Peter (Pete) Joseph Sanders passed away unexpectedly at home in Chino Valley, Arizona, on May 23rd, 2024.  He was born February 17th, 1949, in La Crosse, Wisconsin.  His father was John Walter Sanders, his mother was Mary Kay Grohman. Pete grew up on the Monterey Peninsula and spent his summers on a ranch in the Salinas Valley.

He was a graduate of Monterey High School and attended Cal Poly SLO where he was an outstanding athlete.  Pete then served in the United States Army including a full tour in Vietnam, where he saw considerable combat action.  Pete worked mostly in heavy construction as a General Forman.

Pete led an active life, riding bucking broncos, hunting, fishing, and scuba diving and became a longtime director of the Salinas Rodeo. Upon his move to Chino Valley, he became a volunteer with the Chino Valley Police Department and a guiding fixture at Horses With Heart.  His retirement years were devoted to service.

Pete made friends wherever he went.

He is survived by his wife Jan, brothers Mike and Joe, sister Barbara Ward.  Two sons, Brian (Casee) and Dale (Shannon), and grandchildren Chloe, Brady, and Ella.

In leu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Horses With Heart or the Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona.