Don Sandal: 100 years and going strong

Don Sandal arrives at the Frances Anderson gym on Monday morning sporting his new T-shirt, a gift from his fellow early morning workout friends.

Retired Edmonds dentist Don Sandal joined the centenarian club on Jan. 22 when he marked his 100th birthday.

We asked him the inevitable question, “What’s your secret of living to 100?” His answer: “I dunno – you just keep going day to day, I guess.”

Monday’s workout began with a brisk stroll on the treadmill.

Sandal spoke about the combination of a proper diet and staying interested and curious. Part of this includes continuing to help maintain his Hansville Christmas tree farm, which he began while he was still practicing dentistry.

“I’m still in my house, tend my garden and mow my lawn,” he said. “And I come down to the Frances Anderson [Center] three days a week at 8:30 a.m. to work out on the gym equipment.”

Sandal’s gym friends, L-R, Dave Liatos and Cindy Huggins join him for a photo.

Sandal has collected a bevy of admirers among the early crowd at the Frances Anderson Center gym, and to mark his recent birthday they presented him with a commemorative T shirt inscribed with “It took me 100 years to look this good”.

Happy birthday Don – and here’s to the next 100 years!

— Story and photos by Larry Vogel

  1. Dr. Sandal was my childhood dentist, until after I was married! He was the nicest, most gentle dentist..before there was Gentle Dental! Happy Birthday Dr. Sandal!

  2. Caught my first Salmon at Point-No-Point on Don’s boat with his son Pete.
    The Sandals took me on my first Ski Trip to Crystal and White Pass, which has turned into a life long passion, teaching for more than 40 years now!
    Thanks Don!!!!!!

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