Rodney Wayne Sando

Sando, Rodney Wayne passed away in his home Wednesday, July 19, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He was 82. Rod was born May 30, 1941 in Independence, Iowa and was raised on the family farm in Ogilvie, Minnesota where he graduated high school. Rod was an alumnus of the University of Minnesota. He held a master's degree in forestry and wildlife management. His extensive career began as a smoke jumper in Montana which led to his role as Director of Forestry for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner of the Minnesota DNR, Director of Idaho Fish and Game, and finally Executive Director of the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority. After retirement, Rod served as a Science and Policy Advisor for the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association. Rod is preceded in death by parents Dick and Leona Sando, daughter Sara Thompson, and brother-in-law Waldo Randall. He is survived by his wife Janice Eckman Sando, his daughters Sue Graham and Erika Sando, his son Kyle Sando, his stepdaughters Kelly Coker and Kineta (Matthew) Hardin, his sisters Kathy (Maynard) Berland, Dixie Randall and Marilyn Lindquist, as well as his 8 grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Braham Event Center. A time of visitation with refreshment will be from 1:00-2:00 pm at the Event Center. Inurnment will follow the service at the Fish Lake cemetery near Mora. A service in Oregon will be held at a later date. Local arrangements are entrusted to the Hamilton Funeral Homes - Rock Chapel in Braham. Condolences: hamiltonfhs.com

Published on August 6, 2023