Sebastian Maximiliano Santibañez
Sebastian Maximiliano Santibañez was born in Maplewood, Minnesota after three days of labor on April 29, 2004.
He grew up in a close and loving extended family in the Frogtown neighborhood of Saint Paul. He adored his Nana Margaret, who lived with his family during his early childhood. And he was lucky enough to have his dad, Salvador, as a stay-at-home parent who also helped care for his cousins, Oscar, Ari and their cousin, Madison. Along with Sebastian’s sister, the kids were affectionately known as “the gang of five”.
His love of pumpkin pie, tater tot hotdish, hot sauce, and ice cream was unmatched in a family that has a deep and abiding love of pumpkin pie, tater tot hotdish, hot sauce, and ice cream. Consistently the favorite person of all the family pets (and there were a lot), he always had a dog or cat snuggled up next to him on the sofa while he played video games.
Sebastian attended several schools in Saint Paul and made lasting friendships everywhere he went: The ECSE program at EXPO, Adams Spanish Immersion, Paul Wellstone Elementary Spanish Immersion, Saint Thomas More Catholic School, Open World Learning Community, Central High School, and graduated from Gordon Parks High School in 2023. He enjoyed working as a cook at Allianz Field for the past two years while he focused on writing songs and producing his music.
He had a radiant smile and a hug that you remembered for days. Sebastian was happiest when he was part of a team — the best part was always being with his friends or his cousins. Regardless of how much playing time he got or how long it took to master a skateboard trick, Sebastian was always proud and excited for everyone’s achievements.
There was a side of Sebastian’s life that was full of passionate intensity — whether it was planning to get together with friends, video games, sports, skateboarding, or producing music. When Sebastian cared, he put everything he had into it, and he was loyal to the end.
And there was another side of Sebastian that was uniquely thoughtful, caring and empathetic. Sebastian always sided with the underdog. Always. He had a gift of seeing an unjust situation with clarity and speaking truth to power. A sensitive soul from his earliest years, Sebastian was quick to console a friend, share a sincere apology when he made a mistake, or to simply say that he loved you.
Sebastian was also super, super funny. He could roast you in a heartbeat and have you crying-laughing with his commentary.
Words are difficult to find that describe the grief, confusion, and heartbreak left in the wake of his death. He will be forever missed and always remembered.
Sebastian was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Robert C. Burton and his paternal grandmother, Julia Sánchez Sierra. He leaves behind his parents, Martha Burton (Klaus Unger) and Salvador Santibañez Sánchez (Maria del Pilar de Santos); his sister; his nana, Margaret Burton; and his abuelito, Maximiliano Santibañez Renteria; along with his aunts, DeBora Hurley and Jessica Burton (Eric Reichow) and his cousins, Oscar and Ari.
Memorial Details
A public memorial will be held at The Lowlands (160 Wabasha St S, Saint Paul, MN 55107) on Tuesday, August 6, from 1 PM to 3 PM, with a ceremony beginning at 1:30 PM.
We invite all who knew Sebastian to bring an item to contribute to Sebastian’s ofrenda (memorial altar) – this could be a small memento, photo or letter, or anything else that reflects what Sebastian meant to you.
For those who cannot attend, the ceremony will be livestreamed here.
Attire: Come as you are, as Sebastian would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Youth Farm, Como Friends, or to the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Donations made to Como Friends will aid in funding a named Memorial Bench by Como Lake, one of his favorite places. Youth Farm and the Wilder Foundation are organizations meaningful to his family, that provided Sebastian community, connection and support throughout his life.
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Gonna miss the slap boxes we had where I would just get overpowered, and I’m for sure gonna miss the way you would say “La Trokita” whenever you saw my truck. You were just all around positive vibes brotha, fly high Sebas
I remember clearly when my son first real laugh was, he was about couple months old. We were living at his grandmas house and we had a new dog name Ruca.
That morning I took Sebastian to see the dogs in the back yard, then we trough a ball to Ruca and she caught it in the air. And all of a sudden Sebastian started laughing so hard and loud that I couldn’t believe such big joyous laugh was coming out of that tinny human being I have never hear a baby laughing that hard before. We continue playing with Ruca and he was having one of the best laughs of his life.
Love you and miss you so much mi niño.
