Longtime Orcas Islander Carl Herman “Savvy” Sanders Jr. peacefully passed away at home on September 9, 2024. He was 91.

Born on an island off Newport, RI, January 28, 1933 to Captain Carl H. Sanders, Sr. and Frances (Stoney) Sanders, the young Sanders grew up as a son of the Navy between both the east and west coasts. After graduating from Berkeley High School (CA), and the U.S. Naval Academy, Savvy found his home on the high seas. He served on destroyers and submarines, served in Viet Nam, and at the Pentagon. He retired from the Navy as Commander in 1975.

For the next 10 years he was the General Manager for the Pacific Coast Division of the Keystone Shipping Company, operating oil and chemical tankers worldwide.

Savvy’s life was full of activities that helped make it a long one. He was a serious tennis player from a young age and a fan throughout his life. While living in California he made epic backpacking trips into the Sierras with his sons. Sailing was his greatest joy. After Navy retirement he finally had the time to be the Captain of his own ship. For over 50 years he owned sail boats – sailing, cruising, racing, and chartering around the world with friends and family. His last boat, Voyageur, was under his command even as he turned 90. Other passions in his life included opera, jazz, reading, and fast cars. His first car was a Model A hotrod, his last was fully electric with many sports cars in between.

His outstanding military career notwithstanding, it’s Savvy’s dedication and contributions to the Orcas Island community that he will be most remembered.

Following his second retirement, Savvy moved to Orcas in 1986 and launched a long career of giving back to the island he loved.

He and his then wife, Sandy (deceased) were instrumental in developing the Healing Arts Center. For six years he chaired the Orcas Library Board of Directors as it transitioned from the old library on Main Street, to its new home on Rose Street. His concern for the environment was demonstrated by his board service for the Friends of the San Juans and the Raincoast Conservation Foundation. Savvy shared his love of sailing by serving on the board of the Orcas chapter of the Sailing Foundation where he taught many adult islanders how to love it too. In his third act, still committed to boats and the sea, Savvy served as the Harbormaster for Bay Head Marina for decades, retiring in January, 2024.

Savvy is survived by his wife, Laura Rensberry; two sons, Carl “Savvy” Sanders III (Jeni) of Orcas Island, and Michael Sanders of Northern California; grandchildren, Anika Sanders and Serena Sanders (Conor); step-granddaughter, Monique Berthiaume, and nephew Sandy Sanders (Mindy). Rarely without a canine companion, Tess II stays like the good girl that she is. A half-brother, Marshall Sanders, predeceased him.

We are so grateful to Hospice of the Northwest for making it possible for Savvy to comfortably stay on his beloved island until the end.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Look for notice after the new year. Please honor Savvy’s memory by finding your own way to give back to the community he loved so much.