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Don Sandall 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 Sandall 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.

Sandall 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.”

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

Sandall 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

19 COMMENTS

Deborah Arthur January 27, 2025 At 5:51 pm

Happy Birthday Don. You are an inspiration.

- gary haakenson January 27, 2025 At 7:49 pm
  
  Happy 100 Don…. Miss seeing you at Point No Point. Cheers!
  
  - Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 8:58 am
    
    I’m still walking the beach Gary, it was my pleasure to walk with the Mayor and Dolly
    
- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 8:56 am
  
  Grateful for your comment Deborah…
  Don
  
Mandy Laughtland January 27, 2025 At 8:41 pm

Happy birthday, Dr. Sandal!

- Bill England January 28, 2025 At 11:48 am
  
  Congrats Dr. Sandal! My Mom used to take My Brother and I to You as kids!
  
  - Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:04 am
    
    Bill, nice of you to respond, I remember you both, as well as your Mother… a very nice lady,
    Don
    
- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:00 am
  
  Thanks for the birthday wish…
  Santa Claus
  
Barbara Joan Ford January 28, 2025 At 7:41 am

Happy BD, Don. I’m watching people like you who stay positive, active and curious!

- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:08 am
  
  Thank you Barbara for the birthday wishes … stay positive one day at a time!
  Don
  
Cynthia Accetturo January 28, 2025 At 10:13 am

Happy Birthday Dr. Sandal..maybe the mercury is a good thing.

- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:11 am
  
  Thanks Cindy, it’s the Xylocaine not Hg!
  Don
  
Carol Gardner-Cox January 28, 2025 At 3:46 pm

You are an inspiration Dr. Sandal! Happy Birthday ❤️

- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:13 am
  
  Carol,
  Nice to hear from you, both you and Paula are special to me, from our working days…
  Don
  
D. Belt-VanLoveren January 28, 2025 At 8:41 pm

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!

- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:16 am
  
  Thank you for the kind words
  Don
  
David Preston January 28, 2025 At 10:32 pm

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!!!!!!

- Don Sandall February 27, 2025 At 9:18 am
  
  David,
  Seems like yesterday… the fishing and ski trips, happy memories,
  Don
  
Vic Nelson July 24, 2025 At 7:40 pm

Don, Congratulations on reaching 100. Vic Nelson

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Don Sandall: 100 years and going strong

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