Daniel Sanchez

Daniel Sanchez passed away peacefully on September 14, 2024 in San Luis Obispo, California. He was born on February 18, 1931, the oldest child of Adiel and Enriqueta Sanchez, who lived in the little family town of Sanchez, right outside of Solomon, Arizona.

In 1941 the whole family, now including a sister and three brothers, moved to California, first to Hanford, then to San Diego. In 1946, at the age of 15, he left home to attend Sandia View Academy in New Mexico. After graduation from high school he returned to California, moving back with his family and getting his AA degree from Santa Maria Junior College.

In 1952 he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. On June 6, 1952 he married Angie Martinez, who he had courted while at Sandia View Academy. They married in Arlington, California, before returning to San Antonio to finish his military service.

Following his honorable discharge from the Army, he got his Bachelor’s Degree in 1956 in business administration.

He worked for the Riverside County Auditor’s Office from 1957 to 1975, working his way up to Chief of the Audits Division.

During that time he and Angie welcomed a daughter Cinda in 1958, and a son Gary in 1963.

In 1975, Dan accepted the position of the Assistant Auditor Controller of San Joaquin County where he remained until his retirement in 1993.

In 2015 he and Angie moved to San Luis Obispo to be closer to their daughter and to enjoy the beautiful scenery and climate.

The last two years of his life he resided at Vista Rosa Assisted Living where he was very happy and was treated like family by the staff.

He and Angie loved to travel, especially on cruises, and together they traveled the world. Throughout his life he busied himself with projects around the house - laying pavers, putting up fences and building tool sheds. He was a jack-of-all trades from auto mechanics, to cement work, to electrical work.

Dan loved the outdoors, especially camping. He also enjoyed photography, gardening, boating and bowling. He was a great cook and was especially known for his BBQ chicken and his annual tamale feast.

While living in San Luis Obispo, he loved going on rides, especially to Montaña de Oro, Lopez Lake and to watch the surfers at Morro Rock.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Angie; his daughter Cinda Fox, son Gary Sanchez (Cheri); granddaughter Kelsey Fox, grandson Mitchell Bazzarre (Veronica) and great-granddaughter Niela; sister Rebecca Sass, brother Albert Sanchez (Aneva), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Adiel and Enriqueta Sanchez, and his brothers Art and Abe.