C.G. "Sonny" VanderLinden, age 80, passed away Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, at his home in Kennewick.

Sonny was born December 4, 1945, in Ada, MN, the son of Clifford and Bernice (Schroeder) VanderLinden. He grew up in Gary, MN, graduating as a "Bulldog" with the class of 1963.

On October 19, 1965, Sonny was drafted into the United States Army. He served for three years, stationed in Vietnam, where he was a helicopter mechanic. During his service, Sonny received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Vietnam Service Medal. His service with the Army ended with an honorable discharge on August 4, 1968.

In 1968, Sonny married Avis Knutson. They moved to Amarillo, Texas for Sonny to work at Bell Helicopter. This is where their eldest son, Brian, was born. Shortly after his birth, they moved back to Gary, MN. That's where, in 1971, they had their 2nd son, James. Then in 1977, they moved to Kennewick, WA, where their 3rd son, T.J., was born. Sonny and Avis divorced in 1994.

Sonny drove truck a majority of his life. He spent most of his career with Service Transport, doing short halls between Connell and Burbank and later making runs to the West side.

In 2004 he decided to move back to Ada, MN, near where his mother and siblings resided. Prior to his move, he got Sam – a Pomeranian puppy. She was his driving companion while he worked and traveled. Sam became the "family" dog and would take turns staying with Sonny and Bernice. Sonny continued driving truck and worked for Anderson Trucking. He was able to be with his mother, Bernice, until her death in 2014. He enjoyed his time being around family and friends, especially cutting firewood in the woods with his brother Butch. He, and Sam, both enjoyed getting Grannie's homemade donuts. Around the arrival of his 5th grandchild, Sonny decided it was time to retire and head back to the Tri-Cities and re-settled in Kennewick, WA. A move Brian and TJ couldn't be more thankful for!

Sonny was a multi-skilled man in so many areas, including mechanics. He never found a project he couldn't tackle. He enjoyed working on equipment and projects in the shop, he could do just about anything. Sonny enjoyed spending time with family, playing games, fishing, and family 'suppers' especially if grilled hamburgers and potato salad were being served. Dad was a quiet person who loved his family deeply.

Sonny is survived by his son, Brian (Narita) VanderLinden of Kennewick; son, T.J. (Jaralyn) of Richland; five grandchildren: Tyler, Kaytlin, Andrew, Matt (Sidney), Alex (Racheal), L.J, and R.J.; and his great grandchildren: Kaleb, Athena, Dawsyn, KeeAna, and Everhett. As well as his brothers Clayton "Larry" (Laurie), Curtis (Connie) and Craig "Bub" and one sister, Carole "Sue" (Douglas) Munson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford, his mother, Bernice, his brothers: Clifford, Jr. "Lindy" and Conrad "Butch" and his son, James VanderLinden.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Zintel Creek Golf Club, Kennewick.