By Belinda Sanda
Gary Sanda.
Gary Sanda died peacefully at the age of 76 on Nov. 19, 2025, in Redding.
He was well known for his caring, thoughtfulness, patience, generosity and very dry sense of humor. He was also a great sourdough and Christmas bread baker.
He was born in Glendale, CA. His parents, Margaret and Chester Sanda, then moved to Sun Valley, CA, where Gary and his two brothers, Larry and Wayne, grew up.
Gary was always active in sports and outdoor activities. He learned to sail while working at a camp on Catalina Island. He met his wife Belinda in the Sailing Club at Los Angeles Valley College.
Belinda and Gary Sanda.
They took many sailing and kayaking trips- one as crew members on a 150-foot square rigger from Mexico to Tahiti.
Gary and Belinda Sanda.
Gary spent four years in the Air Force. Upon discharge, Gary took a job with Medtronic fixing medical equipment, becoming their Service Manager for the eleven Western States. Gary and Belinda moved to Redding, CA in 1978 to take advantage of the outdoor recreation opportunities.
Belinda and Gary Sanda.
Gary enjoyed whitewater kayaking, camping, fly fishing, skiing, snow shoeing, water skiing, snorkeling, sailing, cycling and hiking.
He worked at Mercy Hospital for 28 years as a Bio-Medical Tech. Mercy honored Gary with their Values in Action Award for Excellence.
When he retired he became a volunteer for the California State of Emergency Services. He also volunteered for Helpline, the suicide hotline, for over 20 years, as well as the Cascade Theater for 15 years. He also gave his time and energy to the Shasta and Siskiyou Land Trusts and the Riverfront Playhouse. As an Amateur Ham Radio operator, Gary volunteered with Search and Rescue, Cal Fire and other community agencies.
Gary was an all-around good guy; fun-loving, hard-working and was always ready to lend a hand to someone in need.
Gary suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in 2023. Throughout his rehabilitation he worked hard and always had an optimistic outlook. He was helped by many medical therapists and friends. The family would especially like to thank Sonny Dye, his tireless caregiver, Richard Christoph, Alex VonDachenhausen, Ted Palfini, Jill Phillips, Tom Henthorn, Mercy Hospital and Vibra’s Outpatient Therapy Department for helping Gary during his rehabilitation.
Gary is survived by Belinda, his wife of 53 years.
Gary and Belinda Sanda in Japan.
He is also survived by brother Wayne Sanda, sister-in-law Lauren Sanda, brother Larry Sanda, brother-in-law Mitch Zerg, nephews Paul Sanda, Brian Sanda, David Sanda, Scott Zerg and Mike Sullivan.
A Celebration of Life will be January 24. Please call Belinda at 530-355-7774 for details. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Shasta Land Trust- shastalandtrust.org
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