Kenneth J. Sandstrom, Sr., 55, of 45 Sherman Grove, died suddenly, Friday, June 13 in Siloam Springs, Ark. while on business.
He leaves the love of his life of 30 years, Julie Gay with whom he lived, a son Kenneth J. Sandstrom, Jr. and his wife Karen, a daughter Heather A. Fournier and her husband Paul all of Spencer, his father Paul L. Sandstrom and his wife Bernice of Clearwater, Fl., his brother Stephen P. Sandstrom, Sr. of Spencer, his four grandsons who knew him as "Grampa Boat", Dylon Kenneth Sandstrom, Drew Kenneth Sandstrom, Evan Jacob Fournier, and Alec Joel Fournier, three nephews, Casey Vail, Stephen P. Sandstrom, Jr., and Ryan W. Sandstrom.
Ken became a highly successful entrepreneur through the start up of many businesses, including Spencer Electric, and later becoming Spencer Engineering, Inc. and the former "Sibley's Neighbor " Restaurant in Spencer. In 1977, he received his pilot's license and formed Bay-State Aviation. He was involved in many aspects of real estate and business development in various parts of the country.
He enjoyed playing cards at the "Fish", water skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, golf, motorcycling and snow skiing. His greatest passion was being on the water and boating. He captained many of his own boats throughout the East Coast and Florida. Along with Julie, they had their winter home in Englewood, Fla., and summer home in Jerusalem, R.I.
Born in Worcester, he was the son of the later Norma J. (Brenner) Sandstrom. He graduated from Worcester Boys Vocational Trade School. He was a member of the Spencer Fish & Game Club.
The funeral will be held on Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. in the J.HENRI MORIN & SON FUNERAL HOME, 23 Maple Terrace, Spencer. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Thursday, June 19 from 4 to 7p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either the Spencer/E.Brookfield Little League Assoc., P.O. Box 101, Spencer, 01562 or the American Heart Assoc., 20 Speen St., Framingham, Ma.01701.