John “Gary” Sandland was born on January 12, 1936 in Minot, North Dakota, and passed away on Friday, March 25, 2022, in Federal Way, WA at the age of 86. He is survived by his companion of 27 years, Saundra Johnson, of Des Moines, WA, sister Virginia Bodine (husband Roy) of Auburn, WA, two children; Scott Sandland (wife Gina) of Auburn, WA, and Connie Russell (husband Bob) of Lake Tapps, WA, four grandchildren; Tara Sandland, Tyler Sandland, Craig Russell and Blair Russell, and five great-grandchildren.

Gary moved to Auburn, WA with his mother in 1941, when he was 5. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1954, where he excelled in football. The team was undefeated his senior year and Gary was offered a scholarship to play at Grays Harbor Community College. While at GHCC he was drafted and served his country as a member of Communication Services in the US Army, stationed in Alaska.

Gary was an entrepreneur at heart. He started and ran several successful businesses over the years, including; Granddad’s Bread, Maple Valley Metals and Sandland Construction. He was also a true outdoorsmen who enjoyed a wide variety of hunting and fishing, and enjoyed sharing what he caught with anyone who was willing. He was happiest with a fishing pole in his hand, and talking with his friends and family about his experiences. Gary was an avid reader and always had the daily newspaper close at hand. He taught us to be adventurous, “Where are you going to be in 6 hours if you don’t go?” He taught us to fish, and to cook or smoke what we caught. He taught us to question, to see opportunity, and to think big. But most of all, he taught us not to take life too seriously, and to laugh. We’re going to miss you Daddy-O.