Robert Sanders Obituary
There are no goodbyes for us.
Wherever you are, you will always
be in my heart.
~Mahatma Ghandi
Born: Sep 13, 1949 in Lansing, Michigan
Died: Mar 08, 2008 in Pasadena, CA
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Robert Sanders,
born in Lansing, MI, longtime resident of Pasadena, CA,
passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife, Karen, by his side on March 8, 2008 after a short, courageous battle with brain
cancer. Robert's family wishes to thank Hospice of Pasadena and all
who gave him and Karen extraordinary care, love, support, and kindness during his illness.
Robert, a 1967 graduate of Lansing Everett High School, was a
gifted and accomplished athlete in football and wrestling. He attended
Southern Illinois University on a wrestling scholarship. After,
serving his country in the Army in Viet Nam, Robert and Karen found
each other, fell in love, married, and moved west to share life together.
Robert was a Man Among Men, devoted to his family, an avid
reader and published writer. His intense intellectual,
spiritual, philosophical searches for life-meaning and truth
were amazing. He was a brilliant, extremely multi-talented, creative entrepreneur. His work-life was his contracting business as a zero-tolerance master carpenter. He had a reverence for wood and took particular pride and delight in remodeling older homes. His desire for perfection made his completed projects treasures.
He felt alive at higher levels in quiet reverence and peace when in
Nature, hiking in the mountains, absorbing the awesome wonders he
surveyed. He also had a deep affection for his many lifelong friends.
He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Karen; his adoring
English Setter, Sophie; brother Bill (Karen) (Tampa, FL); sister Sandy Brown (D.J.) (Thornton, CO); mother-in-law Jean Strachan; sister-in- laws, Karol Ryan (Willy) and Debbie Strachan; brother-in-law Kent
Strachan (Karen), and a host of special nieces, nephews, loving
relatives, and great friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; father, Eddie; step-mother, Jessie (Winnie); father-in-law, Jim Strachan and brother-in- law, Keith Strachan.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions in Robert's name may be
made to Hospice of Pasadena, 351 E. Foothill Blvd.,
Arcadia CA 91106.
A Memorial Service for Robert will be held on
Wednesday, March 26th, at 7:00 pm
at Pennway Church of God, Fireside Room
1101 E. Cavanaugh (Pennsylvania)
Lansing, MI, 48910
Please visit the Memorial Legacy Website for Robert and enter any
farewells or memories you would like to share:
www.robertsanders.legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bill Schassberger
October 4, 2009
Brother Bob and I met in Jr. High School and were life-long friends. He had a great sense of humor. We used to laugh so hard our stomachs ached. We hiked many times in the High Sierra's, getting as far "up there and out there" as possible. He Loved it up there ! After one particularly hard climb to 11,000 ft. we both agreed that it was the most exhausted we had ever been. I will miss you my old friend, I already do. See you next time around - God Willing.
Posted by Bill Schassberger on March 26, 2008
So......here we a year and a half later...and......the other day I thought of something that to me, was hilarious (a word Bob used often) I was thinking about who I could share this hilarious thought with. Nobody came to mind. Then....sitting at a stop light I thought..."Bob...he is the only person I can think of that would think this is funny. Not only funny....but hilarious". Man, I really miss him sometimes.
Love, Your "Brother" Bill
March 20, 2009
I still remember and will continue to do so.
Love Bill
Sherry Turnbull
December 31, 2008
Bob and I were cousins and although we only meet a few times in our lives I was always proud to say that he was my cousin. Thank you Karen for sharing your memories with us I feel I know him better now.
Kendal Strachan
April 5, 2008
I Love you aunt karen. glad you were able to come up here to the cold part of the country! Since you have been here the weather has been warmer. Thank you for bringing the sunshine!
All our love and prayers
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Stan Williams
April 1, 2008
Bob and I went to school together at Walter French and Everett. we worked together at Richters Gardens and I sold Bob his first car a 53 Chevy we both loved that car. I have always admired Bob's joy for life and after all these years I can still hear his laugh and remember some of our talks about women (girls) and the usual teenage boy stuff.
Uncle Pat and Aunt Ronnie Gentile
March 31, 2008
Bob,
We looked forward to you and Karen having Thanksgiving with us. I will miss the chats we had afterwards, and on the phone throughout the year. Enjoy your reunion with your parents. Love, Uncle Pat and Aunt Ronnie
Lindsay Rea
March 29, 2008
Bob had an amazing spirit and I am grateful that he and my dad (Bob Rea) had such a wonderful bond and friendship. He will be missed. Karen, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kendal Strachan
March 28, 2008
I looked up to Uncle Bob (until i grew taller than him!!!). All the love and support he gave to me even if he didn't agree with my decisions made me respect him more. I learned the most from him the last trip I took to California. We took a full day trip to the mountains and hiked and talked all day. He spoke of things he believed in and things he didn't much care for. Everything... I think we talked about everything! He even let me try to prove him wrong on some of his theories give him my opinion on some topics. I even left him speachless with some of my responses... but overall he was right!!! I am going to miss him very much. I really wanted to have another one of those days with him. At least I can pass that down to my son some day. I Love You Unvle Bob I want you to confuse God with some of your theories!!
