Donald Lee Sandner

1930 - 2022

Don Sandner, Dad and Grandpa to us, passed away September 29, 2022 after a short illness. The family would like to thank the professionalism and compassion shown by the medical staff at Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Room. He was predeceased by his wife, our Mom and Grandma, Roberta Sandner who passed in May 2020. He is survived by sons Lionel and David (Mila) and grandsons Rhys (Oksana), Gareth, and Owen.

Dad was born in Vancouver on November 21, 1930. At four years old he moved to Christina Lake and joined the Sandner family. Growing up in the Kootenays, Dad worked at the Sandner Bros. Sawmill; at school, he was known for his running skills and the first person in the area to have contact lenses. Upon graduation from High School, he moved to Northern BC working on the CN railway as a telegraph operator. As technology changed, Dad moved to Kamloops where he met Mom at a Dance Hall in Brocklehurst. Meeting at that Dance Hall started a 58-year marriage that included a family of two sons, loads of camping adventures and trips to Saskatchewan and Disneyland. Dad loved the outdoors. He completed several marathons in Kamloops, Vancouver, and Seattle, as well as spending many days fishing or hiking. His other passion was Kamloops: in his later years, you could find him having coffee with friends, traveling on the city buses and spending time visiting Mom when she was in long term care.

Dad has been very fortunate to have neighbors Betty and Tim for support. They will remember his infectious smile and calls from the backdoor to help him find everything from his cane to his hearing aids. Dad was lucky to have them there. For the past few years, Kristy had become his main caregiver. She saw him as someone who never gave up on life, despite his major struggles. We are all glad Kristy was there for him. Dad also had excellent medical care from Dr. Cribb and her receptionist Diane. The time and effort they took every visit with Dad is an example of what medical care should be for all in BC.

Dad had the unending support of his community. We'd like to acknowledge his neighbours and friends, the United Church, the BC Transit Bus Drivers, the Kamloops Outdoor Club, the White Cane Society, CNIB, the audiobook staff at Kamloops Public Library, Kamloops Shriners and Kiwanis Clubs and the team at Scott's Motel Restaurant and Denny's. All of you helped Dad in your own way: getting him to the bus when he was lost, driving him home when he fell or helping him pay with his credit card. You are the soul of Kamloops, and you make this city great. We thank all of you.

We're sending our love as you begin your next adventure.