This memorial website was created in the memory of my dad. He was a proud Marine veteran, gifted mechanic, loyal friend, hard-worker and had the biggest heart. He died too young and will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
A memorial service was held in Fort Lauderdale on April 9th, 2011. His last gift to me was the ability to be near the people and families he loved and cared about so much. Stever was a stubborn man, and he finally got his way.
Ciao Steve,
We miss you and your engine and electronic knowledge.
This did help us tp fix all the crap.
Ciao
Massimo
We miss you and your engine and electronic knowledge.
This did help us tp fix all the crap.
Ciao
Massimo
Hi Steve,
How are things going at the Stevie Sandbakken School of Higher Knowledge?
Your Bud,
Dan Durbin
How are things going at the Stevie Sandbakken School of Higher Knowledge?
Your Bud,
Dan Durbin
Steve, I will never forget that year a SeaFair Hydroplane races. We didn't get on the log boom, so tried to anchor in 200 feet of water. We dragged and reset anchor for most of the race. Then we seemed to catch. We thought the line had tangled with another anchor line. At the end of the race, with four guys pulling on the line, we could not get it up. You yelled "Cut the line! It ain't coming up!" I said no, we can get it up. You said OK, but it ain't comin' up. As we struggled, a county police boat said to cut the line. I yelled "Cut the line!" expecting you to be pleased. You yelled, "No we can get this." I yelled "Cut the line. The cop is telling us to cut the line. You said "No we got this!" This went on for a few minutes, then the cop got on his hailer and said, you are caught on the main phone line between Seattle and Bellevue. If you break it you will have to pay to replace it. Before he finished his sentence, you were yelling "Cut the line!" "Cut the line!" "I told you guys we gotta cut the line!" I always appreciated your consistent wisdom. Miss ya'
Steve,
Wish you were here to celebrate this day with 3 very special people. Oh, by the way, we both share a new title.............Happy Birthday GRANDPA!!!!
You would be proud!
Greg
Wish you were here to celebrate this day with 3 very special people. Oh, by the way, we both share a new title.............Happy Birthday GRANDPA!!!!
You would be proud!
Greg
I served with Steve in the USMC, SOES Cherry Point, NC and was both his Sergeant and his friend. I just recently found out from another fellow Marine and friend George Mikuchonis that he passed. I must admit that I was floored and wish we could have somehow been in touch during his troubling times. Steve was a live wire to say the least, full of life and talent and always befriended by anyone he came in contact with. He kept me on my toes because he was always taking things to the extreme and I remember driving him back to the base many times to put his butt in the rack. I can still hear him saying "thank you Sergeant Wrobel," and I would just chuckle to myself, all the while thinking you crazy SOB :)! I have many fond memories of the times we spent together and all the crazy s**t we did, it's sad to know he's gone but will NEVER be forgotten. It is good to know he had some happy times and a family, my heart goes out to you folks. Thanks to Craig Murray also for filling in the gaps. We love you and miss you Brother and will be expecting a hearty welcome and a cold one when the time comes. Semper Fi Marine, you were definitely the epitome of that title if not more! SYOTOS!
I am so sad to see of his passing, I went to school with Steve, he and I use to ride motorcycle's together, of course I was never as good as Steve, Steve and his dad use to try and get me to do a powder puff race.... but I was a chicken. Steve was full of life and a very down to earth guy. I will always remember the fun times that we had.
Steve, you were a great friend and mentor.You gave me confidence and good advice in those first days with Alaska Diesel. I never will forget it. Also will not forget I owe you a case of Biliken for riding out my best efforts to dump you off the tube at the Lake!
Miss you Buddy!
Miss you Buddy!
I miss you Steve. Happy Birthday. I'm sure you would have shrugged off the big 50 as opposed to the way some others agonize over reaching it. No, I think you would have said 'I'm just warning up now, look out!" lol.
I wonder if they have hot rods in heaven?
Have fun,
Lee P.
I wonder if they have hot rods in heaven?
