George Sanko Obituary

My husband and I were Berry students, but each took Dr. Sanko's chemistry class during different Mid-Winter semesters at Dekalb College. He was an amazing teacher, and hysterically funny. Just this morning, I was telling my granddaughter about that intense three week class, and how much fun it was. Forty-five years later, my husband and I still laugh about Dr. Sanko's innovative techniques, and his funny science-based stories, which involved everything from alcohol and chlorophyll, to roadkill and lettuce turgidity!

Dr. Sanko wanted only the best for his students, and I think I remember that he had the highest number of A students at the college, not because he gave them away, but because he made it hard not to succeed. We wanted to succeed. We wanted to do well for him, and we worked hard to do both. Our class met from 8:00 to 5:00, but he was always willing to stay after class to help anyone who needed it. He also held a sleepover at the college on the weekend before the final exam so that he knew we were prepared. It was so much fun!

Just this morning, I found Dr. Sanko's obituary, and I'm so sorry that I never reconnected with him to let him know just how much he meant to both of us. I hope that his friends and family have found peace, knowing just how much he meant to his many students. Please know that he will forever feel close in my memories.

I was one of Dr. Sanko's students at GPC, in 1977-78. I was not a science person. Though I tried many different courses to satisfy my science requirement, I always had to drop them because I either didn't understand them or just wasn't interested. Dr. Sanko and botany changed that forever. I'm now 61 and I still remember so vividly how he made his classes informative and fun, with stories and cool assignments. Every Spring, I look for the wildflowers I found, pressed, dried, mounted, and classified so long ago. It was awesome! He was awesome! My sincere condolences to Dr. Sanko's family and friends. While I am sure he will be greatly missed, it has to be a comfort to know that he left such an incredible legacy.

I was one of his Jr. High School students at Minnie B. Kennedy Jr. High School, Aiken, S.C. I think it was his first year of teaching. He made class fun, interesting, and even educational (!). We sailed through the year's curriculum so fast that he basically finished a month early. We didn't skip anything - he was just a better teacher than most. I thank his memory for helping me develop as a student, as a future engineer, and as a person with a sense of humor.

Mr. Sanko was not only a very knowledgeable speaker, but he was very entertaining also.

Fayette Master Gardener Association shares in your sorrow.

I'm so very saddened by the loss of this amazing man. He was my favorite teacher of all time. I was his student in 1975 and have stayed in contact through Facebook. Bless his family, I can't imagine their loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. May God's promise comfort and sustain you during this difficult time. John 6:40.

may his memory be eternal.

I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Sanko was my favorite instructor at DeKalb Community College. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I was a botany student of Dr. Sanko from 1978-79 and he was the best teacher I ever had. His love of nature was evident in our field trips, in class and in his beloved garden.

George was instrumental in taking my interest in and knowledge about native plants to a higher level. He was a tremendous motivator with a unique and infectious sense of humor that made learning about his world of plants a lot of fun. I treasure my memories from his classes, his jokes, our field trips, and many days working and communing in his Garden. His ability to attract and develop so many disciples into the burgeoning native plant movement was a key to the success of his Garden. I developed many friendships that came about from my association with him. I will always be grateful to him for that. George, I will always remember your smile and laugh. You more than once told others "a man's reach should exceed his grasp". Your reach will continue beyond your time.

Bob McCartney - Woodlanders, Inc., Aiken, SC.
Aiken, SC was George's hometown and we will miss him here. He was a great friend over more years than we can remember. We shared a mutual interest in plants and had mutual friends throughout the horticultural world. We supported one another with plants, visits, stories, and horticultural advice. A part of George's legacy is the wonderful garden he created at Georgia Perimeter College. His special interest was in ferns and the living collection of ferns he assembled and tended at the garden is World Class. We share in the sorrow of George's passing with his family and many friends and encourage all to visit and support what he built and left for us.

I am so sorry for the passing of your loved one. May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

Barbara, Tami and Brad....so sorry to hear of George's death. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Juanita Scott

George was a true gentleman at an early age. I recall playing pool at his father's cafe. He had the largest grad party that I've ever seen.

What a priviledge working with George at Dekalb College. He was a highly respected teacher whose classes were sought by more students than the class could ever register. I never recall a student complain about being in George's class. Some people make a lasting impression on the life of others and George Sanko was most certainly an individual who did that! Well done good and faithful servant.

What a wonderful man, always loved to talk to George. He will be missed, our prayers are with you and the family during this time of grief and celebration!

MAY GOD BE WITH THE FAMILY!

My sincere condolences to Georges family and to so many others who dearly loved him. No one has ever enriched my life more. Ill always miss you, George.