Kay Evan “Sandy” Sanderson
Kay Evan “Sandy” Sanderson, 84, passed away May 27, 2024, on what would have been his mother’s 105th birthday.
Sandy was born in Deer Lodge, Montana, Oct. 26, 1939, to Byron and Susan Sanderson. The eldest of three boys, Sandy grew up in Philipsburg and spent the majority of his younger years going to work with his dad learning how to drive trucks and operate equipment.
In 1955 the family lost their father, Byron, to cancer. As young as the boys were, they helped their mother continue to operate Sanderson Trucking and hauled dirt all over Montana.
In 1963, while working in Shelby, Montana, Sandy met Carol Baldani. They were married just a few months later on Feb. 15, 1964. Three years later, Sandy, Carol, his mother Susan along with his children Julie and Kevin, traveled to Libby, Montana for a three-week job with Zook Brothers Construction on the Libby Dam Project and they never left. A few years later, his children, Leslie and Byron joined the family.
In the years after the Libby Dam Project, Sandy continued to work construction and also began the transition to hauling logs. In the late 1980s, Sandy went to work for Washington Corporation’s trucking division known as Westran where he worked as a project manager and job superintendent, pursuing jobs across the west from Montana to Arizona. His years working for Washington Corporation were some of his fondest work memories and greatest work accomplishments.
After being on the road for many years, Sandy settled back home in Libby, hauling timber for many local loggers behind the wheel of his beloved Mack truck. The friendships he made through the northwest logging community were very important to him and had a special place in his heart.
At the age of 80, after a long career in a truck seat, Sandy retired. He spent the remainder of his years keeping the mower blades sharp, enjoying his family and appreciating his home life.
Sandy will always be remembered as a man with an incredible work ethic, who taught his loved ones the value of hard work, responsibility, truth and the importance of family.
Sandy is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol; his children, Julie Brossman, Leslie Jaqueth (Rick), Byron Sanderson (Chelsea); his 12 grandchildren, Kelly, Nathaniel, Kristen, Zach, Ashley, Alyshia, Sandra, Allie, Beau, Sean, Olivia and Morgan; his seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Byron and Susan, brothers Byron “Speed” and Robert Joseph (Bobby Joe), his son Kevin and infant grandson Joshua.
Because Sandy’s heart was always in Philipsburg, a graveside service will take place at the Philipsburg cemetery family plot at 1 p.m. Aug. 3.
Arrangements are under the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.