SANDBERG,
Master Chief Richard John (Retired)
Richard passed away October 4, 2008 with family by his side after a brave fight, due to complications from a bone morrow transplant. He maintained his sense of humor, courage, and concern for others to the very end. Richard was born in Decatur, Michigan on May 5, 1955 to Robert and Triena (Prak) Sandberg who preceded him in death. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 18. He met Linda Taylor in Hawaii, and they were married on December 7, 1977. He moved to British Columbia in 1982, getting a full time job at Scott Paper in New Westminister, and maintaining his military connection by joining the US Naval Reserves, in which he served for 28 years. Richard earned his rank of Master Chief, the highest rank possible for enlisted men. He was an avid softball player, and bowler, as well as a football and baseball fan, and was always the life of the party. Richard is survived by his wife of 30 years, Linda; his daughter, Jennifer Sandberg-Flus and her husband Todd, his daughter Paula and fiance' Stephen Clark, and his beloved cat Oreo (Ordogg). He also has family including two brothers, Robbie Jay Sandberg and his wife Arlene, of Bloomingdale, MI and Roger Joel Sandberg and his wife Jodie of Decatur, MI. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of B.C. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be brought out to sea by the United States Navy has per his request.
Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 10/15/2008 (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection)