Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of his life, Saturday, May 14, 2016, at 11:00 A.M., at The Unitarian Church, 825 Middlefield Dr., Petaluma. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 304 Magnolia Avenue, Petaluma. Donations in Sandy’s memory may be made to Lick Observatory at ucolick.org or to San Diego State University, Department of Astronomy, P-131, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-1221. Funeral arrangements under the direction of Adobe Creek Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Petalulma, CA.
John “Sandy” Bumgarner passed away peacefully March 10, 2016, in San Rafael with his devoted wife, Sherry at his side.
Age, 75 years. Beloved husband of Sherry Holmes. Loving father of Dona Bumgarner (Gary), John Bumgarner (Emily), Kathy Hughes and Ken Holmes (Shawna). Dear grandfather of Stella, Taylor, Kelli, Taylor, Brogan, Huntly, Brensly, Daxton and Karis. Loving brother of Johanna Dempsey Bumgarner (Steve). Sandy is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews other family members and dear friends.
As a young man, Sandy served his country, first in the Navy reserves and finished his service in the Air Force until his honorable discharge in 1963.
He was an engineer for most of his adult life, working in the technology field for many years. Although that was his career, he did many other things such as professor of astronomy at Gavilan College in Gilroy and Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Also, Sandy got great joy and pleasure from officiating at more than 50 weddings.
His loving, generous nature was always appreciated at these loving ceremonies.
He was an avid astronomer and would often take his wife, Sherry with him, usually in the middle of the night, to take in this amazing universe through the night sky.
Sandy will be most remembered for being a loving husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed the universe and all that was in it.
John “Sandy” Bumgarner June 15, 1940 – March 10, 2016
