Michael Leonard Sandham's Obituary
Michael Leonard Sandham stepped up to the plate as his walk-up song “Hallelujah” could be heard over the loudspeakers. August 25, 2025 would be his last at bat before retirement. He walked up with determination and strength to give it all he had as his dugout all stood to cheer him on along with the crowd full of all the people he had influenced over his almost 81 years.
Remembering how it all started from Alameda California September 19, 1944 then to Boulder Colorado, considering himself a native, he raised his bat completely prepared for the battle. There he was, full count! Looking the pitcher in the eye, he said to himself, ‘I’m ready…’and he hit that ball with everything he had, knowing it was likely the last one. As he headed to first he remembered the “good ’ol days”. Meeting Joyce at Boulder High where he played 3rd base for BHS and participated in the band as drum major. Falling in love and getting married. They just celebrated 60 years! Attending Western State in Gunnison as a dorm director (living in the men’s dorm was an experience for the books), drum major of the band, and the best of it all…learning to fly fish! Joyce didn’t see him much other than his backside walking out the door with his fishing rod in hand.
Rounding first he reminisced about moving to Delta to student teach then moving to Cedaredge not knowing it would turn into a 30-year love of teaching in Delta County. Joyce said she would never live there so of course he accepted a job. From elementary to high school he whole heartedly loved teaching his students music through band and choir. Mike could play every instrument and sing with the best of them! And during this time his own kids came along; Kelli and Bryan, and oh, how he loved being their dad and he was the kind that always gave a hug and said ‘I love you and I’m proud of you’. He moved on in his career eventually becoming principal but along the way he coached basketball, swim team, and track; officiated for swim meets, where his two favorite swimmers participated (those were his kids), Elks Club, Lions Club, community stage plays. He taught English, headed up Knowledge Bowl, announced sporting events, helped students get scholarships…you name it he was “in” if it involved his kids or kids in the community. He remembered the time he actually slept at the school because as he walked the halls during the passing period he got wind of a plan to break into the school and he was ready! Mr. Sandham felt the school, the teachers and staff and the students were in his care and he cared a LOT! He didn’t miss an activity where his students were represented and proudly supported them! For those of you students who “struggled” (you know who you are) he probably even cared a little more for you because he knew! He finished up this portion of his career at Delta High School and “retired” and went on to teach for 17 more years at the college level and became the Dean of Students at Parks College. He had true joy watching students cross the stage to graduate at any level and begin their own story to pursue their passion! And once you graduated it was no longer Mr. Sandham, but Mike…as a friend.
Cruising past second base he thought deeply about his love for nature and outdoors. Mike loved to pheasant hunt, go boating, snow ski, golf and fish. He enjoyed elk and deer hunting with his bow and arrow but mostly preferred an evening drive on the Grand Mesa to spot them and just watch them in awe of their beauty…something he passed on to his kids! In his retirement he very much enjoyed golfing different courses every week and volunteering at the PGA tournaments. But his true love was on the river with a fly rod, preferably with a good friend! He recalled trips to Alaska and Canada with great buddies where they caught 15 fish a day each for about 12 days! He had the joy of fishing the river in Redstone with his grandkids! He had some indoor things he enjoyed as well! His love of bowling led him to a 300 game in 2010 and he announced numerous athletic events including state wrestling for 30 years! His voice – recognizable and memorable! He followed the Broncos, Buffs, Rockies, and Texas Rangers as he so much enjoyed watching his nephew pursue his baseball dreams. Fun fact, he auditioned to be the announcer for the Broncos and the Rockies but unfortunately for him Allan Roach auditioned the same year and, well…we know how that turned out! But overall what great memories of doing things he loved with people he loved for as long as he could!
As he firmly planted his foot on third base, Mike looked up and could see the dugout full of his true treasure during his life…his family! All standing, cheering him on for the run he had just completed and the victory ahead. He enjoyed holidays together and his humor was always on display. Being a grandpa was one of his true joys and following Cale’s baseball days was a true highlight. “Rock and Fire Pitch” could b e heard at every game, although all the boys apparently thought he was saying “Rocket Fire Pitch”, but they remember it well! He saw two of his grandkids get married which also meant a couple more father-daughter dances to relish. Just last year he added great-grandpa to his list when Hudson Bryan was born. He got emotional when he learned his name and loved every chance to see him! He absorbed every memory from every minute of his last visit with these people he loved and laughed at the contraband his grandkids snuck into the hospital to join him in a toast to his life with a rum and Pepsi! His comment… ‘You forgot the lime!’ Getting ready to go outside for one last time, it started to pour rain, but the rain stopped just as they headed down the hallway and Mike clearly saw God’s hand at work. Home base was now in sight and while we had hoped the umpire would be yelling “safe” he could see the look on their faces and hear the cheering come to a stop when those angels in the outfield made a career ending catch. But Mike was ready for it, surrounded near and far by those who loved him, and with resolve and dignity and complete peace he slowed to a walk to take in those last few steps and then put his foot on home plate as he was met with a whole different dugout and cheering crowd of familiar faces from his past.
Mike…son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, teacher, coach, uncle, father, father-in-law, grandpa, great-grandpa, great-great-uncle, friend… We love you and will be missing you until we meet again! Well done!
Mike’s final remarks to his dugout and the crowd were “Thank you! I love you and I’m going fishing” and as he looked up, clearly in awe of what he was seeing he simply said “yes”.
Mike’s family will have a celebration of life gathering in Boulder at a future date and spread ashes on the river per his request.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following to honor Mike’s legacy.
Colorado Youth Outdoors – Colorado Springs in memory of Mike Sandham . Gifts may be directed through Pikes Peak Gives, ( https://givepikespeak.org/donate/ ) where they will be matched in kind, doubling the impact for local families. Please note ‘In memory of Mike Sandham in the "Doner name to be published.”
Cedaredge High School CAST 575 Deer Creek Drive, Cedaredge CO 81413. CAST program provides funds as needed for students in all activities to be able to travel for state and other contests. Please note ‘In memory of Mike Sandham’.
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