| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Passing | Dec 19, 2010 |
| About | Alden Y. Sonander "Al" Jan. 22, 1926 - Dec. 19, 2010 Pleasanton, CA Born January 22, 1926 in rural Ohio to Adloe Willis Sonander and Arnold W. Sonander, Al, also known as "Tex," was the third of four children. Al graduated from High School in 1944 and Wittenberg College in 1948. In 1957, he graduated from Middlebury College Summer Language Schools, with a M.A. degree in Spanish Studies. Middlebury held many fond memories for Al, it is where he met Dorothy, the love of his life. Al taught high school Spanish for eight years in Ohio,and for thirty years on Long Island, New York, the final 25 years in Garden City at both the High School and Community College. Al will be remembered as a teacher who brought life lessons into his classroom. He connected with people, always quick with a kind word and his trademark "toothy grin". "Papa Tex", as his grandchildren knew him as, was always willing to lend an ear, providing sage advice when needed. In Al's younger days, he enjoyed enjoyed scouting, camping, hiking, bicycling, fresh water boating, mechanics and small aircraft flights. More recently, his daily highlight was his neighborhood walks, where he enjoyed talking to everyone he met. His interests included several types of history, biography, current events and informal Bible studies. Al expressed deep appreciation of the friendships, trust, counseling and support received during some difficult times in his life at John Knox Presbyterian Church, where he became a member in 1988. He is survived by his wife of fifty four years, Dorothy Sandbeck Sonander, by daughters Madeline Sonander Tifenbach (Darryl) and Barbara Sonander Dangerfield (Gary), and by a son, Alden Y. Sonander, Jr. (Karene). He is also survived by a sister, Doris Sonander Savely, his brothers Arnold W. Sonander, Jr, and John William Sonander predeceased him. Seven grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and two cousins are among his surviving family. At Al's request, in lieu of a memorial service there will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, January 22, 201 1- 4 p.m. at the Sonander home. Friends are invited to attend and share their favorite memories of Tex. Published in Contra Costa Times on Jan. 11, 2011 |
