Paul Edward Sangster's Obituary
Paul Edward Sangster Obituary in his own words: "Well, it looks like I didn't get very far on this. I have in mind, (and it changes as time passes) to inform those who remain of some of the details of how I got to this point. So here goes."
"I was born in Washington DC, June 14, 1939, at Columbia Hospital for Women to Leona and George Sangster. My mother always claimed that because I was a boy, I had to be discharged at this place was only for women."
"We moved from Arlington, VA to Springfield, IL, in 1946, where I attended grade school at Hay-Edwards and Springfield High School. There, I was a member of the National Honor Society and lettered in basketball and football. I spent my freshman year at Kansas State College (now KSU) where I aspired to be a Division 1 basketball player, but alas, I discovered that I was either too slow or too short, or maybe both. I majored in Mechanical Engineering, and was on the Honor Roll that year. I should have become a scholar, but I wanted to be a basketball player, so I transferred to the University of Michigan, where football was King, and basketball was an afterthought. I majored in Chemistry. Then, due to a severe near fatal asthma attack, I moved to Tucson, Arizona, where, after graduation, I taught High School Algebra and Science for one year. It was at this time that I developed a desire to learn more and increase my chances for a more lucrative job, so I attended Graduate School, majoring in Chemistry, specializing in Biochemistry. As part of the duties, (I was paid $2400/year as a graduate student), I taught classes in basic Chemistry for nurses and Home Economics majors."
"After getting a Masters Degree, I found a job in Philadelphia at Hahnemann Hospital working as Director of the Clinical Lab, Chemistry Section, over about 15 ladies and two men. I also taught a course in Chemistry at Glassboro State College in New Jersey. While there, it became apparent to me that the person making the most money and having the most fun was the Pathologist, so I applied to Medical School. I returned to Tucson and there managed to do well enough to receive the honor of Alpha Omega Alpha Honorary Medical Society. From there, I did an internship in surgery in San Diego, and returned to Tucson to do a Radiology Residency."
"I was privileged to obtain a job in Flagstaff with Northern Arizona Radiology, which turned out to be a wonderful experience, meeting many interesting people. While working there, I met the love of my life, Sandie Shaum McKenzie, who had three wonderful children. We combined my precious son, Jonathan, with Dena, Jarrod and Todd and had as fine a family as God ever saw on this earth".
"I was President of the Coconino County Medical Society."
"I am survived by my wonderful wife, Sandie, and the four children, Dena (Kraig), Jarrod (Liz), Todd (Jessica), Jonathan and ten grandchildren, and one great grandson being given his middle name after me, and two sisters, Jakky Sangster and Dinah (John) Sutherland."
"Paul Edward Sangster went home into the presence of his Savior September 30, 2025. Paul lived his life committed to Jesus Christ and his Family. He has preceded us to everlasting life in Heaven, waiting for all who put their faith in the Savior as the only way to our Heavenly Father."
At my request, I asked Paul to summarize his life not wanting to miss his many accomplishments. We want to share with everyone as many of you will hear his humor and thoughtfulness throughout. Till We Meet Again, Loved Forever, Sandie.
"For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.
What’s your fondest memory of Paul?
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Share a story where Paul's kindness touched your heart.
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