Erik Christian Sandstrom, 71

Erik Christian Sandstrom, 71, of Ellenboro, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Mary T. Messano Sandstrom. Erik was born July 10, 1947 to the late Col. Donald Einar and Elizabeth Jane Dirksen Sandstrom. He was educated at Orleans American High School in Orleans, France and the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany. Erik served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps for 24 years during the Vietnam War and retired as an E-8 1^st Sgt. He worked at Beaulieu Fibers in Aiken, SC and FedEx in San Francisco, CA. He loved bass fishing at every opportunity.

He is preceded in death by his nephew Phillip Smith; and brothers-in-law, Bill Smith, Tom Crain, and Jim McVey. Surviving are his sons, Christopher E. Sandstrom, of Ellenboro, and Nicholas D. Sandstrom (Sarah J. Woolley), of Brooklyn, NY; sisters, Cathie Smith, of California, Cynthia Warren (Bill), of SC, Karen McVey, of California; nephews, Casey Crain, Will Smith, Jason McVey (Jodie), and Dustin McVey (Alicia), all of California; and niece, Shannon Draegen (Timothy), of NC.

Erik was buried at the Western Carolina State Veteran's Cemetery.

Asheville Area Alternative Funeral & Cremation Services is serving the family.