Have fun,
Lee P.
i miss you and often think of you up there keeping track of all of us. by the way please stop watching me!! you missed 50. take it from me. you didnt miss much. you live on in our hearts and thoughts my friend.
I met the man. argued with the man. was at is side at his wedding.sweated bled with him in the test cell.lost touch and regret that.steve was a true friend and a character of the 1st degree . I will always remember the time I spent with you bud and I know you will go to heaven with that little screwdriver in your hand. I miss you. keep twisting that screw my friend!!!!
I'm so sorry to hear of Steves passing. He raced Motocross at my familys track (Williams Raceway) back in the mid 70s, and had more natural talent than most of the riders combined. My sincere condolences to his Family and Friends....
Steven. When. Dad passed. I still thought. Of you as a brother, I'm sorry we grew apart. You were a great guy. Just like dad u will be missed. Now ur with dad. See ya on the other side bro... love ya !!!
Steve, Remember your idea for a NASCAR motorhome made from a old tour bus so we could travel to every race on the schedule, we didn't get it done but I'll try while I'm still here. I'll miss you!! Love your other brother Greg.
Steve: Your impression on the industry and more importantly the people in the industry is a legacy that will last forever, you have left us too soon. Semper Fi!Mike Maynard
Steve knew more about engines than anyone I have ever known. He built a 350 for my 1972 Nova, and I was happy to let him perform the cerimonial first burnout down my street the night we got it installed. Steve lived life with the pedal to the metal.
Steve, though separated by time and distance, I still have recollections of you and the conversations we shared. Its just like they say, one man CAN make an impression and you did just that. I won't forget you. Rest easy Steve, see you later. Lee
Goodbye Steve my friend. I hope you are well were you now rest. I will never forget you, you taught me, you helped me, your are a true friend. Sam Mathias
Steve.
Wow. I am not sure I need to light a candle for a guy who always had both ends burning.
You are the man. I never knew anyone who could put things right so fast. We will always have Solemates and fiberglass for lunch. The beer sure tasted good after that one.
Thank you for your patience and your friendship.
Later on, big guy.
Doug
Wow. I am not sure I need to light a candle for a guy who always had both ends burning.
You are the man. I never knew anyone who could put things right so fast. We will always have Solemates and fiberglass for lunch. The beer sure tasted good after that one.
Thank you for your patience and your friendship.
Later on, big guy.
Doug
Steve,
I didn't know you as well as others. But your advise was sound, your humor great and your smile lit up a room. I will miss you 'till I see you on the other side.
Jim
I didn't know you as well as others. But your advise was sound, your humor great and your smile lit up a room. I will miss you 'till I see you on the other side.
Jim
To all Steve's Friends, Family and loved one's,
Steve was a friend of mine and I knew him for many years. He will be missed by many as he was not only one of the best Technician's in the world, he was a wonderful and fun person to be around.
Rick Stinson
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
Steve was a friend of mine and I knew him for many years. He will be missed by many as he was not only one of the best Technician's in the world, he was a wonderful and fun person to be around.
Rick Stinson
Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi
Steve, the world was a better place with you in it. Heaven now has a new mechanical and electrical technician, the best I might add. Thanks for all you've taught me over the years, I love you like a brother. Ann and I decided we will make one of your favorite meals every weekend until we run through your extensive list.
We will miss you much, your friend NATE
We will miss you much, your friend NATE
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Recent Tributes
Gallery
Steve with cousins Bill and Lee Caskey and their family.
Steve & Crew after Seafair hydroplane race circa 1990
An example of Steve's work
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Recent stories
I met your father in boot camp @ MCRD San Diego in September of 1980(platoon 1092). He occupied the rack above mine. Over the years I have remembered him often. Him and those days we spent trying so hard to become the men that our children could be proud of. I hope he always laughed as easily as the guy I remember. I have no doubt that he faced every challenge with the same determination as he did when he was earning the right to wear that uniform. I am ashamed that I allowed the thought of your dad to pass so many times through my mind without seeking him out. You are older now than those young men I recall and I am happy to see his success in the pages of your tribute. Your pride is obvious.