Harold Sanderson

Harold was born in Vallejo, California to Frank and Irene Sanderson and spent his early years in the bay area.

As an accomplished student and athlete, Dad was offered a scholarship to Santa Barbara State College where he played football and studied education. He then went on to get his Masters degree at the University of Oregon and his teaching credential at Stanford University.

Harold taught briefly at the Corcoran Unified School district and met Marie, the love of his life who was also teaching in that district. Dad and Mom were married in 1941.

Harold was then drafted into the Army Air Force. He was stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas where he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. Dad spent five years in active duty and maintained his rank in the reserve at the old Hammer Field in Fresno.

He was the principal at Fort Miller Jr. High School and Ahwahnee Jr. High School before taking over as Principal at McLane High School. Harold had many relationships and long term friendships formed during these years. Dad was an avid golfer and fisherman and he loved to spend time flyfishing in the back country of the central Sierras with his good friends. Dad was also a founding member of the Fig Garden Golf Club and continued to play golf until he was 96 years old.

Harold was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brother, Vernon and his wife Helen. The love of his life, his wife, Marie and his brother and sister-in-law, Tiny and Francis Helling.

Dad is survived by his sons; Dick and his wife Kim, Jim and his wife Pam; daughter Joan Hixon; grandsons, Rich Sanderson and Ryan West; granddaughters, Heather Walker and Crissy Watkins. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at Northpark Community Church on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Interment in Belmont Memorial Park.

Remembrance may be made in Harold's name to Valley Children's Hospital or St. Agnes Hospice.