John 'Skip' Sandor, 74

Skip died peacefully Nov. 4, 2018, in the presence of friends and family.

He was born March 10, 1944. Before settling in Kalispell Skip traveled the world. He had been places and seen things which most of us only dream of; to the end he was a patriot and a champion of freedom.

Skip’s ties to Montana started with several guest lectures made at University of Montana at the request of his good friend Ambassador Mansfield. He chose to make his home in Kalispell where he spent many times with friends on his deck overlooking the mountains. He was a frequent visitor to Fort Bragg, Malmstrom AFB, and the Montana Veterans Home where he spent many a holiday with his fellow servicemen.

The words written by his dear friend Marty truly sum his life up best:

“He was a private man, preferring the background to the limelight. He believed in honor, that character mattered and that we are only as good as our word. He believed you should always give more than you take, defend those who need defending and listen more than you speak. He had no tolerance for those who believed themselves above others. He was a mentor, a friend and a brother to many. He was on watch his entire adult life while we slept peacefully in our warm beds. Our country has lost a valiant warrior.”

Skip’s final resting place will be in Arlington National Cemetery, which will take place at a later date.

Memorials in his honor can be made to the Montana Veterans Home, c/o The Memorial Board (All proceeds will go to Veterans only); 400 Veteran Dr., Columbia Falls, MT 59912; or the Wounded Warrior Project, woundedwarriorproject.org

John’s arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home of Kalispell.