
Michael E. Sanderson 73 of Enola PA passed away with god’s strength at his home Wednesday afternoon on May 22, 2024. He battled tough his last few years with congestive heart failure from his lung issues. In Mikes early years some knew him as “Wap-Bap” from his flat track racing which in that era Mike was sponsored by Jack Nye’s Yamaha of Millersburg. Mike also went by “Sandy” and his latest go to “one eye” Mike, due to the loss of his left eye. Mike had a strong remarkable stride and stood firm in his beliefs in life along with an incredible passion and knowledge of firearms and the great outdoors. He lived his life to the fullest and not many would disagree with that. Throughout his life, Mike wrestled and played varsity baseball at Cumberland Valley High School, played semi pro hockey for the junior Hershey Bears, he was an activist in hunting, trapping, fishing, golfing, coaching, and being the best father he could be. Mike also placed second in the worlds twice at the Havre de Grace waterfowl carving competitions in Maryland. He sold most of his carvings for beer money in his younger years and some to this day can still be found on eBay and around different countries. Mike loved participating in fishing tournaments on the Susquehanna River reeling in small mouth bass aka “pulling rabbits out of his hat”. He loved that river and spent the majority of his life out there hunting ducks and trapping furs. He ran a rollover duck boat or sneak boat which was a passion of his for some time. The boats along with the men who built and used them are all a thing of the past. Included below is an early article of Mike and the history that lived behind this art. feel free to copy and paste in your browser.
Mike loved it outside where the wild things were, and all his friends at the Enola Sportsmen’s Association where you could find him competing in his weekly block shoot competitions.
Mike later retired as a welder from Norfolk Southern Railroad where he worked most of his life. Mike was very proud of his only son and all his accomplishments in life. He was a proud supportive grandfather of his two grandsons Cash Wilder (4) and Levi Aaron (8). He loved listening to Bob Seger, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and all his country music. “Free Bird”. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Ralph E. Sanderson and Betty (Burkholder) Knowles and step-mother Mary M. (Loudenslayer) Sanderson. He is survived by his son Sean M. Sanderson of Enola, two grandsons Cash W. (4) and Levi A. (8), step-brother Warren Miller (wife Jennifer) step-sister Karen Davis (husband Bob), sister Gwen Stoner (husband Sam), step-sister Barbara Miller (husband Wayne), niece Cassandra Consagara (husband Johnny) and nieces and nephews.
In honor of Mike’s passing, he would appreciate any remembrances and donations be made to the Enola Sportsmen’s Association for the fundraising of the youth fishing derby and field days. Please feel free to contact Julie Hess or club manager Megan Kenes.
You can contact them by the following:
Enola Sportsmen’s Club
290 Pine Hill Rd Exd
Enola, PA 17025
(p) (717)732-9927
As per Mike’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services.
Shoot fast or shoot last, Till he sees you all again, His trains rollin on. “Sis on you pister” – Mike
The Sullivan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sanderson family.