Vivien Sandlund

This is a photo of my dad, Herbert Anders Sandlund, in his Navy uniform during World War II. My dad was born in 1920 in Brooklyn, NY to John and Elsa (Smith) Sandlund. He and his brother John grew up in the Sunset Park neighborhood, which was a Swedish-American neighborhood at the time. My dad's father died when my dad was 9 years old. Their mother then did housecleaning for a wealthy family in Manhattan to support her two sons. My dad joined the Navy during the war, and he became a pilot. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Jr. Grade. He served on Saipan and flew PBM sea rescue planes. When the war ended he returned to New York City, and he had the opportunity to study at Columbia University thanks to the GI Bill. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. He married Elizabeth Jacqueline Janes of Jacksonville, FL. Betty Jack was an elementary school teacher. My dad got a job as an engineer at Monsanto Company in Springfield, MA. He and Betty Jack had a daughter (me) in 1954. Shortly after my birth, my mother Betty Jack died of an undiagnosed brain tumor. My dad raised me with help from his mother, who came to live with us in Springfield. He lived a long and good life. He was active in the Springfield Explorers' Club, and he rode his bike to work. Herb loved people and animals. He volunteered for the blind, and he met his best friend Mary Hafey doing this work. He loved his dogs and cats. My dad passed away at the age of 86. He left one daughter and one adopted grand-daughter as well as a circle of close friends. His remains are interred at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, MA. RIP, Dad. We miss you. - Vivien Sandlund