Arthur Sandner

George Arthur Sandner was born to George and Nellie Sandner on the family farm between Stayton and Scio on January 27, 1914. He told many stories of going to school at the Cole School and later Stayton High School where he graduated in 1931.  In 1937 Arthur married Angie Shamberger and they farmed and raised their family south of Stayton.  In the 1940s Arthur also owned and operated a sawmill on his property for several years.   Fishing and hunting, alone or with friends, were two of his favorite leisure activities.   In the 1940s and 1950s Arthur served on the Board of Directors for Santiam Farmers (now WILCO Farmers) and Consumers Power Electric Company.  He spent time in Washington DC working to get electricity to the rural residences in the Stayton Scio area.  Arthur was also involved in beginning the Kingston Irrigation Company in 1962.  Working with these and other companies for the community good was a very important part of his adult life.  He was a strong willed leader who enjoyed working with people.  Arthur was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Stayton Church of Christ.  He served as an elder there for many years.  He was an avid student of the Bible.  Arthur was sensitive to the physical and spiritual plight of those with addictions.  He supported and ministered to them through the Union Gospel Mission in Salem. In 1995, Arthur had a serious farming accident that left him with 7 broken ribs and 5 broken vertebrae which changed how he farmed.  But he was always a farmer.  Since that time he enjoyed his vegetable gardens and building bird condos.   Arthur loved people and did not know a stranger.  He had a remarkable memory and loved to share the stories of his many adventures of lifeincluding an afternoon of jet skiing at age 80 and driving a snow machine at age 95.  This February he suffered a massive heart attack and consequently died just 3 months after his wife of 72 years passed away.  Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Angie; two brothers, Earl and Delbert and one granddaughter.  He is survived by his children, Karen, Jim (wife Linda) and Dan; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Stayton Christian Church.  Interment will be at Wisner Cemetery and a reception will follow back at the church. Arthur would be honored if in lieu of flowers, donations were made to the Union Gospel Mission at P.O. Box 431, Salem, OR 97308-0431 Arrangements entrusted to Weddle Funeral Services Online Condolences at Weddle-Funeral.com