Obituary of H. Colin Sanders

WALLINGFORD – H. Colin Sanders, 77, passed away Thursday October 2, 2014 at Masonicare of Wallingford. H. Colin Sanders was born June 28, 1937 in New York, NY the son of the late Eric S. and Elizabeth (Handyside) Sanders. He was a longtime resident of Newport, RI and San Jose, CA before moving to Wallingford in 2009. Colin is survived by his daughters Karen J. S. Gallagher of Bristol and Lynn Sanders of Southington, his granddaughters Madison and Reese Gallagher, his brother Eric G. Sanders, and nephew Jason Strom. He is predeceased by his sister Barbara Jean Ciborowski and her daughter, Dawn Mays. Colin graduated from Valparaiso University in 1959 as a physicist. In 1962, while working at John Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, he and a fellow scientist were the first to have a satellite in space communicate with the earth. Colin went on to have an accomplished career in the computer and aerospace industry including many years with Control Data Corp evaluating the weapons system on the Polaris submarines and Norden Systems. Colin moved back to the East Coast in 1999 to be closer to his family. He enjoyed being by the water and listening to the sounds of the ocean and so took up residence in Newport where he could watch the sailboats in the Bay from his balcony. Colin had a love for music and a voice that graced many choirs through the years but nothing brought him more happiness than spending time with his granddaughters. In 2003, he suffered a severe stroke and had been living with disabilities since that time. He will be remembered as the strong, stubborn man he was, right up until the very end, with a twinkle in his eye and smile that made so many people adore him. He is finally at peace. Arrangements – A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October 10, 2014 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Masonicare of Wallingford, 22 Masonic Ave. A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family and there are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.