Edward Sandoval Obituary

I grew up with the Sandoval's as a cousin and I consider them as family. As far back as I can remember, Ed always had this big smile and a hug for me.

He called me several times to check up on me after my husband Larry died and wanted to know if there was anything he could do for me. After our telephone conversations, he always ended with "I love you and bye". Those were his last words to me 3 weeks before his death.

The wonderful memories will always be in my heart. He left big foot prints on this earth that we will have to follow. He was such a big influence in our lives and the big hole in our hearts will take time to heal, as I too am on that same journey.

My love and sympathy to all of you.

Marge,
Very glad to have spent time with you and Ed at my cousin Nathan's wedding, we had a great time with you. Liz and I send our deepest condlences. Remember through the tough times you have a great deal of friends and loved ones that are thinking of you. Cody Churchill & Liz Miller

For those of you who were unable to attend the vigil, Mark gave a beautiful eulogy for his dad...

"On behalf of the entire Sandoval family we would like to thank everyone for the love and support that you’ve given us.
I’m Mark Sandoval, Ed’s son.
I’ve spent many hours crying, laughing, and reminiscing about what to say about my dad.
My Aunt Julie, who could not be here today because she is in Norway, e-mailed these words to my sister and me. “He was an exemplary son, a loving and supportive brother, an unbelievably faithful friend, a caring devoted father, and a husband who was both lover and friend. He was so loving, so gentle, but believed himself to be so tough. Yes, he did have his scraps as a young man but mellowed considerably with age. However, there was never any doubt of his standing strong when it came to situations or people about which he was passionate.”
Dad was small in stature, but a giant of a man!
My dad was an amazing coach. He loved sports, kids and competition. I remember when I was eight years old and decided to play hockey. Although dad knew nothing about hockey, had never even seen a game, he still taught me how to play. He taught me in sports as well as in life to always give 110%. He showed me how to shoot and, as a result that year, I was the high scorer. We grew to love the game and he was always my biggest supporter. In high school, in the state championship I remember scoring the tying goal to look up and see Dad right there behind the glass…his grin ear to ear.
On a lighter note, I have photographic proof that Dad was able to successfully pull off the comb-over for four decades. I am not quite sure, but that could be a record.
Dad was a teacher for 31 years. He would never have considered any other profession. His favorite teacher in Jr. High and High school was Jack Pena – Everyone in Springer knew that Jack was the best teacher that they ever had. My Dad became a Jack Pena.
As a young woman; Diane my sister, was asked to give a speech about character. She thought for a long time and decided to speak about our father. As a young man, Dad worked very hard and saved all of his money for college. When his grandmother passed away, there was no money for the funeral. Dad gave his college savings and delayed the start of his studies without a second thought.
Dad – the family man –
As far back as I can remember, entire family gatherings were a regular family occurrence. All of my Aunts, Uncles and Cousins gathered to celebrate holidays, graduations and baptisms. Any occasion was reason enough to get together. Even non-family members were made to feel a part of our family. After a few drinks, Dad loved to preach. So much so, that my Uncle Rick christened him Moses.
In our family, my Dad did the cooking. Our gathering place was the kitchen. As a young man that influence instilled in me a passion for cooking. Today I’m a chef and I have very large shoes to fill. My cousin Rick asked, “Now who is going to do all of the cooking?” and my Mom said, “It looks like it is lean cuisines for the rest of my life.”
Dad loved to play golf. He was probably most happy when he was out on the course with friends.

He also loved church. He was a greeter, Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister. He cooked for the pancake breakfast and picnic and he loved staying all knight when St. Mary’s housed homeless families. He loved this community; it was his family.
29 years ago, my Dad had a kidney transplant. He considered every day a blessing. He was blessed with the biggest heart and that heart had room for all of us. Although his heart stopped beating, he had completed his mission; and he will live in our hearts forever."

Dear Marge: I was so surprised to hear of Ed's passing. Please accept my condolances, he was a great co-worker and wonderful person. My thoughts are prayers are with you and the kids.

I was saddened to hear of your loss. Ed truly exemplified what a good teacher should be. He was kind and caring, always putting students first. It was a privilege to have worked with him and I know he is being rewarded.

Dear Marge, I was deeply saddened to hear of Ed's passing. He was a wonderful man, a great teacher and a special friend. He will always be remembered as a very special person.

Dear Diane, Marge and Mark,

I am lucky to have known your father, husband and family. His warmth and passion for life will always be remembered. Although I’m an ocean away, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Aloha Ed…

Mahalo,
Mary Hind Long

Dear Mrs. Sandoval, Mark and Diane, My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I hope you find peace in great memories of this great man!! Anne (Laye) Cross

To the family of my friend Ed: Adios Amigo, Shalaom, Ciao, til we meet again. What a pleasure it has been to have you as a friend. You have been one of the finest people I have ever known. You have been a Nova in a sometimes dim world! Goodbye for now.

My warmest sympathies and regards! I was a Spanish student with your husband and father in the late seventies at Doherty. We did a lot of goofing off but we also learned a great deal of Spanish. I now live in Mexico as a missionary so I suppose that is a good testimony to Mr. Sandoval's Spanish teaching. He also taught me golf and was coach with the soccer team for the two years I played soccer. God bless you with peace to find his grace and mercy at this time.

To the Sandoval Family;

As a former Doherty student, and also getting to know Mr. Sandoval through my father who was also a teacher at Doherty, Darrell Higman. He was a special teacher and a special person.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Dearest Marge,
Please know that my deepest thoughts and feelings are with you.
Love,
Wylene

Dear Marge, Diane, and Mark,
I am so sad and shocked at your loss. I am so glad to have known Ed and to have had the opportunity to see him on my most recent trip to the Springs. His passings leaves a huge hole in the Brilliant family-by-choice circle. I know my folks are wishing so much to be "home" during this hard time.
Much love...

