Sanford Doyle Staats

Sanford Doyle Staats, 60, passed away from congestive heart failure Jan. 25, 2014.

Born at the Old Providence Hospital on Aug. 5, 1954, Sandy soon began to show genius, making his own light bulbs at the age of 4.

Sandy attended Mountain View Elementary in Anchorage, as well as Orah Dee Clark and East High, where he excelled in track and field.

Sandy worked for various oil companies in the 1970s and ’80s, then moved on to become a master mechanic and welder.

Through the years, Sandy ran his truck on hydrogen fuel cells, created his own sluice box and built his own rock crusher and crucibles, making him a valued mechanic on large boats. He worked for Fred Wilks for many years.

Pursuing his great love of mining, Sandy’s last work hitch was with Nyak above Fairbanks, taking gold samples.

Sandy was known to be a good, decent man, a hard worker and the best of neighbors, even saving an entire family from fire one year.

Sandy was preceded in death by Carol and Bill Staats; and brother, Carl. He leaves Will Staats, Lillian Staats, Linda, Lara, Kelly Ann and Andrea Staats behind.

Sandy will be sorely missed, but we know he is walking streets of gold and playing violin, accompanied by angels.

Sanford Staats was cremated shortly after passing. A celebration of life is planned in the area he lived. Details will be published and shared shortly.