Kirby Sandvik

Kirby Carl Sandvik, 70, of West Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at his home on November 28, 2025, just six days after celebrating his 70th birthday. A 1974 graduate of Fargo South High School, Kirby lived a full and purposeful life rooted in hard work, service to others, and a deep love for the outdoors.

Kirby spent over three decades in operations and leadership roles, beginning his career at Dacotah Paper Company where he rose from part-time employee to Warehouse Coordinator and later Maintenance Programs supervisor. In 2004 he joined American Security and Protection (later U.S. Security), advancing from armed officer to Site Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Branch Manager overseeing North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. In 2012 he proudly founded ASP of Moorhead, Inc., serving as owner and qualifying license holder for North Dakota and Minnesota until his passing. The ASP business will continue to operate under co-owner Robbie Martin.

A highly respected figure in the security industry, Kirby was a North Dakota Registered Investigator, licensed armed security officer, PPCT Defensive Tactics instructor, NRA-certified pistol instructor, and certified firearms and security trainer in both North Dakota and Minnesota. He was passionate about teaching-whether it was hunter safety, water safety, survival skills, or firearms training-and he generously shared his knowledge with generations of students.

Kirby was an avid outdoorsman who lived for hunting, fishing, and time spent on the water or in the field. He served as a longtime instructor for Hunter Safety and Water Safety, a Certified NRA Instructor, and a dedicated board member and past president of the Moorhead Rod & Gun Club.

Known for his strength-both physical and of character-Kirby was a caring soul with a big heart. Though he had no children of his own, his many nieces and nephews were "his kids," and he cherished every moment with family and friends. He will be remembered for his booming laugh, his willingness to help anyone, and the quiet way he made everyone around him feel valued and safe. Kirby wanted you all to know how grateful he was to all of you for the time spent together.

Kirby was preceded in death by his parents Doris and Harold Strickland; his adoptive parents Oscar and Lottie Sandvik; his brothers Ed, Charles, and Ron; and other loved ones.

He is survived by his siblings Roberta, Kim, Lyle, Kitty, Cheryl, Marla, and Butch; his lifelong friend Virgil Anderson (who was like a brother to him and with whom he shared countless years of knowledge and adventure); many cherished nieces and nephews; extended family; and a wide circle of friends who were family to him.

Visitation will be Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. with a family service at 7:00 p.m. at West Funeral Home, West Fargo. A public viewing will be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m., both at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Minnesota. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, Minnesota.

Kirby lived life on his terms-strong, steady, and always ready to lend a hand. Hunt and fish in peace, Kirby. You'll be missed more than words can say.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com