Robert Bruce "Bob" Sanders
Apr 18, 1938 -
Jun 9, 2024
Dr. Robert Sanders died on June 9, 2024, from complications of fall at his beloved Trapper Creek cabin. Born in Minnesota, Bob grew up in New England hiking, skiing, hunting, rock climbing, spelunking and exploring the White Mountains. He earned degrees in geology from Dartmouth College, University of Iowa, University of Oklahoma and University of Nottingham, U.K. He authored many academic papers in micropaleontology throughout his academic career. He joined the USGS to research the SW Wyoming geologic features, his first delightful contact with the windy plain and a pet bobcat. Bob was transferred to Alaska in 1972, where he dedicated his life to safe, efficient extraction of coal, oil, gas and minerals from federal lands. Bob was most proud of his advocacy for native Alaskans and Alaskan miners regarding accurate mineral assessment of federal lands. After decades of Alaska geology, he joined the Army Corp of Engineers and served in Iraq 2004 as a consultant geologist to the civil engineers rebuilding airports, potable water systems, sewage lines, roads and schools. Bob so treasured his time with the U.S. Armed Forces and Corp of Engineers that he volunteered for immediate deployment after the tragic Indonesian tsunami in 2005.
Bob enjoyed hiking, hunting, canoeing, downhill skiing with Arctic Valley and Alyeska Ski patrol, high power riflery and improving his Hillside lands for wildlife. He loved collecting, researching and restoring old guns, swords and spending endless hours tinkering with his 1964 Morgan sports car. A devoted family man, Bob leaves his daughter, Wendy 9 Sanders; son, Ross Sanders; daughter-in-law, Karen Sanders; son, Stefan 7 Sanders; daughter-in-law, Janet Sanders; and seven fascinating grandchildren. He is survived by his elder brother Dr. Richard Sanders and family of Monroe, N.H. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, hiking partner and fellow botanist, Frau Jo Sanders, founder of Rilke Schule.
The family celebration of his 86 years will be held at a later date in Trapper Creek, Alaska, and in Lyman, N.H.
