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Guest
Book for
Hank Sauro
September 13, 1920 - October 28, 2003 |
Hank Sauro, 83, of
Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home on October 28, 2003. He
was born in Montreal, Canada and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force
during World War II. He lived in Arizona since 1960 and spent his career in
the advertising and marketing business, primarily as Chairman of The Creative
Advertising Company of Phoenix, a family business founded in 1968. He is
survived by his wife, Anna; his son, Bill Sauro of Tiburon, CA; his
daughters, Patti Sauro of Scottsdale and Nanci Atwood, of Paradise Valley;
four grandchildren; three brothers and two sisters who live in Canada. An
internment prayer service will be held in the Memorial Garden at Valley Presbyterian
Church, 6947 E. McDonald Dr., Paradise Valley, on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003 at 4
p.m. A celebration of his life will follow at the home of Nanci Atwood. In
lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hospice of the
Valley, 5111 N. Scottsdale Rd, Ste 280, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.
Published
in the Arizona Republic on 10/31/2003.
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October 31, 2003
We have known
Hank and his family for nearly 40 years. Knowing Hank was a total privilege. Each
of you that knew him, already knows this: He was ONE-OF-A-KIND.
We both worked with, and for, him at different occasions in our life and were
fortunate enough to have enjoyed many social times with Hank-O. His gentle
nature and great, great since of humor were two of his outstanding traits. He
treated everyone as an equal and neither of us ever saw him mad at anyone. No
one was a stranger to Hank. He could carry on a conversation with anyone, at
anytime. He truly practiced what Jesus preached (love your neighbor).
Hank was a walking encyclopedia. He always had a bit of trivia for us, even
when we didn’t have the time to listen . . . but we did listen and now we are
glad we did!
We will miss him very much, but we are warmed by the many memories we have.
We can see him now, walking into the room with his classic opening:
“Did you know . . .”
Doug & Shay
Patterson (
Uncle Hank was a wonderful source of inspiration,
motivation and laughs during our teenage years. His sense of humor, love of
music, seemingly boundless energy, thirst for facts and information of any and
all kinds and vast reservoir of knowledge were true beacons.
His resourcefulness and entrepreneurial skills were amazing and almost
impossible to emulate.
He seemed to genuinely care about our thoughts and ideas and always stimulated
our intellects and imaginations. Also our funny bones. A rare quality in an
"adult" of that era. He also gave us our first real jobs.
He made the best spaghetti sauce (and tiny meatballs) and the best barbecue
sauce (and chicken in his Flintstones-era barbecue "pit"). I still
make them his way.
Never mind the constant Budweiser and cigarettes (Camels?). Hank provided some hope, for me, that there
was a better way to go. He helped me find it.
He also was the first "adult" to admit that the Beatles "sounded
pretty good." It was "Yesterday" (a 45 rpm single, I think)
playing on that big, old wooden stereo in the living room. That was huge in that era.
Though we'd lost contact in recent years, the impact he had on my life never
has diminished. It never will.
He will be missed. Those who knew him are a whole lot better off for having had
such a valuable experience.
Crazy.
Tony Sauro (
tsauro@recordnet.com
Dad was so loved by so many...and for
that we feel truly blessed. Even as he neared death, his love of family,
friends, and his sense of humor never left him. He was gracious and
appreciative right up to the end. We will forever miss his bright smile but
will hold him in our hearts forever.
WE LOVE YOU DAD !!!
Nanci Atwood (
msatwood@yahoo.com
Dear Bill:
I think I really only met your dad on 3 -- maybe 4 -- occasions, but what a
guy! His legacy is 3 terrific offspring and what more should anyone really hope
for?
Please give my personal regards to all your family. I'm sure Elvino will be
sending his own personal message to you.
With much love,
Linda
Linda Sauro (
linda.sauro@uhn.on.ca
"Ye shall know them by their
works." Through Hank's legacy, I know he was a great man, and a good man.
John Kinnucan (
john@broadbandresearch.net
He was an amazing man... creative,
enthusiastic, caring, and most of all the best father a son could ever have.
I'll miss him greatly, but cherish the years we had together.
Bill Sauro (
So Sorry to hear about Hank. I saw him
last week and we had a few good laughs. He seemed in good spirits and we talked
about playing golf once again when he felt better. He was truly a great man. He
was like a father to me, always quick to respond to any problems or concerns I
had. I loved that man!
Ed Sandidge (
A TRIBUTE TO HENRY SAURO
Although we may have seen each other no more than four times during the past
fifty years, I was deeply saddened to hear of my brother's passing. The reason
for that is that my memories extend back to when I was a child and we were
living on Millwood Rd.in Toronto.
We had a large family and although we had a large house, we had only 5
bedrooms. As a result, four of us, Henry, Lindo, Livio and I shared one bedroom
with two double beds. I always tried to stay awake until my older brothers came
to bed because we had a wonderful time listening to Henry create stories, all
of which were extremely humorous. Each story had an entirely different plot and
I suspect he created them on the spot. This is when I began to realize what a
tremendous gift my brother had. As well as being a great story teller he also
had a facility in sketching and an uncanny ability to write.
