Deceased April 19, 2012

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In Memory

Jack was born July 5, 1925, and died April 19, 2012. He attended Cranbrook School, with which he had a lifelong relationship. He had two other lifelong relationships—one with Amherst College and the other with baseball. I do not know when his love of baseball started, but it certainly manifest at Amherst. He became the manager of the baseball team. In fact, during his last year at Amherst, the organization of the college managers association was reactivated. Jack was its elected chairman.

He returned to Cranbrook after the war (U.S. Air Force) and coached the baseball team. From Cranbrook he directed several of their best baseball players to Amherst, frequently coming out with them. He also interviewed students with an interest in Amherst. And in 1991, Amherst awarded him its Medal for Eminent Service.

One feature of his love of baseball was his continued contact with those whom he taught. This may be a family tradition, as brother Fred ’44 also continued contact with his meteorologists whom he taught at MIT. Jack coached the Cranbrook baseball team his entire life.

He had many local involvements. He was involved with the family candy business. In fact, he became president (1971-72) of the Retail Confectioners International. The local business (Sanders) went through many tribulations but is again thriving in Michigan.

He also was chairman of the Boys Club of Hyde Park from 1970 to 1980. He was a leader and at Amherst was Phi Beta Kappa.

He never married but, as you can see, had many loves. Wherever he is at this moment, I would bet he is organizing something and will be elected its leader. Do they play baseball up there?

Dick Banfield ’46