Vincent Mark Sandoval November 21, 1958 – May 31, 2018 MSGT USAFR RET Vincent M. Sandoval, age 59, of Syracuse, Utah, peacefully left this mortal life and was welcomed to his heavenly home on Thursday, May 31, 2018 after a courageous battle with cancer for more than 2 years. Vincent loved his wife, Dilara, his four children, Monica (Nelson), Phillip, Khan, and Rueben. Vincent had a zest to live life to its fullest.
Vincent was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Alex Sandoval, and Clara A. (Trujillo) Meekins. He later moved to Utah living in Sunset, Clinton, Layton and Syracuse. As a youth, Vincent was active and involved in sports.
He started high school in Turkey after his family was stationed in Izmir in 1973 to 1975. While there he played baseball and was captain of the football team. Through competitions, he traveled and experienced much of Turkey’s culture and people.
Vincent graduated from Clearfield High School in 1976. Later in life, Vincent would travel to Turkey during his military service, and there meet the love of his life, Dilara Simsek. After an ongoing long-distance courtship with frequent TDY trips, Vincent and Dilara were married on April 21, 2000 in Farmington, Utah.
His marriage to Dilara gave him new purpose. Their marriage was full of service to each other. Vincent helped Dilara transition to life in Utah and treated her with respect.
Later Dilara was a gallant and courageous caretaker to Vincent during his battle with cancer. Family was everything to Vincent. He was actively involved in all his children’s lives taking them fishing and coaching his boys in basketball, soccer and baseball.
Family dinners at home were a royal affair. He loved to cook and was a grilling master. He often expressed his love to family and friends through food and laughter hosting backyard barbecues, drive-in movies, oldies music, Fourth of July fireworks, and sharing his unfiltered sarcasm and jokes.
Vincent retired with 27 years of service in the Air Force Reserve as a Weapons Loader. He took great pride in serving his country and was deployed multiple times. He was mechanically inclined around the home and with cars.
He was a lifelong learner and had a passion for History. Vincent was a member of the Catholic Church and was a wise teacher, generous friend and servant to many. Survived by his wife, Dilara, of 18 years and 4 children: Monica (Nelson) Leon-Velez, Phillip, Khan and Rueben.
His mother Clara A. Meekins (Albert), Alex Sandoval (Mary), sister Pauline B. Gailey (Rick), sister Kathy Mann (Clay), brother Darius Sandoval, sister Melannee S. Butler. He has three grandchildren, Alana, Christopher, and Nelson Antonio and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who loved him dearly. Also survived by his mother-in-law Gunay Bolat, father in-law Cahit Simsek, sisters-in-law Samara Diz and Sementa Simsek, brother-in-law Erol Simsek.
He was proceeded in death by Albert Meekins (Step-father). Special thanks to his neighbors who have been so generous helpful and supportive. A special thank you to Bishop Sean Brophy and his wife Heidi and their Ward for their heartwarming contributions to our family.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd. , Layton, Utah.
Friends may visit with family Monday, June 4, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, West Point Cemetery.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
