Jon Dinyaroo Sanders

Jon Dinyaroo Sanders, the youngest of three children, was born on April 11, 1981 to Cleo and Jean Sanders in New York City. He grew up on Governors Island, a close-knit U.S. Coast Guard base, just a few miles from the Statue of Liberty in the Upper New York Bay.

The nurturing community of Governors Island provided Jon an environment to thrive. His parents were fixtures on the base, admired and loved by all. Jon and his older sisters, Trinita and Rekiya, were adored by the Governors Island family and became a symbol of everything good about belonging to a military family.

Jon attended elementary school on the island, but before long he would leave behind his pro wrestling action figures (Jon had a love for pro wrestling that stayed with him his entire life) and venture off to the “City” – that is, New York City, to attend junior high school. It soon became his daily routine to take the 10-minute ferry ride from Governors Island to Manhattan and then hop on the subway headed to school.

The rich and diverse culture of the Big Apple provided Jon with an appreciation and love for all people, shown by the sheer number of friends and loved ones from all walks of life and ethnicities who are grieving his passing.

In 1996, after his father retired from the Coast Guard, Jon and his parents moved to Seattle to be closer to family. Jon arrived in Seattle as a teenager and brought his love of hip-hop music and culture with him. He graduated from Rainier Beach high school, poised to take on the world.

It was during his senior year of high school when doctors first discovered that his heart was not healthy. Heart disease at any age is difficult, but when you are diagnosed as a teenager with an ailment that is no fault of your own, it can be especially hard.

But Jon was strong; he was a soldier, who did not let heart disease prevent him from pursuing his dreams. He would soon find himself writing, producing, recording and performing hip-hop music in some of Seattle’s most prolific night clubs.

Jon took on the nickname “Gash.” Others called him “The “Pope of Capitol Hill.” Nearly everyone who came in contact with him was greeted with his super human smile and happy face. Many knew him as the big bearded dude working outside of Seattle’s most popular bars and nightclubs – weary of trouble, but quick to show you his signature grin while welcoming you with kind words.

Jon was a hilarious character with a gentle soul and a warm heart. Some called him a teddy bear. He had the uncanny ability to connect with all types of people and keep a level head even while working in the craziness that can be a part of the night life. He was a peacemaker and a protector – someone who always made you feel safe.

Most of all, Jon loved God, family and friends and they loved him back. He enjoyed being the little brother, cherished by his big sisters, inspired by his father (his hero), guided by his stepmother and absolutely adored by his mother, who he lost to cancer in 1999.

Jon leaves behind to mourn his passing his father and stepmother, Cleo and Geanetta Sanders; two sisters, Trinita Williams and Rekiya Janssen; brother-in-law Beau Janssen; grandfather John Halsell; five nieces, Shaquel Rodriguez, Shantel Rodriguez, Isabella Janssen, Olivia Janssen and Kaila Williams; two nephews, Joseph Janssen and Christopher Williams; great niece Aaliyah Henderson and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. Rest in Peace my friend. May God continue to comfort and bless your family.

A Celebration of Life for Jon will be held at Greenwood Funeral Home, 350 Monroe Ave. NE, Renton, WA, 98056, Monday, March 21, at 11 am. A benefit in Jon’s name with proceeds going to his family will also take place on April 17, 7 pm, at Neumos, 925 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA.