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Roger Sanborn Obituary
Roger Layton Sanborn passed away March 11, 2020 at the age of 83.
Only child of Clyde Sanborn Sr. and Harriet Margaret Webb, he was born in Petaluma, CA on June 10, 1936. Mr. Sanborn was raised in Petaluma and lived there until he moved to El Verano, CA where his mom and step-father William Bihn ran the well-known Bihn Egg Farm.
Roger grew up driving through The Valley of The Moon to attend Santa Rosa Junior College. He graduated SRJC just as Clyde Sanborn Sr. did before him. Lived in San Jose until 1969, moved to Santa Rosa and worked as a Sonoma County Pubic Defender until retirement in 1999. Married wife Deanna in 1968, married 52 years. Roger is survived by three daughters: Sandy Ryan of Hawaii, Susie Bachman of Oregon (Mark Bachman), Sarah Sanborn of Napa, one son Tim Sanborn (Kristen Vogel) of Petaluma, nine grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Lived in Kenwood since 1975 until death.
Avid birder, enjoyed poetry, music, sailing locally and in The San Francisco Bay, loved spending time in nature, hiking and camping with family. Volunteered Audubon Bouvierie Perserve as a docent, Sonoma Land Trust and at Jack London State Historic Park as historian docent.
Donations may be made in his honor to Bird and Rescue Center of Sonoma County www.birdrescuecenter.org. Services to be held at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Sanborn
Katherine Foster
March 26, 2025
Roger was a gracious man, thoughtful, and good company. Wonderful family too.
Katherine Foster
March 25, 2024
Remembering "Paw" and his sense of humor and love of his family and Sonoma County.
Good soul.
Katherine Foster
March 25, 2023
I remember Roger as a warm and witty soul, and a wonderful family man and community servant. I smile at his memory.
Anne Kessler
May 16, 2020
Dear Deanna, Susie, Sara and Tim, We are so sad that your wonderful husband/dad passed away. We have loved you all for many, many years since we met so long ago. Love from Anne and Dick Kessler in Roseville, California
Norm Howard
April 10, 2020
Roger and I were colleagues in the Public Defenders office , sharing a courtroom assignment for a considerable time. A gentle man with deep experience in criminal defense practice. He frequently talked of his family - Deana, and his kids. I remember seeing him at one of Tims track meets, and telling me about Sarah and Sue. Not to mention the familys pioneering move to Kenwood . We also volunteered together for the Sonoma Land Trust.
Elise Buhn
April 5, 2020
I was fortunate to sail over the years with Roger on the good ship Fan, with Captain Willie Evans. Roger was a gifted storyteller, a good sailor and all-around good company. My condolences to his family. It was a pleasure to meet him.
Barbara McFarland
April 1, 2020
The memories I have of Roger are some of my fondest, having worked with him for his entire career in the Public Defender's Office - every time I think of him I smile. We will all celebrate his life and all the good he did. Your family is in my thoughts. There will be tears but his memory won't be forgotten. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. Sending love and courage to get through the coming days.
April 1, 2020
We here at Olde Towne Jewelers will miss Roger. He was a customer for around 25 years and he was such a nice person to work with and had great taste. All the best to his family.
Cindylee Machado
March 31, 2020
I was a Courtroom Clerk when Roger was in the Public Defender's office. He was such a great man and we shared the fact that we were both from Petaluma and my folks knew his folks. Always polite, soft spoken and a true gentleman. May he Rest In Peace and my condolences to his family.
MARTIN WEBB
March 31, 2020
Prayers for the family at this time of need. My best to my cousins family.
Katherine Foster
March 30, 2020
It was a really to join Deanna and Roger at the celebration of their 50 years of marriage, such a great landmark. They were both so happy!
March 28, 2020
Offering my deepest condolences to the family, may our God of all comfort give you the strength you need during this difficult time
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