Rene "Jackie" Sanders

“Jackie” Rene` Sanders was born to Ralph and Doris Sanders in San Francisco, California on January 12, 1954. He is the oldest of 4 siblings. His early education was received at Boise Elementary. Jackie graduated from Jefferson High School and attended Eastern Oregon Community College before he enlisted in the United States Army where he served for four years. He was granted an honorable discharge certificate from the United States Army in 1977.

Jackie was employed at Boise Cascade for 10 years. He also worked at the Ship Yard for a short while before working on a fish processing ship for several months. It was on the fish processing ship where Jackie was injured and became disabled. Work was no stranger to Jackie. When and while he was able to work he was a hard worker.  When his mother Doris met and married Arthur Potts, Sr., Jackie was about five years old. Arthur received Jackie into his heart and his home as his own. He raised and nurtured him and taught him what he needed to know.

As quoted by his sister, Sharon , she says that her brother considered himself a ladies’ man. He loved to dress and to eat. “Boy he could inhale a chicken.” His siblings all state that they loved to visit him at grandmother’s house on the weekends. Most of Jackie’s life was spent with his beloved grandmother, Carrie Duckett, who preceded him in death. Once when his daughter Nika was visiting he had to comb her hair. Being a dad he did what a dad had to do whether he knew how to or not. At least he gave it a try.

His brother, Melvin along with other family members says that Jackie had an open door policy to his home. All were welcome. If they didn’t have any where to go, they could stay “at least for a few days.”  Jackie would say “I can’t help you if you won’t help yourself.” This view on life was instilled in him by his dad, Arthur Potts, Sr. who believed in this whole heartily. Jackie was a great big brother. As quoted by his sister, Charlotte , “You will always be my big brother.”

His daughter, Nika had this to say about her dad, “He taught us to live our lives to the fullest. To learn from our mistakes, have a forgiving heart and to respect each other. He also said to never look down on others and to treat everyone the same. Last but not least, he would make sure that someone laughs and enjoy themselves while in his presence.” Jackie was preceded in death by both fathers’ Ralph Sanders and Arthur Potts, Sr., three uncles, James Duckett, Sr., Roscoe Williams and Morris Byrd.

“Jackie” Rene` Sanders departed this earthly life on March 15, 2014 in his home surrounded by his friends. He leaves to mourn his death and cherish his memory, a daughter, Nika and son, Rashad known as “Pooh.” Also left to mourn his passing and cherish his memory is his mother, Doris, three grandchildren, two sisters, Sharon and Charlotte, one brother, Melvin, sister-in-law, Terri, one uncle, Calvin Nash of Texarkana, AR, a host of cousins, the Browns and Lockett families of Oakland, and San Francisco, CA, and the Ducketts’ of Portland, OR, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. “He is gone but not forgotten.”