John W. Sanders, 68, passed away unexpectedly September 28, 2025 after having competed in his last doubles race at the Steerhead Regatta in Fort Worth, Texas.

John was born in 1957 at Fort Ord, California to John C. Sanders, an Army career man, and Kyoko Sanders. John's early years were spent on several military installations across the country before his father retired and settled the family in De Pere, Wisconsin in 1970.

John attended East DePere High School (1971-75) where he competed in football, wrestling, and track. John maintained his high school friendships over the years and miles.

In 1975, John joined the US Army, serving proudly at Fort Lewis, Washington where he earned the Soldier of the Cycle award. He developed a deep love for Washington state and the West Coast. Following his honorable discharge, he attended Washington State (GO COUGS) where he earned his mechanical engineering degree, met his first rowing community, and built and enjoyed the companionship of his college buddies/Boeing/Poker family.

John joined the Boeing Company in Seattle as a software engineer on the B1 bomber program. He relocated with Boeing to California, Washington, and finally Oklahoma City.

John loved strategy and competition. He sailed, swam, and ran. He competed in triathlons and climbed Mt. Rainier. He white water rafted, long distance bicycled, played softball, and flag football. John, to his great joy and fulfillment, rediscovered rowing in mid-life.

John joined the Oklahoma Association of Rowers at the onset of the development of "the next great rowing city." At 49, John competed at the world class level, winning two world championship gold medals in the FISA World Masters Regatta in Princeton, N.J. He volunteered his time, his passion, and his expertise with his rowing community for more than twenty years.

John was a good friend, mentor, and trainer to so many over many years. His rowing legacy is renowned on the local and national rowing circuits.

He will be deeply missed, especially by those who loved him.

John was preceded in death by his father, John C. Sanders. He is survived by his beloved dogs, Fritz and Rosie; his mother, Kyoko; his brothers, Michael (Debra) and Patrick (Terrie); nieces, Rhianna (Ian) and Elise (Kim); nephews, Patrick Jr (Kayli) and Christopher (Tessa); and five great-nieces/nephews.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams will be Friday, October 10 from 12-8pm with family present from 5-7pm. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11 at 9:00am at the Chesapeake Boathouse at 725 S Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129.

Donations in John's memory may be made to Riversport at riversportokc.org/donate.