William Sanchez

William Bruce Sanchez

1944 – 2025

William Bruce Sanchez, "Bruce" passed away on June 24, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

He was born on August 1, 1944 in Santa Barbara, California to Clayton and Vivian Sanchez.

Clayton was stationed in the Phillipines as a combat engineer when Bruce was an infant so Vivian and Bruce lived with her parents, Dagney and Roy Apple in Solvang. When Clayton returned, the family moved to Santa Ynez where Bruce attended College School. He was joined by brother, Mark Clinton on 6/25/1949. In 1951, they returned to Solvang where Bruce attended Solvang Elementary and Santa Ynez Vally High School. After graduation he attended Allan Hancock College and Cal Poly, San Louis Obispo. At this time he met Carolyn Sue (Susie) Orr. They were married on July 17, 1965. They spent one month shy of 60 years together. They were blessed with Two children, Lisa Anne and Wesley Allan Sanchez.

Bruce worked in the family business, Sanchez Brothers Inc.( later C. Sanchez and Sons inc.) from the time he was a teenager.. He joined the management team after his time in college. The company was an engineering contracting firm that built roadways, subdivisions, did site and flood control work in Vandenberg AFB, Santa Barbara, San Louis Obispo, Monterey and Kern Counties. He served as Corporate President until his retirement in 2016.

He joined the Santa Maria Elks Club in his 20's where he served for time as Rodeo Vice President. In 1978 he served as one of the original board of directors of SYV youth Recreation and was also an active member of the Eks Rodeo Queen campaign. SYV Youth Rec raised 100's of thousands of dollars to support youth recreation facilities and equipment in the Santa Ynez Valley.

In 1969, Bruce joined Vaqueros De Los Ranchos and served as director 1974-1975..

in 1973 , he followed in his father's, Clayton Sanchez's foot steps and became a Ranchero Visitadore. he was a member until 2024. While a member, he served on the trails committee as trail boss, vice chairman, chairman and trap committee. He also served as Camp Captain for the Los Paisonos Camp.

Bruce was an avid hunter, trap shooter, fisherman and golfer.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Susie, daughter Lisa Anne Laughlin, son-in-law Robert Laughlin, Son, Wesley Sanchez, brother and Sister-in-law Mark and Barbara Sanchez, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Frank and Karlene Ghiglia, granddaughter, Morgan Swanson, husband Chris Swanson, grandson Haydon Laughlin and great grandchildren Kate, Jack and Alice Swanson.

There will be a celebration of Life at a later date.