Besides those experiences, he was a wonderful organizer and sportsman. In our
neighbourhood, he organized a four or five team softball league, drew up the
schedules, kept the standing and even kept the batting averages. Since we had
seven boys in our family, we almost had an entire team ourselves. In addition
to softball, he also organized hockey games and even tackle football. It was
because of his leadership that I was able to get a good start in sports.
Growing up on
One incident remains in my memory. All five of my older brothers served in the
second world war. Hank and Lindo were in the airforce and both were in
I end this tribute with the comment that I regret we drifted apart, probably
because of geography, because there was so much more I wanted to know about him
and to share with him. I cherish the relationship we had.
Silvio Sauro (
When Silvio told me the sad news a few
days ago I was alone at our home in Niagara-on-the-Lake, only a few miles away
from where your uncle Italo's ashes were strewn in the
It's difficult when more of one's
immediate family members begin to depart this earth as has been happening for
the past few years to us. But we do all carry fond memories of our early years
together as that huge family that lived on
I recall that our dining room table was enormous and every evening we sat
around and gorged on anything and everything that our parents decided to put in
front of us. Often your dad would come home just a wee bit late. (I think,
sometimes on purpose.) Everyone else was at table already eating and he would
come in, commanding everyone's attention (on stage so to speak). Often he took
this opportunity to reveal to us the funniest joke that he had heard that day.
He was always being a bit of a clown because he had a very good sense of
humour. There was one occasion that sticks out very strongly in my mind. We had
the habit, as a family, that whenever anyone should burp out load, we would
always pipe and say, "PIG!". Well Hank knew this, of course, so one
day he came home just that little bit late. As he was approaching his seat at
the table he deliberately let out a load burp. Of course, as a chorus, we said,
"PIG!". His quick retort was , "What didja expect to hear,
CHIMES?" The meal practically ended right there! The laughter went on for
about five minutes.
Of course there were the war years. At first all the brothers were in
We all were all quite worried about your father when we learned that he had
sustained severe burns in an accident. Fortunately he was not damaged too
severely.
After the war, things changed for everyone. You soon came on the scene, and as
you know I used to baby sit you. I'm afraid I put a pretty high price on my
sitting fee, not knowing at the time how high. I used to think Hank could do
anything and get anything. He seemed to have so many connections. One fee was a
pair of tickets to see Benny Goodman and his big band. I took a colleague who
was a clarinet player and his father phoned somebody, who phoned somebody else
etc. and we were able to go back stage and meet Benny. Another fee was a ticket
to see Frank Sinatra. Both events are major memories for me and I shall always
associate them very closely with your father.
We're all saddened that Hank has gone. Our thoughts are with you, your mom,
Patti and Nanci and the children who have lost their Grand-pa, O-Pa or Nonno.
We're sorry we can't be with you.
Elvino Sauro (
You are all in my heart and thoughts
today as you celebrate the life of my brother Hank. Although we have not seen
much of each other in many years, my memories of Hank are all happy ones. He
was FUN. It was because Hank invited us to the same party, that Jack and I just
celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary. We owe him our gratitude for starting
us off on a lifetime of good times together.
Hank was kind, gentle and caring. He was special. He stood out among us and I
regret that we were not able to participate in each other's lives. I will
cherish him fondly in my heart along with our other brothers who are no longer
with us, Olindo, Italo and Alberindo.
It's sad to lose a brother but I know that the loss of a parent leaves a huge
void in your life. My sincere sympathy for your great loss is with all of you
but especially with Anna who has lost her beloved partner. I wish her strength
for the days ahead.
All my love,
Sylvia Lowry
Hank changed my life. I read his
scripts, enjoyed his jokes, talked baseball with him, played golf with him,
drank beer with him, learned so much about business and communication from him,
and hugged him everytime I came to town.
His work belongs in the annals of advertising classics.
I am truly blessed because I knew Hank Sauro.
God Bless you Hank, your family and friends.
Mark Thomas (
I first met Mr. and Mrs. Sauro when
their daughter Nanci and I were in grade school. I will always remember how
warm and friendly he was to everyone. The Sauro home felt very much alive and
comfortable and Hank was a big part of that. He was always joking around and
making us laugh. I know that he had a big impact on many people's lives and he
will be missed dearly. Some of the memories I will cherish are eating at the
restaurant, taking Nanci and I to the advertising agency ( to help out , Ha!
Ha!) and the early Phoenix Suns games. Thanks for the great memories, Mr.
Sauro. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends, especially his
wife and children.
Dawn Youwer Rissi
Dawn Rissi (
drissi01@cox.net
I'm afraid I didn't know my uncle. His
family left
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.
Linda Lowry (
llowr1661@rogers.com
I first met Hank nearly 40 years ago in
a dorm room at
John Bittner (
I'm grieving.
