Donald "Sandy" McPherson

D.G. Sandy McPherson, after a truly heroic fight, lost his life on Friday, October 9, 2020. It was due to complications post cardiac surgery.

Sandy was born on July 31, 1942 in Montgomery, Alabama where his father was one of the original flight instructors for the Tuskegee Airmen. He travelled often in his youth as his family was reassigned to different SAC bases in this country. He graduated from high school in Portsmouth, NH. Following high school, he attended NMMI, and then Texas A&M University.

Sandy was a member of the vocal group The Satellites, and appeared on American Bandstand In his senior year of high school after they cut a record. In college, he performed with the folk group the Wayfarers. It was a wonderful memory for him. 

In 1964, he Joined the Army. After basic training he served at Ft Huachuca, AZ Specializing in Crypto communications. He attended Officer Candidate school and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the Army Signal Corps. He Attended Airborne Jump School and was awarded his Parachutist or Jump Wings.

He Was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina as the acting Commanding Officer of the newly created 126 Light Maintenance Company. 2nd Lt. McPherson and Company were shipped to Vietnam out of San Francisco on the US General Walker. While enroute to VietNam they diverted to Okinawa. The 126th Light Maintenance Company was then disbanded and assigned to the 2nd Logistical Command. He was promoted to Captain.

After serving his overseas tour of duty on Okinawa he was assigned to Ft Lewis, Washington. He served with honor and and returned to civilian life in San Diego, CA in 1969.

On Christmas day of 1969, a brand new 20-year-old named Mary Carol Wise flew to San Diego from Chicago and met Sandy less than a week later. It was meant to be, as these two people enjoyed 50 years of love with its ups and downs but always constant and never questioned.

Their proudest accomplishments were the birth of their sons, Trevor in June, 1978 And Kyle in December, 1979. These two men are adored by their parents. Clanmcp was a unit, never to be broken up.

Sandy worked for almost 30 years for Knight Security and Fire Systems as a vice president. He retired in 2008, and unfortunately, was soon stricken with several health issues that prevented him from doing his favorite hobbies, building radio controlled airplanes and fly fishing in the sierra Nevada mountains.

Sandy is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Trevor (Sarah), Kyle (Teresa) and grandchildren Sophia, Olivia, Harper and Mitchell. He is also survived by his lifelong dear friend Bill Clark and his life long dear friend/ brother in law Bill Wise and family as well as many Fly fishing & Aviation buddies and a plethora of others.

A celebration of his life will follow when Covid hides its ugly head.

He was a man of integrity, honor and esteem.

Tight lines, sweetheart. You are so loved.

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