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GLENN SANDBERG Obituary
An exceptional lawyer, gifted singer, and cherished friend, Glenn E. J. Sandberg passed away peacefully at his Sudbury, Ontario home on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in his 70th year.
Born in Thunder Bay, Glenn built a distinguished 30-year career as a Canadian criminal defence lawyer, practising in Sudbury, Toronto, and Hamilton. After completing the Osgoode Hall Criminal Intensive Program, he was called to the Ontario Bar in 1990. Convinced the law required a vigorous defence for all, he defended cases across the country from Saskatchewan to Quebec and Nova Scotia. His practice included significant homicide, criminal organization, weapons, and complex international "project" prosecutions. He served on the Ontario Bar Association Council from 2006 to 2020, including two terms on its Board of Directors, and was a regional director of the Criminal Lawyers' Association, contributing to several committees, including the senior-counsel "Smoking Gun" ethics committee. During the early months of COVID-19, he volunteered to appear for colleagues in Sudbury to reduce in-person court attendance. In 2025, he was honoured with the Ricky Goldman Mensch Outstanding Member Award for his profound impact on the legal community.
Endlessly supportive of his friends, Glenn also coached mock trial students, mentored younger lawyers, and gave generously to his community and parish. Known for his wickedly dark humour, he delighted in playful pranks and was famous for singing opera in court while awaiting proceedings. His powerful voice was also a constant presence at Sunday Mass.
Glenn was the only child of Helen Josephine Sandberg and Harrison Gustav Sandberg (both predeceased).
If Glenn had your back, no other protection was needed. He will be forever missed.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at Jackson's and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch St., Sudbury on March 15th, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. A funeral will follow on March 16th at 11 a.m. at Notre Dame De La Merci, 38 Edward Ave North Coniston, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made legal aid or to any animal rescue of your choice.
For message of condolences please go to www.lougheedfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for GLENN SANDBERG
Sponsored by Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home.
7 Entries
David Halpenny
March 20, 2026
When Glenn and I were in law school, Glenn was moonlighting, doing traffic cases, acting as agent for various defendants. At one point he reached out to me and asked me to cover for him on one of these, he couldn´t make it and needed to request a postponement. I was leery, hadn´t appeared in court before, but he assured me that it was simple, they would call the case, I would stand up and identify myself as agent for Mr. Sandberg and request and adjournment of the matter to a later date. Seemed simple enough. For this I would earn the princely sum of fifty bucks.
I appeared at the court at the designated time and eventually the matter came up and I nervously stood up and recited my lines, identifying myself as Glenn´s agent and requesting an adjournment.
The JP or whoever was presiding that day exploded.
"This is the fifth adjournment already, I´m not granting any more extensions, we will deal with this matter right now."
I was frozen with terror, not only did I not know the client, I had no idea what the charge was, let alone how to defend it. I just kind of nodded stupidly. The JP then called for the relevant police officer to deliver his evidence and fortunately for me, he was no where to be found. I did have the wherewithal to ask for a dismissal of the charges which was granted. Never did meet the client.
Later on, I told this story to Glenn who thought it absolutely hilarious. Here´s the thing with Glenn Sandberg, when something like this occurred, you could never be sure he hadn´t orchestrated it to go exactly that way.
He was a good and loyal friend for many years, although I didn´t get to see him that often. We spoke on the phone a few weeks before I heard of his passing and I wish I had talked longer. You never know when it´s the last time, right?
My condolences to his various friends and peers who knew him well. A good guy.
Diane Kelsey and your two Godchildren, Kim & Jamie
March 16, 2026
Memories from a young man in his 20's to teasing you on Feb. 19 and 20th about your pending 70th.
Michael H. Kopot
March 16, 2026
On the eve of your funeral mass, I sit and think about all the memories that our friendship has provided over the years. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest Easy EJ and give my regards to JoJo!
Gilbert Pesheau
March 15, 2026
Though I only met Glenn a handful of times, my Brother Ian was very good friends until his passing over a decade ago. Condolences from the Pesheau family in Thunder Bay.
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Mattie
March 13, 2026
Dear Ned: Will always remember the Santana guitar serenades..way too soon to say goodbye.
Mattie
Diane Kelsey
March 12, 2026
Your two God children and myself, are saddened to lose an old friend.
Jim MacLean
March 8, 2026
Shocking. Glenn was a very good friend. He and I practiced martial arts together way back in the late seventies and early eighties. He taught me confidence and respect. We would spar weekly while my sister Alma acted as "timer" for our matches. He was a family friend to my dear parents and siblings. I will honestly miss ya, Glenn...you were a big and important part of my life.
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