Retired aviator Robert Sandberg piloted his last flight, with God as his navigator and angels as his wingmen; and so it is with profound sadness that the family of Robert (Bob) Duane Sandberg share his peaceful passing on Feb. 22, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona.
Bob was born in North Dakota and raised in Eugene, Oregon, by his loving parents, Margaret and Harry Sandberg, with his younger brother, Dennis Sandberg. He graduated from North Eugene High School in 1965, University of Oregon in 1969. He was commissioned as a naval aviator in 1971. After 20 years of service, he retired from the Navy and moved his family to Battle Ground, Washington, to begin his civilian flying career with Alaska Air and later Northwest Airlines. He retired from flying in June 2006.
In retirement, he made a smooth transition from his love of flying in the blue skies to boat fishing on the blue waters of the Pacific Northwest lakes, rivers and the ocean. For the last nine years, Bob and Dorothy escaped the rain and headed south to winter in Arizona. They had a wonderful time exploring the area—golfing, hiking and enjoying the sunshine with their dear friends from Henry Fonda Street.
Bob was loved by his wife of 46 years, Dorothy (Davis) Sandberg, as well as their daughters, Meagan (Colin) Hayden of Post Falls, Idaho, and Kathryn (Ryan) McHenry of Spokane Valley, Washington; and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Susan), of Junction City, Oregon, and preceded in death by his parents, Harry Sandberg and Margaret (Roos) Sandberg.
The memorial service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon, on May 9 at 10 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Elim Lutheran Church in Hockinson, Washington, at 1 p.m.
Bob and Dorothy were members of Elim Lutheran Church. Please consider any memorials in Robert’s name be made to Elim Lutheran Church of Hockinson, Washington, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (TNT.org).
