Richard “Rick” Delmar Sanders Jr of Veseleyville, ND, passed away at his son’s home on July 6th, 2026. Rick was born on November 15th, 1957, in Plattsburgh, NY, to Richard Delmar Sanders Sr. and Mona Margaret Pugh. Rick was a proud military brat who grew up traveling the world as the oldest of three children of an Air Force service member. He spoke often about the many lessons he learned from experiencing so much of our world in his youth, especially the 3 years he spent in Hawaii. Rick’s father retired from the Air Force when Rick was 16, returning to his father’s hometown of Russell, Kansas. It was there that he discovered he was an exceptional cross-country and track runner, earning a scholarship to Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, where he studied philosophy of religion. Just as many young individuals do, Rick fell into an addiction to drugs and alcohol, cutting his time at Bethany short. Beginning in 1980, Rick worked as a roughneck in the Kansas oil fields. In 1981, Rick married Julie (John) Sanders, and in 1983, Rick welcomed his son, Richard John Sanders, into the world. Rick’s life found direction in 1985, when he was given the choice between his son or drugs; without hesitation, he checked himself into rehab that day. From that day forward, sobriety shaped his life. In 1986, he and his family moved to Tucson, AZ.
In Tucson, Rick was the head groundskeeper at IBM before spending 21 years as a maintenance technician at the University Medical Center. During that time, Rick demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and respect for everyone he encountered. In his personal life, he was a dedicated father, teaching his son the importance of hard work, honesty, respect, and integrity. He was an incredible Little League baseball coach, taking his teams to the championship games both years, he was the head coach. In 2002, his son left home, allowing Rick to find his true purpose, as he saw it, helping others with their sobriety. Rick thought the meaning of life was to help others feel they have value. Rick was more than an advocate for Alcoholics Anonymous; he was a servant who considered the 12th step, “Having had a spiritual experience as a result of this course of action, we tried to carry this message to others, especially alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs,” sacred. In 2008, Rick married Jacqueline Blodgett, whom he met in an AA meeting.
In 2017, Rick moved to Veseleyville, ND, to be closer to his son and two grandchildren. It was here that he lived out his remaining years doing the two things he loved most in life, spending time with his grandchildren and attending AA meetings as much as his body would allow as his kidney disease progressed. On Monday, July 6th, he was found unresponsive after attempting to attend his weekly AA meeting in Manvel.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Michael. Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Charlene Klim of Winslow, AR; son RJ (Agatha); two grandchildren, Richard and Mabel; nephews; and the many others he inspired and helped throughout his life.
Memorial services will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, ND, on Monday, July 20th at 6:30 pm.
In Tucson, Rick was the head groundskeeper at IBM before spending 21 years as a maintenance technician at the University Medical Center. During that time, Rick demonstrated an exceptional work ethic and respect for everyone he encountered. In his personal life, he was a dedicated father, teaching his son the importance of hard work, honesty, respect, and integrity. He was an incredible Little League baseball coach, taking his teams to the championship games both years, he was the head coach. In 2002, his son left home, allowing Rick to find his true purpose, as he saw it, helping others with their sobriety. Rick thought the meaning of life was to help others feel they have value. Rick was more than an advocate for Alcoholics Anonymous; he was a servant who considered the 12th step, “Having had a spiritual experience as a result of this course of action, we tried to carry this message to others, especially alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs,” sacred. In 2008, Rick married Jacqueline Blodgett, whom he met in an AA meeting.
In 2017, Rick moved to Veseleyville, ND, to be closer to his son and two grandchildren. It was here that he lived out his remaining years doing the two things he loved most in life, spending time with his grandchildren and attending AA meetings as much as his body would allow as his kidney disease progressed. On Monday, July 6th, he was found unresponsive after attempting to attend his weekly AA meeting in Manvel.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents and younger brother Michael. Those left to cherish his memory are his sister, Charlene Klim of Winslow, AR; son RJ (Agatha); two grandchildren, Richard and Mabel; nephews; and the many others he inspired and helped throughout his life.
Memorial services will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, ND, on Monday, July 20th at 6:30 pm.