A Life Fully Lived: Sean Michael Wagner’s SendOff
There are some people who live so fully, so vividly, and so intentionally that when they leave, the ripple of their life is felt far beyond the moment of their passing. Sean Michael Wagner’s SendOff was not just a memorial—it was a celebration of everything Sean was: curious, creative, kind, and unapologetically himself.
Held at White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, Sean’s SendOff was bold, spiritual, funny, and unforgettable—surrounded by family, friends, laughter, music, and memories. It was not a funeral. It was a SendOff—a joyful, intentional goodbye designed with love and captured by Summit Hill Studios, the photography, videography and live-streaming partner for SendOff, a company specializing in reimagined celebration-of-life events.
Honoring Spirit: Buddhist Rituals and Sound Healing
Led by celebrant Mary, the morning began with reverence, gratitude, and a call to be fully present. Zen Buddhist priest Rev. Ben Connolly shared teachings from the Dharma, rooted in compassion and impermanence. His reflections helped everyone present connect deeply with their grief and with one another.
As Connolly said, “Whatever feeling is there is deserving of compassion. There’s no one way to grieve.”
Katie Brown and Chi Johnson of Soul Body Finesse guided the group through a powerful sound healing session and a kirtan chant: Gate Gate Para Gate Para Samgate Bodhi Svaha—a sacred reminder that Sean has gone beyond, and we, too, are called to presence and peace.
A Tapestry of Stories: Mischief, Legacy, and Love
Following the Dharma and sound healing, Sean’s life unfolded through stories shared by those who knew him best—family, longtime friends, fellow sailors, architects, and dreamers.
What followed was everything Sean Michael Wagner’s SendOff should be: part stand-up comedy, part TED Talk, and all heart. There were tales of A-Scow sailing adventures, entrepreneurial leaps, signature cocktails, surprise parties, and unexpected inspiration.
Adam Jarvey, Sean’s longtime business partner, described the serendipitous moment that sparked their firm’s beginning. Jennifer Caligas of Urban Outfitters recounted the hundreds of stores Sean designed, but emphasized what made him unforgettable: “He didn’t just live life—he crafted it.”
Documented with Intention by Summit Hill Studios
Every meaningful moment—from tears and chants to laughter and toasts—was carefully captured by Summit Hill Studios, in partnership with SendOff. With a blend of documentary photography and cinematic video, we preserved Sean’s SendOff for future remembrance, for those who attended and those who couldn’t.
Sean Michael Wagner’s SendOff wasn’t just an event—it was a lasting tribute, recorded with love and reverence.
A Sailor’s Farewell and a New Beginning
As the formal service ended, guests were invited to continue the celebration at the White Bear Yacht Club for an Irish Wake. Dr. Tom Hodgson marked the transition with the ceremonial lowering of the Bravo Zulu flags—signaling “Well Done”—and the sounding of the start horn for Sean’s next journey.
Before departing, the community recited a Buddhist merit dedication:
“Whatever good we have done here today,
Whatever virtue we have cultivated,
We dedicate to Sean and all beings.
May Sean be happy and free from suffering.
May he awaken to the ultimate peace.”
As celebrant Mary reminded us, “Like sailboats on the same vast sea, each of us is carried by the wind toward our own home port. Yet our sails, still catching the same breeze, mean we are never truly apart.”
Sean didn’t just design buildings. He designed moments, relationships, and spaces that made people feel seen, valued, and inspired. His SendOff was not the end—it was a final act of generosity and connection, a blueprint for living boldly with full sails and an open heart.
Captured with compassion by Summit Hill Studios. Planned with love by SendOff.
AS VOTED BY MINNESOTA BRIDE MAGAZINE READERS, WEDDING PROFESSIONALS AND COUPLES
