Sandy Waddell

  ​  Sandford Thomas (Sandy) Waddell passed away February 22, 2015. He was a warm hearted, focused and determined man who cherished family and friends above all.
    Sandy was born on December 1, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan, the son of Angus Thomas (Tom) Waddell and Elizabeth (Jean) Cleland Waddell. He grew up together with his 8 years younger sister Cindy, who passed away in 1974. His father Tom worked as a hospital administrator. Both father and son served in the Michigan National Guard for many years. His mother Jean was a home maker and china painter.
    After graduating Marysville High School in 1958 he attended Port Huron Junior College. Sandy received his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1963 where he was a member of Phi Kappa Tau. He began his working career with General Mills in Minneapolis as a chemical engineer.
    Sandy was married to Dale Morgan in 1966 in Minneapolis. They moved to St. Petersburg Beach, Florida in 1970. His son, Andrew (Drew) Cleland Waddell was born in 1973. The Waddell’s relocated to Corona del Mar, California in 1974 when Sandy joined Fluor Corporation as Director of Strategic Planning. Sandy left Fluor Corporation in 1985, and moved to Pacific Enterprises, and later to Thrifty Corporation as VP of Finance in 1989. He continued his career as an independent financial consultant primarily serving as chief financial officer in turnaround and startup companies. Sandy was married to Madeleine de Jounge in 1983.
    Madeleine, originally from Sweden, brought son Jacob and daughter Johanna to the new family. They traveled each year to the island of Gotland in Sweden, where Madeleine’s family has a small summer home. Always interested in the community Sandy served for 8 years as the Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the Port District of Ventura. He also was a long time member of Rotary International, being active with the organization in Florida and California at both the Balboa and East Ventura clubs. He was a respected member of Ventura’s Church of the Foothills, where he contributed in various roles. His open attitude led him into many different interests, prominent of which were, running, sailing, Scottish Country and Scandinavian Dancing.
    Later in his life his connection to his Scottish heritage and Madeleine’s connection to Sweden, led them to travel locally and worldwide to dances and workshops. He ran in over 100 marathons, including the Boston Marathon, Stockholm Marathon, and even twice in the 100 mile Western States Endurance Race. His interest in running also created a lifetime bond between him and his children. All three of them participated in running throughout either high school and/or college with Sandy’s coaching, support and enthusiasm. His passion for running never stopped. It was how he lived his life. Indeed it was his motto; Work Hard, Don’t give Up, Stay the Course.
    As a person, those who knew him say that there was no end to his warmth, supportive presence, helpful nature and his capacity to be trusted. Giving to others was an important part of his life. Not so noticeable in the foreground, he was uninterested in coming across as exceptional yet he actually was that person. A loving and loyal father, husband, son and friend, he showed us all his soul and we will miss him greatly.
Sandy is survived by: His wife Madeleine, his children Andrew (Drew) and his wife Tomoko, Jacob and his wife Pamela, Johanna and her husband Vincent and grandchildren Kaisei, Kengo, Chloe and Axel. The family would like to say thank you for the outpouring of support and help shown toward Sandy during this past difficult year.
    A memorial service will be held at Church of the Foothills, Ventura California on March 15th at 2 PM.
    Donations may be made in Sandy’s name to the Church of the Foothills Endowment Fund (6279 Foothills Road Ventura, CA 93003).