Auntie Cinna
Cinna Faveri (
folks,
I knew hank only for the last few years. . .did a few spring training and
regular season games. . .hung out and laughed as the world went by. I remember
most how silly he thought of many parts of this journey. I will miss him, his
family will miss him and he will go home to his God.
alan
Alan Trabilcy (
awtaz@creativecomputersolutions.us
I want to add a few words to Mona's
about your loving Hank. I was mainly involved with your Family when they lived
in
Hank was always up... never a downer... a great person to be around because of
his wide interests and enthusiasm. He had a great energetic personalty always
finishing off his comments with a smile and a chuckle. I am sorry geography
kept us from spending more time with Anna and Hank and your Family. He will be
well remembered.
Norm Currie (
I was blessed with the opportunity to
work with Hank for several years. I consider him an incredible role model. He
taught me many life lessons, and I have so many memories that will stay with me
forever. Like the time we were on a driving business trip to
God Bless you Hank! Dean
Dean Schaffer (
The very first thing I noticed about
Hank the day I met him was his smile. He was always so gracious and loving. No
matter if he knew you for a hour or a lifetime he afforded you his full
attention. His devotion to his family was top of the line, but most of all he
lived life to the fullest. I feel that whatever he desired to accomplish he
did, wherever he wanted to travel, he did. We can all learn by his example that
for however long we are here, we must live life to the fullest. I feel blessed
to have known him.
Tess Miller (
Memories of Hank
During World War 11, when I was a teenager, I wrote to Hank overseas when he
was in the Royal Canadian Air Force. I still remember his number R-165093--and
Anna's was W314532. She also served in the RCAF but as a Wireless Operator here
in
Hank introduced me to a love of Jazz, especially the big band sound at an early
age of 13, and he taught me how to keep a box score so I could appreciate
Baseball Games all the more!
My dear sister, Anna and Hank made a warm and loving home-away- from-home for
me as a young person as my parents spent some years away in
I will always be grateful for knowing Hank and having his influence on my life.
Mona van Ark Currie (
Heartfelt thanks to all who have
written in this wonderful tribute to dad. Special thanks to the surprise visits
last Saturday by dear relatives! I want to share with you all, the incredible
love I was able to witness..not only during my 45 years, but especially during
the last year of dad's life. He was in and out of hospitals...way too many
doctor's office visits, and it was my sincere privilige to drive him to many of
them. (As did Patti) Even though he was often tired and weak upon returning
home, he ALWAYS hugged and kissed mom and told her how much he loved her...how
much he missed her while at the doctor...and how beautiful he thought she
was!!! It made me cry more than once. To see that incredible love story, thru
60 years of marriage. Wow.
Dad, you will always be an inspiration to me...in so many ways.
XOXOOXXOXXOXOXOX
Nanci Atwood (
msatwood@yahoo.com
I was introduced to Hank and Anna Sauro
about ten years ago by their daughter Patti. I was immediately impressed with
how young and vibrant Hank was and how genuinely friendly and sincere. He
always seemed glad to see me and always had a story or something interesting to
say. I was with Patti at her home recently on the day she was released from the
hospital, and we were surprised when the door opened and Hank came in (with
Robert Ravenwood (
Well where to start, all previous
comments are oh so true! Hank was a very special person, and along with Anna, could
keep you laughing and entertained for hours. The food, Hanks special but simply
salad, the meat balls, spaghetti, and let's not forget my favorite, navy bean
soup. Thank you Hank for the part you played in my life, as well as your caring
family. We will miss you, but never forget you.
Jay Riehle (
It's heartwarming to read all these
wonderful entries about Dear Old Dad. It seems unanimous--he was one of a
kind--loved and respected by all who knew him. How LUCKY we were to have him as
OUR DAD. Thanks to all our long-distance aunts, uncles and cousins for writing
in. Can't you just see Dad in Heaven, meeting everyone and yakking it up?! That
thought gives me great comfort. I'll miss you every day, Dad. I LOVE YOU AND
MISS YOU SO TERRIBLY MUCH.
Patti Sauro (
pasauro@yahoo.com
To Anna, Bill, Patti and Nancy,
My thoughts are with you all in these trying times. It's also a great loss for
me. At least I can look back to the past, when we had a lot of good times
together, which will always be with me.
Of all of my brothers, Hank was my favorite.
May God be with you all,
Your brother-in-law and uncle,
Lee Sauro
I am very sorry for your loss... and
ours too. Although I didn't get to see Uncle Hank very often (Uncle Lee is my
Dad), I have some very fond memories of him from when I was small and when I
grew up too..........but not as many. There was one time at a family reunion
that your Dad did make it to , I think I was about 26 years old, I was standing
and talking to a few cousins and Uncle Hank came up to me and turned me around
and said "What are you doing here?" I was shocked...............well
it turns out he thought I was
I wish I could come there and meet everyone. Maybe one day I will.
Uncle Hank will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Please give my
love to your Mother (Auntie Anna) and Sisters as well. My thoughts are with you
all.
Cindy Moraitis