Linda Coburn
Humberto “Bert” Sanchez, 59, associate professor of business administration, died Friday at Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks of unknown causes.
“It’s pretty grim,” said Professor David Braun, business department chair. “There are a lot of sad, sad people around here.”
Sanchez started teaching at Pierce College part-time in 1995 and joined the faculty full-time in 1996.
He received his bachelor of science degree from Montana State University and an M.B.A from the University of La Verne.
He taught international business and marketing at Pierce.
“We’re all in shock right now,” said Debbie Swarens, assistant administrative analyst for academic affairs.
“He was a real professional and a great guy,” said Braun. “He was everything I wanted in a professor and a colleague.”
“He had a wondeful energy,” said Kathy Daruty, a business and personal finance teacher at Pierce.
“He always dressed up for Halloween, and you should have seen him on St. Patrick’s Day.”
“He was very much loved by his his colleagues and students,” added Daruty.
“Everyone in the building is walking around in shock.”
A student at Pierce since fall semester 2005, Daiva S. is in Sanchez’ Marketing 1 class.
“I can’t express how sad I am,” she said.
“He was very intelligent, I loved everything about him.
“He always came to class in a suit. It showed that he respected us.”
“I heard about this yesterday, and I feel so bad I can’t eat,” she continued.
“I feel honored to have had him as a teacher.”
He is survived by his wife, Jeanette and a son. The family will be holding private services, according to Terry Johnson, executive assistant in President Robert Garber’s office.
‘Bert’ Sanchez, at right, photographed with friend and colleague David Braun, died suddenly Friday. Cause of death has yet to be released by his family. Private funeral services will be conducted by the family. (David Braun)