Sebas will always be remembered for the most infectious laugh there was. Whether he was clowning you or just cracking a joke in general it’s hard not to remember his sense of humor too and it all came with a smile. When he was around it was hard to be truly sad and he was a light for everyone.
You are LOVED BY MANY, I feel like we failed you, you where their when nobody wasn’t now it’s our turn but in a devastating way💔I remember in middle school you where my school crush but I was to shy to even bother, You where the quiet kid in class just like me, you’ll always be remembered you where down to earth just like me but even more you where the Real eyes that REALIZED. You where everything when you thought of nothing. I wish you where still here physically but I know your their mentally REST IN ROSES SEBASTIAN💜💔
YOULL always have a special place in my heart Sebas.. You were always were super sweet and wouldn’t stop making me laugh and I’m always going to miss your hugs. whenever we were together you always made me forget about my problems and knew exactly what to say to make me feel better I remember the special times we would hang out watch movies and just talk for hours tule we passed out I remember waking up and you would always holding me super tight and never letting me go. maybe in another life time te vuelvo aver❤️
My dearest Sebastian- I want you to
know that although I never met you in person you had a huge impact on me and my family. As the son of my beloved childhood friend i felt an immediate love for you. From the first photos martha shared my heart would fill with so much joy seeing your twinkling eyes. Reading all your friends words is a testament to the remarkable human being you always were. Just days before your mom posted… isra and i were just talking about your beautiful electric smile and how much we wanted to meet you in person. Your light will shine on and on my sweet boy. May you rest in perfect peace cradled by angels 🙏🏻❤️
I had the privilege of being Sebastian‘s third grade teacher at Wellstone Elementary. I will always remember his mischievous grin and funny commentary. He was a kind friend to his classmates and loved getting his friends to laugh (and his teacher, too, especially when I was trying to be serious). May he rest peacefully 💛
From the sandbox to adulthood you were always there with us more than I can remember, I still think about our sentimental talks and advice we would give each other. You were really the life of the party and I don’t think it’s ever gonna be the same without you brother. As long as I’m on Earth I will continue to tell others about your legacy, you will never be forgotten brother, never. Til we meet again brother. 🤍🕊️🫡
I’ll always remember how vivid elementary school feels to me. Thanks to you and a lot of Wellstone buddies of ours, it was a blast. If Antonio, Donnel, and you were together, I knew we were bound to share a laugh or be put onto some game’ with knowledge about skating, history (like ww2 in 3rd grade), dope marvel comic books, insane dubstep beats, and about video games… ill always cherish these moments. May you send your loved ones strength from heaven Sebas.
Really wanted to see you grow with us in our group, build our own families and success. Gonna miss making memories with you Sebastian. Until this planet is pulverized your very essence will never be forgotten brother. I’ll see you when my time comes🩶🕊️.
I’ll never forget the energy your presence gave us in any given instance. However we needed you, you would make sure to show up being entirely yourself. Being raw and celebrating an emotion with a group of friends, who you considered as brothers. Always being curious about the world and knowing that anything is attainable in it… thank you for the love, influence, and compassion you had for those you met. Rest easy big bro. ❤️
Always everyone’s number 1 supporter, going to miss making unforgettable smiles with you but I’ll cherish the ones you gave me forever. Fly high Sebastian 🤍
Gonna always hold you in my heart brother, I’ll always cherish the joy & smiles you brought me & everyone, unconditional loyalty you showed us right or wrong, i’ll never forget. I’d do anything to be with you again Sebas, til then rest in paradise❤️🕊️
I will never forget the innocent mischief that James and Sebastian shared. Sebas would come into our house quietly and suddenly he and James would be yelling / laughing / playing loud music – being the best kind of boys. Our hears are broken along side yours, and we are so thankful Sebastian is a part of the family and community we hold dear, with you. His memory is a blessing. ❤️
Going to miss calling you up and only being two blocks walking distance. And hitting the store with you and coming back and we couldn’t leave our food out or flink would get into it. I could go on and on about our time together. So long Sebas ❤️🩹
I remember Sebastian when he first transferred to Saint Thomas More in the 5th grade. He instantly lit up our classrooms and filled them with laughter. I was lucky enough to attend Central with him as well and had the privilege of calling him a long time friend. People loved to be around him at all stages of his life. We will miss him dearly🫶🏻
I love you forever brother💙💙