Alexander “Sandy” de Carteret passed away at his home in Surprise, Ariz., on May 24, 2017, following a brief illness. He was born Jan. 25, 1932, in Seattle, Wash.

He grew up in Sumner, Wash., where he excelled in football and graduated from Sumner High School in 1950. He was recruited and continued his legendary football career at the University of Puget Sound, where he graduated with a B.A. in Education. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany where he again was recruited to play football for the U.S. Army. After his tour of duty he also played football for the Seattle Ramblers semi- professional team.

Following his football passion he was then hired as a business education teacher and head football coach at R.A. Long High School in Longview, Wash. He turned R.A. Long football into a very successful winning program and had an undefeated team known as the Red Mob in 1968. He also found time in the off-season to coach swimming at R.A. Long High School.

In 1971 he was hired as a business education teacher, counselor and head football coach at Hoquiam High School. Again he found success on the gridiron and took the Grizzlies to a second place finish the state football tournament in 1977. He was also one of the founders of the Hoquiam High School girls’ track team and volunteered to coach the fledgling program. He retired from a successful teaching and coaching career in 1992. His passion for football did not stop once he retired. He volunteered to coach with his son, Todd and considered it a great privilege. Later in 2003, he was honored and inducted into the WIAA State Football Coaches’ Hall of Fame.

Continuing his passion for football, he had season tickets to the Washington Huskies and chose one high-profile college football game each year to attend.

Following retirement, he and his wife traveled throughout Europe, Mexico, Costa Rica, Australia, New Zealand and South America. Winters were spent at the family home in Arizona, but he always considered Washington home.

Alex is remembered for the twinkle in his eyes, his keen sense of humor, his deep loyalty to friends, a passion for football and his love for his sons and grandchildren. He was also a gourmet cook, a creative landscaper, a wine enthusiast, a music lover and a positive friend to any stranger in need. He loved traveling and meeting new people throughout the world. His cheerful approach to life, his family and friends and to any unsuspecting stranger will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife, Joye, at the family home, his sons Scott (Beth) in Buckley, Todd in Tacoma and his five grandchildren, Justice, Shane, McKenna, Anna and Colton and sister, Ann in Seattle. Preceding him in death, his mother, Anna, father, Harvey, brother, Harvey (Deke) and sister, Arden.

At his request, there will be no funeral.