First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn - Weekly eNewsletter: The Passing of Rev. Donald Sandin

August 7, 2021

Reverend Donald Sandin

November 13, 1929 – July 30, 2021

Donald Albert Sandin was born November 13, 1929 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to Ernest Clifford Sandin and Hazel Sophia. Don was the 4th of 6 children: older brother Pat, sister Charlotte, Bob, and younger siblings Paul and Marjorie. Don's childhood was spent in the Chicago area, and his teens in the Rural Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Don's entire household centered their lives around the churches that his father, a Swedish Baptist minister, pastored: it was a home of love and service-- filled with music, hymns, house guests, and joy.

He attended Bethel College and Seminary along with his brother, Bob, his sister, Charlotte and Peggy and Patty Pope. There, he continued to develop his love of singing and his skills in leadership and service. He moved to Nokomis, Illinois to become the pastor of its Baptist Church. He and Peggy Pope were married in that church on October 21, 1950 by his father, who was pastoring a nearby church in Fosterburg, IL. Peggy and Don moved to Hudson, Minnesota, where they pastored the Baptist Church, and then to Minneapolis as an Assistant Pastor. These years were a continuation of their commitment of serving others and sharing of their talents as singers in choirs, and they traveled the Midwest with a Christian choral singing group.

During the 1960's new directions in sales, fashion, and commercial enterprise took them first to Chicago and then to New York. Sadly, this time was also stressful for both of them as Don became an Alcoholic. Through the prayers of many, the tremendous compassionate support of his younger brother Paul, and Alcoholics Anonymous, Don found himself again. Don would continue to be active with AA for many decades, sponsored dozens of AA friends, and communicated generously about addiction and recovery.

Fortunately, the lessons learned and his many years as a pastor and servant, launched him into fifty years touching countless lives with his love, wisdom and spiritual guidance. He founded an employee assistance program, pioneering this field that serves individuals in a corporate setting. He has pastored many churches, hosted radio shows, and a television show, taught meditation practices, shared his study of spiritual leaders, and spread wisdom and optimism. He practiced his writing, devotionals and meditations daily throughout his 92 years. Peggy and Don's home welcomed seekers of spiritual direction and guidance throughout their long marriage in New York and their retirement home in St Petersburg, Florida. Peggy died August 2, 2018.

True to Don's spirit of affirmation, Don's years in his 90's continued with joy, service and a new love. He and Jeanine Sprague were married on her 91st birthday April 12, 2020—which was Easter Sunday. Don died July 30, 2021. Don is survived by his wife, Jeanine, his sister, Marjorie Smith, a legion of Sandins and Smiths, and many dear friends who he mentored and encouraged. His last message is:

"Thank you, thank you thank you, have a wonderful day

and God Bless You."

A letter from Don's Brother in Ministry, Dr. Paul Smith:

Dear FPC families, especially those who knew Rev. Don Sandin,

Don is the beloved Uncle of Elder Patty Watwood and former Parish Associate during my tenure at First Church Brooklyn. Don faithfully served faithful congregations in our Presbytery, including Duryea Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn. He was the weekly host of a television program to which he invited me to become his co-host. He was a deeply caring Christian pastor, teacher-and friends with a so many of us. After retirement Don had a beautiful tenor singing voice, which he used joyfully. He was a master teacher whose classrooms were packed wherever he taught. Don was more of a brother and confidante to me as we traveled about Presbytery and the city. Once you heard his laughter, you were drawn into his love for Christ and humanity.

I have known Patty and her family since she and her siblings were small kids growing up in St. Louis, where I was on the staff of Berea and Second Presbyterian Churches. Don was "Pastor" to the world teaching and preaching God's love for All people. "Don died, but we who live must do a harder thing than dying is, for we must think, and ghosts will drive us on."

Rest peacefully my Brother Don.

Dr. Paul