Harley “Hod” Dalton Sanborn

At the age of 85, Hod joined his former Baseball teammates on April 1, 2020.

His final days were spent at the Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and now the angels are rejoicing as they welcome him home.

Hod was born on April 15, 1934, to Harvey and Marie Sanborn, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

One of his favorite stories of his youth was “running the streets of Spokane” with his friends. He attended Longfellow Grade School and Rogers High School his freshman year, and then moved to Bonners Ferry to finish schooling in 1952. He excelled in all sports and attended the University of Idaho on a football scholarship; later attending Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.

He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955, and at the same time, (as fate would have it), Hod reunited with former classmate Virginia Johnson and they were married on Sept. 3, 1955. He chose marriage over baseball, and always maintained that he made the right choice.

Hod was inducted in the Inland Empire Softball Hall of Fame in 1984, playing for both Eagle Electric and Rainier Brewery for 10 years. He was the league leading hitter, most valuable player, and was the first player in Fast Pitch league softball to hit over a .400 average for a full season. Later, he was also inducted for: Team of the Decade – 1950-1959 with Rainier Brewery, and Team of the Decade – 1960-1969 with Eagle Electric.

His love of sports continued by coaching seventh and eighth grade football. He also loved announcing High School football games. Travels throughout the world always included a round of golf. Pebble Beach was a favorite. Bowling, hunting, fishing and flying planes were also great enjoyments.

Hod managed Taft’s variety store, loving to chat with people and being a part of the community, until they closed their doors.

He served as a U.S. Marines Corps reserve, was a very active member in Lions, The Knights of Pythias, and was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles .

Hod is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia; son Chris (Dixie), son Kevin (Donna), daughter Michelle Guthrie, and son John (Liz). He dearly loved his 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Harvey and Marie Sanborn, sister Abby Glenn, sister Beverly Patterson, son-in-law Matt Guthrie, and grandson James Sanborn. Hod is survived by brothers Norm, Corky, Mike and K.C., and sister Ila.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent directly to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204; and/or Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

A memorial is being planned at a later date.