David Sandoval

COURTESY ANNOUNCEMENT

David Sandoval, 94, son of Maguin Sandoval and Antonia Salazar, was born and raised in Española, New Mexico. David passed away at his home in Pasadena, California, on October 24, 2025.

David’s family were longtime pioneers of the Española Valley. His childhood home once stood where Northern New Mexico Community College is today. He moved to California as a young man with his wife, Isabella, and children, making Pasadena their home.

David enjoyed everything that life had to offer. In his early 40s, he started a successful family business in the roofing industry. Most of his work came through referrals, with clients such as Eli Broad, Burt Reynolds, Casey Kasem, and the Mulhollands, just to name a few.

David was adventurous. One of his favorite trips in the 70’s was with his buddies to Schaleon Lagoon in Baja, where they went off-roading in a Baja Bug through rough desert terrain—unbelievable what they experienced.

David and Isabella traveled countless times throughout the Americas in their motorhome. Each of their adventures was carefully planned together. On one of their trips to Alaska, while passing through the Strait of Georgia, they discovered their beloved Hornby Island. It was there that David spent months fishing for salmon in crystal-clear waters. When the fishing wasn’t good, he would work on their house. David also made many friends on the island who, over time, became family for life.

When David’s sons and grandsons were young, he taught them the mechanics of anything and everything with a motor—building cars and even racing them. David restored four Jeeps and several vintage cars. In his 80s, he even built a stainless-steel Jeep from scratch. One cannot appreciate the impressive nature of such a project unless they’ve experienced precise metal cutting, bending, and fabrication themselves. These cherished lessons and memories were enjoyed by all friends and family. To this day, building and racing cars remain a large part of our family’s life.

Camping was another favorite part of David’s life. Everyone was always invited on trips to the beach and sand dunes, where David would provide many of the “toys.”

He was, for years, a Ham Radio operator (“The Mad Roofer”). He would spend hours on the radio talking to people all over the world—depending on which direction the antenna was facing—Japan, Argentina, Alaska, just to name a few. These were just a few of the hobbies he enjoyed.

But most importantly, his love for family was what he cherished most. Northwoods Inn dinners were the best gatherings if they weren’t hosting at home.

We cannot leave out David’s storytelling. He was a master at remembering and sharing unbelievable stories that could go back to his childhood—stories passed down from his father and grandfather.

After the Eaton Fire, he lost some of his spark for the things he once enjoyed. The loss of his personal property and structures hit him hard, and he often reflected on the areas where things used to be. We would like to thank his son, Arthur, for his valiant effort in the rebuilding process and for working so hard on the patio—it meant so much to him. We also extend our gratitude to the caregivers who helped him every day, especially Veronica, who kept his spirits high.

David was predeceased by his son Fred (Penny).

David is survived by his wife, Isabella; children David Jr., Arthur, and Evelyn (Chris); grandchildren Yvette (Abel), David III, Marina, Corey (Vanessa), Cosette, and Kyle; and great-grandchildren Cassandra, Logan, and Nathaniel.

“Happy trails to you until we meet again.”