Born in 1928 in North Bend, Oregon, Bob Sanders was raised with humble means in the boat basin town of Charleston, OR. Natural talents and growing up fishing and working summers in a sawmill helped to develop his physical abilities which led to a successful high school football career. Recruited by a number of universities, he chose to attend the University of Oregon on a football scholarship.
During his time at Oregon, he proved to be a prolific fullback and was a member of the 1948 Pacific Coast Conference Championship team and the 1949 Cotton Bowl team. He also received his Business degree and met the love of his life.
Bob was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. During fall camp he was injured and made the decision to come home to Eugene and marry Janie Daggett and begin his career in the lumber industry. This began a storied tale of the All American Dream.
Together, Bob and Jane went through many trials over their 67 years. With tenacity, they built one of the most successful sawmill companies in the Northwest, RSG Forest Products, while at the same time building a family of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren . Later in life, they also developed Roaring Springs Ranch into the 2007 Environmental Stewardship Award winner.
Throughout his life, Bob Sanders always gave back, and did so almost always anonymously. He understood the opportunity he received and wanted to make that opportunity available to many. He was a catalyst for rise of University of Oregon and Oregon State University Athletics. The only exception to his anonymity was when he donated the funds to build a softball stadium at University of Oregon in honor of is wife who had passed the previous year. This year, Jane Sanders Stadium was awarded the softball Field of the Year for Division 1 softball.
Bob Sanders was an innovator, athlete, and philanthropist. Mostly importantly to him and to his family he was a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Highly accomplished, what he was most proud of was his family through which his legacy will live.
A private service will be held.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18