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Nearly two dozen members of the Stratton family at Stratton Station

Members of the late Jack Stratton's family at the Yates Shaft's Stratton Station at the Sanford Underground Research Facility on Saturday, July 23, 2022. 

Photo by Constance Walter

Stratton family members visit Stratton Station

Members of the late Jack Stratton's family visited Stratton Station at the Sanford Underground Research Facility

William “Jack” Stratton spent more than 40 years of his life in the shafts and drifts of the Homestake Gold Mine and the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). When he passed away in May 2019, he left behind five children, 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A man of integrity, Stratton’s leadership skills and tremendous sense of humor left an indelible mark on the people in his life. 

In 2020, SURF held a virtual celebration dedicating the Yates Ramp as “Stratton Station,” with members of Jack’s family attending via zoom and his 9-year-old granddaughter Hannah serving as the family spokesperson. A plaque bearing an image of Jack was placed at the entrance to the Yates Ramp after the ceremony.

On July 23, 2022, his family finally saw the plaque in real time.

“This is a huge honor for the Stratton family to be able to come here to the Yates Shaft and see the dedication,” said Amanda TerEick, Jack’s daughter. “We were so thrilled and excited to be part of the Zoom call, but actually being here is amazing. Thank you all so much for doing this for our dad. This is an amazing experience.” 

Watch a recording of the dedication of Stratton Station in 2020.