Jeffery Sanders passed away on December 20, 2023 from ALS. He died at home in Jacksonville, Oregon with his wife, Jennifer, at his side. He was 58.

Jeffery Sanders was born on October 24, 1965 in Vallejo, California. He was a 1983 graduate of Bigfork High School in Bigfork, Montana. He attended Sonoma State University in Sonoma County, California, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1993.

Jeff was a lifelong athlete and adventurer who made the most of every moment cycling, mountaineering, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and traveling. In 1981 at age 15, he rode his Centurion 10-speed bicycle from Bigfork, Montana over mountain ranges, hills and valleys to Jenner, California. He made a second trip from California to Montana in 1985. That love of cycling continued throughout his adult life. He competed in countless mountain bike endurance races including one of the most challenging and prestigious mountain bike races in the world, the Leadville 100, in 1995, 1997, 1999 and 2008. After moving to Oregon in 2010, Jeff took up whitewater rafting, floating the pristine Green and Yampa Rivers in Dinosaur National Monument with his wife and friends, as well as the Grand Canyon and many others. He was fearless and driven by his deep love of the outdoors to seek out virtually any adventure where he could immerse himself in nature.

Jeff worked for 30 years as an environmental consultant (geologist) and manager. It was at work that he met his wife, Jennifer, in November 1997. On September 4, 1999, they were united in marriage at their home in Park County, Colorado. Jennifer joined him in the joy of travel, athletics, and the outdoors, creating countless cherished memories together. They spent a year living in Costa Rica and traveled extensively throughout the country and world. In 2016, they together started an independent environmental consulting business which they operated until 2022 when Jeff was diagnosed with ALS.

Always ready to extend a helping hand and friendly smile to both friends and strangers, Jeff effortlessly won the hearts of all who crossed his path and traversed life with an easygoing spirit. The impact of his absence is indescribable, and the void he has left is beyond words. He is survived by his adoring wife, Jennifer, as well as his parents, Mickey Sanders of Vallejo, California and Kathy (Jay) Breshears of Brookings, Oregon; his sister Jamie (Bob) Lindberg of Brookings, Oregon; 2 nephews, 1 great-niece and 1 great-nephew.

The family has chosen to celebrate his life in private, so there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to American Rivers or ALS Northwest. 

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