Andrew (Andy) Gardner Sanders, 82, passed away peacefully on Dec. 6, 2014, at his home on the ocean at Sandwood Villas in Xcalak, Mexico, where he and his wife lived for the past 21 years.

He graduated from Albert Lea High School and the University of Minnesota with a degree in pharmacy in 1957. Andy was the owner of Sanders Drug Company, Sanders Consultant Pharmacists and was also a Pharmacist for Snyders Drug.

Andy and Ruth were avid scuba divers, YMCA scuba diving Instructors and owners of Scuba Daddy’s Dive shop in Apple Valley. Together they taught many how to scuba dive and took people on dive trips all over the world. In 1984 he and Ruth bought some land in Mexico and built a resort called Sandwood Villas.

Andy was a United States Marine and served in the Korean War. He was also Commander of the American Legion, President of Minnesota Pharmacy Association, a mason in the Masonic Temple, coach for Andy’s Aquanaut’s, Albert Lea swim coach during the off season and was involved in many other local community organizations.

Andy loved life and made everyone that passed through his life feel special. He loved to tell stories and have a beer.

Andrew was preceded in death by his 6 year old son, Brian. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth Sanders; sister, Wanda Doyle; sons and wives Terry and Deb, Alan and Margie and Robin and Terri; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date.