Tributes

Lee Denton Sandy passed away peacefully at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, with family by his side, on May 17, 2025. He was 80 years old. Those who knew Lee might say, “Well, he finally retired.” He was school superintendent for more than a dozen Michigan school districts, working actively until recently. Most notably, he filled the role at Forest Area Community Schools, Pine River, Alpena, and Kalkaska Public Schools. Lee was known for being direct, dedicated, and knowledgeable. He was quick to laugh, frugal with his own money and any school district's, and genuine. He didn't know a stranger, and he didn't ask anyone to do a job he wouldn't do himself. In his early days as superintendent, he was known to man a school bus if there weren't enough drivers. He would rise early on wintry mornings to check roads himself, with assistance from fellow school staff. If he couldn't tolerate anything, it was whining. He truly liked most people, and they knew it. On March 5, 1945, Lee was born in Mt. Pleasant to Lottie and Kenneth Sandy. His mother was a homemaker and his father was a roughneck on a pipeline. Lee was never one to shy away from hard work, putting himself through college. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Central Michigan University, and completed coursework for his PhD. at the Teacher's College at Columbia University. On September 3, 1965, he married the love of his life, Sue, and they had five children. Two of them are Forest Area alums and the younger three are Pine River graduates. Lee was a school administrator who honestly cared for his students and staff. He attended countless athletic events, ceremonies and board meetings. One of Lee's frequent statements to his central office personnel was, “Don't make it hard,” meaning he only wanted them to buckle down and get the job done. He freely offered guidance and praise, with criticism only when necessary. Everyone knew what Lee stood for: responsibility, ethics, compassion, and plain old grit. He was a longtime member of the Church of Christ, and his faith provided him comfort throughout his life. When his wife Sue passed away in 2006, he was devastated, but he knew her earthly journey was a good one and he would see her again. He lived his life to honor what was most important to him. Faith, family and friends topped the list. He enjoyed Walt Disney World, the Detroit Tigers, and the occasional casino visit, but family members were always in his company. He was honored to be a National Trout Festival King during his time in Kalkaska. He was a founding member of the Forest Area Federal Credit Union, and was chairman of that board for many years. In 2014, he was named Superintendent of the Year for the educational region he served. In his long career with public school administration, Lee became a trusted and experienced resource for peers and those entering the field. Lee was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. Surviving are his brother Joe (Pat), and five children: Erik (Kelly), Jamie, Niki, Kelly, and Wendi (Shawn) Archer, grandchildren Lee (Dana) Archer, Alexis Archer, Logan Sandy, Chloe Sandy, Mary (Chad) Brass, and Daniel (Jennifer) Harrington. The family will receive friends for Lee on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. On Friday, May 23, 2025, visitation will take place beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the Kalkaska High School gymnasium, with funeral services at 5:30 p.m. officiated by Pastor Andy Bratton, with dinner to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the Alpena Community College, designated for the Lee and Sue Sandy Scholarship. Arrangements provided by Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Lee Denton Sandy

March 5, 1945 - May 17, 2025