Neil Sanderson

Our dad, husband, brother, papa, uncle, nephew, and friend, Neil Don Sanderson, age 73 passed away peacefully April 25, 2024, surrounded by family.

Neil was born in Salina, Utah on March 24, 1951, to Don and Mable Sanderson. He was the oldest of four; Robert (Laurie) Sanderson, Douglas (Susie) Sanderson, and Carol (Don) Dabb.

Dad married Marian Hess 1973-1981. He married again 1982-2003 to Yolanda (Setser) Yourston where he was blessed with four children; Teresa (Paul) Gibbs, Adam (Alaina) Sanderson, Ashley (Jason) Wilkerson, and Erin (Daniel Borrayo) Sanderson.

He later reconnected and married his high-school sweetheart, Kathi (Murphey) Sanderson, on January 7, 2012. With the marriage came seven bonus children whom he adored; Melanie (Brad) Hague, Christina (Adrian) Tyler-St. Clair, Julianne (Richard) Price, Jessica (Cory) Bailey, Rebecca (Kenny) Webster, Elisa (Scott) Newell, and Richard Black.

Together, Neil and Kathi shared 40 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. They loved and spoiled each one in their own way.

He served in the Texas South mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970-1972. Neil met some lifelong friends during this time and has shared many great memories with us. One being the cockroach he sealed and mailed home to his mother.

Dad's greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He enjoyed staying busy, being involved in many activities with his wife and kids, from music to sports, camping, hitting the lake, or just playing cards around the dinner table. He loved his Utah Utes men's basketball and spent many years being a season ticket holder and always supporting them with his Utes gear.

Dad was talented in art and music, teaching himself to play guitar in Jr. High School. He even helped to form a garage band to play at local events. He held on to that love and would often times be found in his music room practicing. His wife, Kathi, supported his musical talents both in high school and then again during marriage.

He was loved by so many in the West Valley Fastpitch community. Volunteering his time to mentor for the past 25 years, dad made a lasting impact on all those he coached including his daughter and granddaughters. The softball field was his second home. We know it will never be the same without him there.

Dad was quick witted and enjoyed making people laugh. His great sense of humor was passed on to his children, along with his deep love for family. Thank you to all who loved our dad. He was an amazing man, so kind and so loving. He touched many lives and his legacy will continue.

Neil is survived by his loving wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and many family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mable Sanderson.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 3, 2024, from 1:30-2:30 with a viewing time preceding from 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM at McDougal Funeral Home. Graveside services will immediately follow the funeral at Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local youth sports organizations.