Dominique Paul Sanchez

Dominique Paul Sanchez was born in La Rochelle, France on December 15, 1952 to parents Alfonzo Sanchez and Paulette Royer Garcia. The son of a soldier father, Dom lived in many locations such as France, Taiwan, and Pennsylvania, before settling in Whittier, California in the 1960s. He graduated from Sierra High School in 1971.

After high school, Dom served in the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge, he enrolled at Rio Hondo College, and transferred to Humboldt State University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Fine Art. He continued his studies at Cal State University, Long Beach where he completed his Masters Degree.

On April 8, 1978, he married Cheryl Klingelhoefer in Angels Camp, California, honeymooning in Yosemite. Dom and Cheryl had three children, Daniel (1983), Amanda (1984), and Michael (1993). Together they made their home in Whittier, California. Dom chose a career in welding at Rohrback Cosasco Systems, where he worked for over thirty years.

In 1992, Dom was a founding member of Boy Scout Troop 219. He later served as Scout Master for over a decade, passing along his love of camping and backpacking to an entire generation of boys. Dom was a long-standing member of Bikers For Christ, a motorcycle ministry dedicated to spreading the word of God. He was also a member of the Rushing Wind Congregation, where he served as a greeter.

Dom was an enthusiast of the wilderness, of which his hobbies included camping, hiking, and fishing. His love of the outdoors was not limited to the mountains, as he was also a runner, completing three marathons in his lifetime. After college, he continued his artistic endeavors with painting, and even through welding, as he created some truly unique works of art that often included horse shoes, railroad spikes, and any kind of scrap metal available to him. Later in life he developed a passion for motorcycle riding.

Most importantly, Dom loved the Lord, and was a faithful servant to him. He is survived by his mother Paulette, his three children Daniel, Amanda, and Michael, his son-in-law Ryan, his granddaughters Amorette and Layla, his ex-wife Cheryl, and his girlfriend Adele.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Rushing Wind Church, 14631 Leffingwell Road, Whittier, Saturday, September 23, 11 a.m.