Becky Brilliant

Marge, Mark, and Diane,

I was so sorry to hear the news. I remember Ed as a great man and am sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keith Burke

The Sandoval Family~
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mr. Sandoval was my Spanish teacher at Doherty High School. He was a wonderful teacher who believed in all of his students. It is an honor to have known such a wonderful man.

Rebecca (Fernandez) Ginley
Doherty Class of 95

Marge, Mark, and Diane,

I am terribly sorry for your loss. Ed was a wonderful man that I enjoyed getting to know through you when we were in junior high and high school. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.

Terribly sorry for you loss i loved Mr. Sandoval he helped me to fall in love with the game of golf.

Marge and kids,
Joyce and I were deeply saddened to hear of Ed's passing. We loved him dearly and remember our years together at Doherty with great fondness. I, myself, know that Ed was one of the first to make me feel at home when I first got to Doherty many years ago. We lost a great man and know that he is already at our maker's side. Joyce, especially, misses his warm and friendly way. God bless you all and know that you are in our prayers.
Dennis and Joyce Vigil and kids

Dear Marge, Mark and Diane

We were sadden with the news of Ed's death and want you to know we are so sorry for your loss. I know how proud he was of his family. You will never forget the lessons taught and things he stood for as they are your gift and now your legacy. No matter how old we are, losing a husband and father is one of the deepest sorrows a heart can know, but his goodness, his caring, and his wisdom lives on in each of you. May you know you are not alone and may you feel the love and friendship of those who care about you.

I believe that he taught me at Doherty HS, where I graduated in 1982. I am now a retired Army officer. While I served I had a reputation as one of the few Anglo officers who who use spanish to reach out to ESL Hispanic soldiers. I am led to believe that many teachers spend their last years wondering if they ever "made a difference." I can say that for my part, and for many of my soldiers, Mr. Sandoval most assuredly did. Via con Dios, Maestro.

Dear Sandoval Family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss. Ed, (he'll always be Mr. Sandoval to me) was such a large and positive influence in my life during those goofy and traumatic high school years (Mitchell Class of 1974). He made Spanish class fun and student government was always an adventure. We are better for having known him. Please accept my condolences at his passing.

Mr. Sandoval was my Spanish teacher and soccer coach at Doherty High School. He was so kind and so funny. I have great memories of him. So sorry for your loss.
God Bless

Dear Sandoval family,
I am a friend of Diane Sandoval-Chacon. If her father were anything like her, then I know he was a man of sheer goodness, honor and integrity!
Please accept my sincere condolences.

Dear Marge and Family:

We were really saddend by the passing of Ed. What a true gentleman. We will miss him dearly. Our prayer and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Mrs Sandoval, Mark and Diane,
Ed was a man of great character. It was an honor to have learned from Ed's example of goodness my entire childhood at St Mary's. I am grateful for all he has shown through his faithfulness, dedication and ability to love- I am a better person having known him. May each of you be surrounded by the grace of friendship and family at this time. May each of you be healed by the mercy and kindness our loving Father will provide. Your are in our thoughts and prayers.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Villalon Family
Jennifer Gooley- Villalon, Isabella, Paulina and Antonio

To The Sandoval Family,
I had the pleasure of having Mr. Sandoval as my Spanish Teacher for all 3 yrs. at Doherty. He was a very kind and compasionate man. I have very fond memories of him. May God Bless you all.

Donna (Spinozzi)Wells
Dohery Class of 1984

Marge and family,
I was fortunate enough to have worked with Ed. through the years when he taught at Mitchell and coached track at Doherty.
He was a fine and gentle man. I had a tremendous amount of respect for him.
He will be missed by all.

My Sympathy,
Dave Williams

Dear Diane, Marge, and Mark,

I am sorry and sad for this unfair and far too early loss of your father and husband. I know your family is filled with love and strength. I am thinking of you as you honor his life this week.

Love,
Cory

Dear Sandoval Family,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ed. What a remarkable man he was. We hope you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you shared together.

The Whited Family (GiGi, Michael & kids)

Marge, Diane and Mark,
We feel so deeply your loss of Ed. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Words cannot measure a man's worth.

Dear Marge, Mark and Diane,

My thoughts are with you at this time of great loss.

Love, Sonya Erickson

~Sandoval Family~
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Sandoval. He was my Spanish teacher at Doherty High School. I will never forget what a wonderful teacher he was. He had so much to teach and I had so much to learn.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. ~CLASS OF 94'~

Dearest Marge: We are very, very saddened by the news of Ed's death. You are in our prayers and thoughts.

Donna (Parker) Barnes Peggy (Parker) Lewis

Marge, Mark, Diane
We are really saddend by your loss. It was quite a shock to receive that phone call. He is really going to be missed and things won't be the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Dear Marge and family, I am so saddened, by your loss. Ed was truly a wonderful man. The times I spent with you guys, esp. at Nathan's wedding,was truly a gift. I enjoyed Ed so much.
I can really say Marge, nobody could "cut a rug," and bring joy like , Ed.
You have a friend if you need one, He will be missed immensely by many.
My fondest thoughts, Cyndy Churchill

Dear Marge, Mark and Diane - What a hole we feel in our hearts! The loss of this most wonderful man, husband, father, friend is hard to wrap our hearts around. We cannot be with you physically this week but know that we are with you in prayer and we will be "home" sometime this summer. We love you.
Kitty and David