Resident Of., California
1931 - 2022
Darrell (Deke) Carsten Sonnichsen1931 - 2022Resident of Menlo ParkDarrell (Deke) Carsten Sonnichsen died peacefully of natural causes on March 21, 2022 at Mission Woodside in Redwood City. He was born in 1931 in San Jose, however was raised in Palo Alto where his paternal grandparents settled...
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Nothing but happy memories of Deke and Joanne. I rented a little house on Willow Road from them (later just him) for many years, always on a cordial basis. When I told Deke I'd have to give it up because I was getting married, he offered to officiate and, to nobody's surprise, did a magnificent job (see attached photo, May 2006). Rest in peace, old friend.
Gary Sloane
March 15, 2023 | Friend
I have wonderful memories when our family would visit from Hawaii and we would all spend time at the cabin at Paradise Park in Santa Cruz!
Susan Elbinger (cousin of Deke)
May 03, 2022 | Family
A lifetime shared with a legend. May 2, 2022 I just discovered that Deke is gone. Memories of my life are filled with this amazing man. 1962-64, I started skydiving while in the Army. The book, History of Sky Diving had a chapter about him. Discharged in 1965 I got a job at Lockheed, Sunnyvale in repro. Deke was a customer. We became friends for almost 30 years. Drove chase vehicles for him. Deke got Hot Air Balloon rides for my three kids. Later, he called me and invited me to...
Martin Duckworth
May 02, 2022
Deke, As a fellow member of YB1, I salute you Brother. Memor eris in eternum.
Art "3030" Ritchie
April 25, 2022
Just learning of the passing of my friend Deke. As the current editor of the Balloon Federation of America's Ballooning Journal, a publication Deke began, I'm honored to carry on his legacy and even more to have known him as a friend and fellow balloonist. His contribution to the sport was immeasurable and he will be sorely missed.
Glen L Moyer
April 23, 2022 | Friend
A 2011 picture of Deke doing one of the things he loved. A special man of many talents, he will be missed.
Linda and Alan Brandt
April 04, 2022 | Other
Rest in peace brother Deke. Your words impacted many and you brought joy to the masses. The clampfire burns dim tonight... May you have sufficient toll to take the ferry across the dark river to the golden hills, and may you be greeted with those warms words "what say the brethren?" Upon your arrival.
Chris Hawt Dawg
April 01, 2022 | Friend
RIP good friend and Honorable Brother Dynamite.... save space on your Clamp Cloud for me, for I will not be long behind you, your flying anvils and character as Dr. J.J. Saxon Gomez, University Santiego, Chile will her be forgotten.....Love, Rick
Rick "Emperor Norton l" Saber
April 01, 2022 | Friend
