Ralph Sandborn

Ralph Sandborn passed away of Congestive Heart Failure at the age of 93. Born and raised in Healdsburg, Sandborn became active in the community at a young age. Much of this was due to the fact that his father (also Ralph Sandborn) was the "Constable" of Healdsburg. Sandborn grew up with the strong influence of his father, who was dedicated to helping youth, and instrumental in establishing Recreation Park (Baseball field) on University Avenue in Healdsburg. Sandborn, who attended Healdsburg High School developed a love for baseball and not only played for the high school team but also the Demolee Team, The Prune Packers, and San Jose State (1st base) when he went off to college. After graduating from San Jose State, Sandborn married Constance Oehlmann from Sebastopol and then departed for a tour of duty with the Seabees (US Navy Construction Battalion) during World War II. He returned after the war and spent the next year teaching high school in Ferndale, CA. The following year however, he was recruited by his father-in-law, Rudolph Oehlmann to manage production at Manzana Products Co., Inc., in Sebastopol, where launched a 44 year career in the family apple business until his retirement in 1989. Throughout these years, some of Sandborn's community activities included serving as the Fire Chief of the Graton Fire Department, volunteering on the Oak Grove School District Board, and serving on the Board of the Willowside Water District. Sandborn was well known for his sense of humor and friendliness. He often connected with complete strangers and treated friends and employees like family. Sandborn had too many hobbies to count and a zest for life that kept him going way beyond the life expectancy that doctors gave him after he suffered a massive heart attack at age 47. The family would like to give special thanks to all of Ralph Sandborn's caregivers. A small private celebration will be held in his honor. For those who would like to make a donation, Memorial Hospital Hospice and the Sonoma County Animal Shelter will be accepting. Ralph is survived by his son Ralph E. Sandborn (Chip), daughter-in-law Nancy Sandborn and granddaughters, Mariah and Faith Sandborn, his daughter, Suzi Kaido, his son-in-law Bob Kaido and their children, Kristi Pierson, Kimberly Kaido-Alvarez, and Kyle Kaido, his great grandchildren, Nolan, Evan , and Austin Alvarez and Korina Pierson.