Obituary of Kenneth C. Sandin

Bloomville - Kenneth C. Sandin, 79 of Bloomville succumbed after a battle with colon cancer on Thursday September 22, 2011. He was born the son of Gustav and Ellen Sandin in Brooklyn, New York on July 17, 1932. Kenneth graduated in 1951 from Newtown High School, where he was affectionately crowned in his senior year as "the hot rod king." Kenneth was actively involved in the Farm Cadet program in high school, leading him to Upstate New York and into dairy farming. After moving to the Bloomville area in 1951, Kenneth was a lifetime farmer on Crowe Road in Bloomville, New York. In recent years, he also owned and operated a grounds keeping business. Kenneth was an avid sportsman who loved hunting and fishing on his own farm as well as in the Adirondacks. He truly loved living on "Sandin" Mountain overlooking Bloomville, had an innate GPS for all back roads in central New York, and loved visits with his family and friends. Kenneth is survived by his five children, Christine Benkert (Howard Jack) of Vienna Va, Kenneth Scot Sandin (Lisa) of Bloomville NY, Linda Shorts (Randy) of El Paso Tx, Jeffry Sandin (Shana) of Moyock NC, and Laura Miller (Kent) of Arcade NY. Kenneth also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren: Jeremy and Jason Benkert; Joshua (Stephanie) and Corey Sandin; Nathan, Trevor, Caleb, and Elijah Shorts; Adam and Tova Sandin; and Justin, Julie and Jesse Miller. Kenneth is also survived by his sister Karin Birkeland as well as his nephews Erik and Karl Birkeland and several cousins both in the United States and in Norway. Kenneth is survived by his special friend Betty Spivak. He also leaves behind his faithful canine companion Nala. Kenneth was predeceased by his parents, his ex-wife June Sandra Sandin, and his wife Mae Hitt Sandin. Calling hours will be at the MacArthur Funeral Home in Hobart, NY on Monday September 26th from 7-9 pm. Funeral services will be on Tuesday September 27th, 2011 at 11:00 am at The United Methodist Church on Main Street in Bloomville, NY with Rev. Mark DelGiudice. There will be a luncheon following the graveside service at the Bloomville Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Kenneth Sandin may be made to the Bloomville Emergency and Rescue Squad at PO Box 784 Bloomville, NY 13739. Online condolences may be left at macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are with Macarthur Funeral Home, Hobart, New York.