Robert Edwin Sanderson

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Robert (Bob) Sanderson of Sun Lakes, Arizona. Bob left us on December 25th, 2024 at the age of 87 following a brief illness. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of many family members who travelled from across the country and, as always, his beloved wife Jill.

For his family, a hole has been left that will never be filled. A brilliant mind, kind heart, and rock solid character, Bob was known to tear up while contemplating his beautiful wife. He dedicated his life to her, his children, grandchildren, parents and in-laws. Often sacrificing opportunities for himself for the well-being of others, he worked tirelessly and built a family that any man would be proud to call his own. He did this with grace, humor, and, when needed, diplomacy. Whether one called him Bob, Dad, Poppy, Grandpa, Papa, or friend, he left no relationship lacking. A wise man once said that "The man who plants trees knowing that he will never sit in their shade has at least started to understand the meaning of life." This is Bob's legacy, a successful, happy family who adore him and who all strive to live up to his example.

Bob's depth of feeling, his selfless commitment to family, his steadfast, ever-present loyalty and protectiveness for those he loved is legend and now spans multiple generations. He is adored by his wife, children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Jill Sanderson (McMinn), his daughter Paula (Steve) Lindstrom, son Blair (Dana) Sanderson, daughter Kendall (John) Garran and grandchildren Kasey Lindstrom, Kate Sanderson, Laura Sanderson, Taylor Garran and Connor Garran. He is predeceased by his loving parents Hazel Harriet (Lupien) Sanderson and George Lawrence Sanderson.

Born in 1937 in Newton, Massachusetts, Bob's childhood was idyllic and he spent his days playing baseball, exploring with friends and staying out until the street lights came on. He excelled at school and graduated from Clifford Scott High School after the family moved to East Orange, New Jersey. Bob's sharp mind, fun-loving personality and love of learning earned him admittance to Lafayette College in Easton, PA where he majored in Business Administration and minored in "Fraternity Studies" along with his brothers in Kappa Delta Rho. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1959 but, more importantly to Bob, he met the love of his life on a blind date at the frat house. It was love at first sight for both and neither looked back.

Bob married Jill (McMinn) Sanderson in July, 1960, beginning their 64 year-long marriage as many did those days; poor, young, wildly in love, and incredibly happy. It's a rare marriage that finds two souls perfectly matched for all time. Bob and Jill are that match made in Heaven. His dedication and devotion to her were complete and unwavering. They are two halves of the same whole. Their names were always said together in the same breath, never apart. Friends and family would smile at these two lovebirds back in 1960 and they still do today. Their family grew quickly with Paula and Blair arriving in 1961 and 1963. Kendall was a blessing arriving in 1971. Four beloved dogs rounded out the family, wirehair terriers Penny #1, Penny #2, Penny #3, and Copper the mutt.

Bob and Jill's adventures followed the trajectory of his successful career as an executive in multiple large business ventures including Wickes Corporation, W.R. Grace Company, and Boise Cascade. In 1986, Bob was invited to move from Boise, Idaho to Phoenix to head the Western Region Merchandising Department of O'Malley Lumber Company. They both fell in love with the Scottsdale lifestyle and decided to plant their permanent roots in Arizona. Bob's business connections led to opportunities for Jill and she soon launched her own merchandising company, RJS Enterprises. After a career of corporate moves criss-crossing the country, Bob hung up his executive hat and went to work for the real boss, the amazing Jill. A successful and productive business, RJS Enterprises expanded to serve the home improvement market in the greater Phoenix valley, employing seven merchandisers.

Aging parents and in-laws redirected much of Bob and Jill's time beginning in the early 1990's and they then began an odyssey of caregiving that would span 19 years. As with every responsibility and commitment, Bob took on these tasks with a happy heart, giving his children and grandchildren a stunning example of what family is all about. Always ready for adventure, though, Bob loved to travel and he and Jill took several memorable trips including Hawaii, Yellowstone, and multiple trips to Alaska. His finest hour came when he surprised Jill with an oceanside vow renewal ceremony on Auke Bay, Alaska with his family in tow.

Retirement has been a joy for both Bob and Jill, traveling to see and take part in their grandchildren's lives, visiting relatives and friends and creating a wonderful life in Sun Lakes. Jill wishes to express her sincere appreciation to the cadre of friends that have blessed them with laughter, love and support. Additionally, the family wishes to thank Bob's gracious caregiver Patricia Johnson, the nursing staff of Chandler Regional Hospital and Lund House, Hospice of the Valley.