John “Skip” M. Sandor, who passed away on November 4, 2018 in Kalispell, Montana, will be buried with full military honors at 2 p.m. in Arlington National Cemetery on June 17, 2019. His interment will be in the Vietnam section.
A 1961 Oxford High School graduate, he was the second of seven children born to Frank and Mildred (King) Sandor in 1944. In December 1966, Sandor volunteered for the U.S. Army and was an officer candidate in the Army’s Artillery School—graduating in the top 5% of his class. Assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry in Vietnam, he was wounded in combat in 1968 and would subsequently endure nearly 40 operations over his lifetime from his injuries. He was honorably discharged as a Captain in 1970.
Sandor held business degrees from the University of Florida and the Thunderbird Institute in Phoenix. After graduation, he was hired by Phillip Morris, Inc. in New York City and later sent to Tokyo, where he successfully opened the Japanese protective cigarette market. Thus, making Japan one of Phillip Morris’ most profitable centers.
He fell in love with Montana after serving as a guest lecturer at the University of Montana’s Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center and would make Kalispell his home for nearly 30 years. Sandor was a frequent visitor to Fort Bragg, Malmstrom AFB and the Montana Veterans Home where he spent many a holiday with his fellow servicemen.
He leaves behind a daughter, Lisa Pilger (Carl Pilger) of Atlanta and two grandsons, Eli and Gavin. A sister, Tina (Sandor) Bunce of Bowling Green, Ohio; two brothers, Frank Sandor of Wadsworth, Ohio and Ted Sandor of New Port Richey, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred, and brothers George (Cork), Tom and Terry Sandor.
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.
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My wife and I were fortunate to call Oxford’s native son Skip our friend for many years as we shared our love of Montana and country. This nation benefitted, in ways few will know, from the tireless commitment of a true patriot. Skip is missed daily but will never be forgotten!
Very nice article about a nice man.
I am so proud to have known him
I feel very fortunate to have grown up with Skip. He was truly a wonderful person.
I feel very fortunate to have grown up with Skip. He was a wonderful person and liked by all.
One of the best friends to have and love. A great patriot in ways most. of us will never know the extent of. Missed daily and loved forever. Till we meet again, Skipper.
Skip was a dear friend of mine, thru Ed & JUDY Brecht, spent great times with him at the Brecht’s in Michigan and Florida. He was very kind and so interesting to talk to. He is missed greatly. RIP Skip
First as our employer, then as our lifelong friend, Skip was a gentle teacher to my husband, Dan, and to me. He shared a love of the Midwest with us since Dan & I were raised in North Dakota, but our real bond was an even greater love for Montana. We shared many meals and conversations, which lasted well into the morning, with Skip. No matter how deep the conversation got, he could also take a good ribbing. Visiting on his deck watching evening set over the Swan Range was an evening well spent. In honor of someone who influenced both our lives so greatly, we will treasure you and all you did for us, Skip.
Skip and our family developed a very close and special relationship when we met in Montana. We adopted each other as brother and sister. He was an amazing person with a heart as big as Montana, he and Mike shared a special bond as ARMY Brothers The void in my heart is filled by so many wonderful memories. I will love this man forever and always!! This American Patriot will now soar with the eagles!!
I met Skip in Hawaii while he was on vacation in the ’70s, I think. I remember him as a very nice and unselfish, generous person.
Skip was a leader. He understood how to create new leaders and encourage existing ones. That part of him will live on forever. Miss you, Skip.