Dennis Fineout
March 26, 2008
We had a large graduating class from Evertt High School, and as often happens, paths don't always cross after graduation. Yet there are certain people that you think of from time to time. Bob has been one of those for me.
From the many kind words from others, it seems he continued in life to be a person admired by many. I'll continue to think of Bob from time to time; it will continue to be good memories.
Willy (Woodrow) Ryan
March 26, 2008
Robert A.,
Though I didn't stay in touch enough since we both left Houston, TX, we had some very good times while we lived there. I'll remember those times forever. I'll never forget the many times we played hoop and our "mama's" (sisters) visited, while "usn's" were having some fun.
Miss you! Woodrow
Christine (Whipple) Hnatiw
March 25, 2008
What an extrodinary life you led. Having been a classmate during the Walter French JR. High and Everett High School years I was a bystander, watching you grow inside as well as outside. Your kindness and friendly spirit was given to all without seeking much in return, other than reciprocal good will. I hope your final path was peaceful and full of enlightenment in spiritual knowledge. My condolences to your loving family, friends and mentors who were graced to have participated in your earthly presence.
Buddy Frahm
March 24, 2008
Bob,
The love of wrestling and laughter brought many of us great joy and you truly lived every act fully, as if it were your last. My peace be with you and family!
Bill Sanders
March 23, 2008
I love you brother. I will miss you. Tell Dad and Mother I love them and look forward to the time we will all be together again.
Also give my love to the Sanders and the Gentiles who have preceded us.
Life was not always great for you but you perservered and with Karen(and mostly because of her) you overcame the many challenges and had a wonderful life. You did it your way all the way to the end. I know that is how you wish to be remembered. And so it will be for me.
We love you Karen and you always will be family to us.
Bob Chouinard
March 23, 2008
Bobby
Another goodbye to another good friend. We had lost touch over these many years, but I have my memories. You were a warrior, a gentle spirit, an intellctual and inspirational. We battled on the mat and had some hilarious times off of it. Your passing brings me sadness, but I don't know of anyone more ready for the next journey. Keep shining, Bobby, you will be missed.
Victoria and Brian Sayer
March 21, 2008
We are blessed in knowing Robert and Karen, and, as a sister and brother-in-law to a master carpenter, understood and valued Robert's passion for the art of woodwork. Robert was one of the "good ones", kind, generous, loving and fun to be around. While Robert and I (Victoria) are kindered spirits in the belief of life-after-death, I struggle to understand God's plan when he takes from us, a gentle, loving husband and friend like Robert - unless of course God is building the "primo team" and in that case - he has gotten a star in Robert. We are here for you Karen - morning, noon and night. We love you both - V&B
Krystal Strachan
March 20, 2008
Aunt Karen,
I just wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. Please know we are here thinking about you every single day. You have always been one that I admire and look up to. I think this website is a great idea. We will see you in a few days. Love you!
Krystal Strachan
March 19, 2008
Uncle Robert was a good man. I will miss him very much. He was a guy that knew a little bit about everything. Whether it be politics, health, travel, etc. He was very intelligent, and loved life. He gave great advice to us nieces and nephews as we made new steps in life. If it were what college to pick or what career to choose, he helped us to think it through. I remember when I was in high school and playing basketball. He and Aunt Karen were home for a little bit. He took me out and helped me with my shot! I also remember the gift he and Aunt Karen gave me for my high school graduation. It was these tapes (yes not cd's---still in the 90's :) ) that helped you figure out what you wanted out of life. Boy I should pull those out again! Anyway, Uncle Robert thank you for all of your knowledge. We are very blessed to be apart of your life. You will forever be in our hearts. We love you.
Deb Strachan
March 19, 2008
I remember the fun we had years ago when Robert and you were home for a visit. Robert made his homemade barbeque sauce for all of us. It was always great fun when we all got together!
Deb Strachan
March 19, 2008
Karen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that we all love you and are here for you. Time will not make the pain go away but it will make it easier to live with.
Love, Deb
Jeff Mason
March 19, 2008
One of my best memories of Brother Bob is lviing In Houston.
With Karen's curious but unquestioned support Bob and I must have played 1000 games of minature golf if we played one. The thing is (and I certainly learned this from Brother Bob) we played with as much of a competitive spirit you might witness between two teams at the Super Bowl. Yet unlike "real" sports it was never about money and recognition - just plain good healthy living.
Jim and Chris Stiles
March 18, 2008
Bobbie, Over 40 years of extraordinary friendship, love,and sharing... What a gift you have been to Chris and to me in our lives. First as your coach at Everett, and throughout the following years you have been like a son to me as well as a fellow "Seeker" in pursuit of truth. Perhaps your most treasured friends are those you never met... yes, the respected authors who spoke to you through their books. Your words that will ALWAYS surface in my mind with a surge of excitement are the many, many times that you would rush up and so passionately say, "Coach, Coach, I have it! I finally have it!!! which might be the final understanding of the "Meaning of Life" or "What Being Civilized Actually Means"... ad. infinitum. What a loss, Bobbie, but we shall meet again. Such an honor to be your "Coach" and share your love.
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