Robert Sandin

1927 - 2014

The Reverend Doctor Robert Theodore Sandin of Minneapolis, MN, and formerly of Chicago, IL died April 5, 2014 in St. Charles, IL of complications of Alzheimer's disease at the age of 86. Born June 14, 1927 in Chicago, he graduated from Niles High School. He received his B.A. from Bethel College and M. Div. from Bethel Theological Seminary and completed the Ph.D. in philosophy at the University of Minnesota in 1959. His academic work took him to teaching positions at Bethel, Augsburg College, and the University of Toledo (OH), where he also was an administrator. He served as Dean of Northwestern College (MN) and North Park College, Provost at Mercer University and as President of Wood College. The author of innumerable papers and many books, he focused his writing on Christian higher education, philosophy of religion, and the Swedish philosopher Axel Hagerstrom whose Philosophy and Religion Dr. Sandin translated into English in 1964. His academic work was complemented by a love of music, beginning with his days as a member of the male quartet at Bethel College and continuing to music of Sibelius and Nielsen, especially if performed by his favored Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is survived by Zella Mae Sandin, his loving wife of 63 years; a son Karl Sandin and daughter-in-law Laura Montgomery of Wheaton, IL; and granddaughters, Linnea Sandin of Boston, MA and Ellen Sandin of Santa Barbara, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford and Hazel (Johnson) Sandin and sister Charlotte Olson. A memorial service will be held April 12, 2014 at 11 am at Winnetka Covenant Church, 1 Hibbard Road, Winnetka, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Music Fund of Winnetka Covenant Church.