Bruce Sandberg

On Friday, January 28, 2022, Bruce Edward Sandberg, loving husband and father of two, passed away at home at the age of 65. Bruce was born September 1, 1956, in Corry, PA at Corry Memorial Hospital to the late Robert Gordon Sandberg and Mary Sandberg Peterson.

Bruce was extremely proud to be from Corry and often shared his childhood memories. Being one of five children living in a rural neighborhood, there was always a ballgame going in the backyard and summer evenings were spent at the Little League field, where Bruce claimed to be the Home Run King. Growing up in the 60s, the Sandberg brothers were always on wheels…starting out by ripping circles around the basement’s coal-burning stove in a wagon, moving on to mini-bikes, followed by motocross, and ultimately racing cars – and then Bruce raced around the rest of us for decades on the open road, speeding tickets be damned. Following graduation from Corry Area High School in 1974, Bruce first worked at Cliff Buesink Ford before driving his motorcycle to Oklahoma where he started his lifelong career with Ajax. Notably, during those first few years in Oklahoma, Bruce had to park his motorcycle in his dining room to ensure its safety.

With more than 40 years of work in oilfield services throughout Western America, Bruce worked his way up from a mechanic to an exceptional salesman of Ajax compressors and field equipment. He was committed to his customers and ensuring his machines ran well and was always proud of how quickly he could put 100,000 miles on a new company car.

He and his dear brother Steve learned mechanic skills from their father, and Bruce was especially passionate about Ford Mustangs. In addition to restoring his own 1969 Mach 1 Mustang, Bruce loved to help others bring their cherished cars back to life, but only if original parts were used. He traveled to the Barrett Jackson car show each year and managed the tech inspections for the autocross at the Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup for more than 20 years.

He was an avid collector of tools, parts, coffee cans, half-full paint canisters, and various other doo-dads, which resulted in a well-stocked garage he loved to put to good use. Recently described as “the pillar of the neighborhood” by a neighbor, Bruce was quick to lend a helping hand and would be delighted to help a stranger just as much as his family. He eagerly awaited snow so he could “blow the whole neighborhood” and was always quick to jump in his car to generously help anyone in need.

He had an impressive green thumb with a backyard garden that would put most to shame. He could often be found in his “muck muck boots” with extremely baggy jeans and a pocket tee hanging Irish Spring from socks along the perimeter of his garden to keep those darned squirrels away. And with rows of peppers that would knock your socks off, corn “knee high by July”, and green beans for days, Bruce was happy to pawn his kale off on anyone who would take it. Though not a trained chef, Bruce’s fresh homemade salsa, which he simply called “chunks” was famous in his circle and his “G soup” made from V8 and his vegetables was a particular favorite among his family.

Bruce never met a stranger. He maintained strong relationships with childhood and new friends alike, and was an active texter, though he often communicated in his own language and punctuation was not something Bruce was particularly interested in bothering with. His extraordinary sense of humor was only rivaled by his humility, and he was always ready to crack a joke or celebrate a friend.

Although he was a man of many accomplishments and hobbies, he was most proud of his two sons, Joel David Sandberg and Kevin James (Sarah) Sandberg of Denver. He was a dedicated father who never missed a baseball or soccer game and supported his children in their every endeavor. He was excitedly awaiting the arrival of his first grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathi Lynne Sandberg, whom he called Char and loved dearly. Life for Kathi and Bruce was devoted to the joys and adventures of raising their boys to become the wonderful men they are today. Their warmest memories include many camping trips, long road trips, sporting events, holidays together, and the everyday joys of being a family.

In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his sister, Lynne Sandberg Henry, in April 2021, his brother Steven Robert Sandberg in December 2021, his father-in-law James Kelsey, mother-in-law Carol Kelsey, and brother-in-law John Myler.

He is survived by his sisters Julie Sandberg Myler of Warren, PA, RoseAnne Sandberg (Rick) Whaley of Corry, PA, brother-in-law David Henry of Union City, PA, and sister-in-law Cheryl Slocum Sandberg of Corry.

Visitation with Bruce’s family and friends will be held from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 at Horan & McConaty (11150 East Dartmouth Avenue, Aurora, CO 80014). A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 11 at 1 p.m., with a reception to follow at 2 p.m., at Horan & McConaty. A livestream of the service is available for those unable to attend. To access the livestream please follow this link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=d2c37068-a2ea-4e30-b6d3-947b0e04d93f

An annual award in Bruce’s honor has been created to support a young adult cultivating their passion for Mustang renovation and maintenance through the Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Rocky Mountain Mustang Roundup, P.O. Box 21706, Denver, CO 80221. Any and all future donations to this address will be directed to the Bruce Sandberg Award.