had a tradition where counselors went by chosen names, and amidst the Squirrels, Kermits, and Sloths, Kerbal stood out distinctly.
His passion for exploration extended beyond the confines of the Earth. Sage attended space camp on multiple occasions, forging tight-knit bonds. His academic pursuits were broad; he was fluent in Russian and Japanese, and his wanderlust led him on family vacations to distant lands like Cambodia, Kenya, and Mexico.
Sage's essence was captured in the lullaby he lovingly crafted for his newly adopted baby sister, a melody that would echo through their home for years. Always one to light up a room with laughter, he was the master of memes and had an unmatched flair for teasing friends, all in good fun. His mischievous yet loving spirit was infectious, and he was cherished by nearly everyone fortunate enough to know him.
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Sage is survived by his parents, Jason Edward Fink and Liberty Waters, and his sister, India Alicia Corlett Waters. Also mourning his loss are the family pets: River, Dobby, Lyle, and Bucket. His maternal grandparents, "Bipa" Kermitt Lee Waters and "Mima" Jan Culler Waters, Aunt Autumn Waters, and Uncle Michael Schneider deeply feel his absence. On his father's side, "Grandpa Tom" Thomas Larkin Corlett, Jr, "Gramma Jan" Janet King, Uncle Paul Fink, and Aunt Anna Fink lament the loss of a shining star.
His youthful days were filled with the joy of pets like Blue, Cutie, Dragon, Saki, and Teva. Sage's prowess on the soccer field was evident as he played for the Scorpions for several years. In a twist of irony, he once felt the sting of a scorpion during a summer in Las Vegas. This young man, who held his physique in the highest regard, sculpting it to perfection, was the very embodiment of generosity. He never hesitated to lend a hand, except, humorously, to his parents. A testament to his character, Sage never harbored resentment, bearing no grudges.
Sage was killed a rollover of a jeep he and his friends were in, where they were doing donuts in the desert. He was leaning out the window (something he told the other passengers not to do because of the danger) and the car landed on top of him, and his chest was crushed. No one else was injured
In the words of a show he recently enjoyed, we remember:
"Picture a wave. In the ocean. You can see it, measure it, its height, the way the sunlight refracts when it passes through. And it's there. And you can see it, you know what it is. It's a wave."
"And then it crashes on the shore and it's gone. But the water is still there. The wave was just a different way for the water to be, for a little while. That's one conception of death for Buddhists: the wave returns to the ocean, where it came from and where it's supposed to be."
Sage Phoenix Corlett Waters, a brilliant wave in the vast ocean of life, has returned to the cosmic ocean, leaving an indelible mark in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Sage.