In Memoriam: NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) mourns the passing of NAD President Emeritus Robert G. Sanderson of Roy, Utah who passed away on February 25, 2012, just 5 days after his 92nd birthday.  Affectionately known as “Sandie”, he served a total of 14 of years on the NAD Board of Directors (1960-1974) and dedicated his entire life to the advancement of the American deaf community nationally as well as in his home state of Utah.

Considered gutsy at the time, Sandie successfully challenged the 18-year reign of Byron B. Burnes to become the 17th NAD president in 1964 and was re-elected in 1966. His presidency led to the appointment of Frederick C. Schreiber, the first NAD executive director. This ultimately set the NAD on a new course that shepherded its explosive growth as a federation of affiliated organizations, including moving the NAD Home Office from its base in Berkeley, California to Washington, DC and the creation of youth programs (Junior NAD, Miss Deaf America and Youth Leadership Camp). When asked his thoughts a few years ago about the present-day NAD by Past President Lawrence R. Newman and author of the NAD publication, Sands of Time: NAD Past Presidents, Sandie said, “Today I believe the NAD is much stronger. The changes are positive. Our dream of having a permanent, stable Home Office came true. The NAD is financially viable.”  

NAD President Bobbie Beth Scoggins said, “NAD President Emeritus Robert G. ‘Sandie’ Sanderson was a true giant who humbly walked alongside anyone who shared his passion for hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to the betterment of our lives. Those who review his career and civic endeavors would be amazed at how much he truly accomplished, and we thank the state of Utah for allowing us to share in his legacy of tireless advocacy on behalf of the American deaf and hard of hearing community.”

Sandie earned his B.A. in chemistry from Gallaudet College, M.A in educational leadership from California State University, and Ed.D. in educational administration from Brigham Young University. In 1965, Sanderson became a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Utah Division of Rehabilitation Services; by 1985 he was the director of all state programs serving deaf people. In recognition of his exemplary service to the state’s deaf community, in 2003 the State of Utah named its statewide deaf services center in West Taylorsville the Robert G. Sanderson Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  In 2009, he received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters degree from Gallaudet University.  

Sandie enjoyed 62 years of marriage with the love of his life, Mary Margaret Antonietti before she passed away in 2008. They had two sons, Gary R. Sanderson of Pasadena, California who passed away in 2011 and Barry J.  Sanderson (Teresa) of Layton, Utah. He is also survived by grandchildren Robert B. Sanderson (Nicole) and McKalle P. Sanderson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on March 31, 2012 at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Taylorsville, Utah.  In keeping with his life long passion of serving others, his body was donated to the University of Utah so that medical students may learn from him.