Gary Sandblom, 80, Paved Way for Voters in Mexico

The international community in Mérida, Yucatán, has lost a dedicated leader and friend with the passing of Gary Sandblom, 80, at his home in Durango, Colorado. 

A Colorado Springs native, Gary brought his commitment to service and community building from a successful 40-year career as a trial attorney to his adopted home in Mexico, where he founded Democrats Abroad Yucatán. 

Gary had a gift for bringing people together. He was known for his enthusiasm at community events, whether donning lederhosen for an Oktoberfest Democrats Abroad fundraiser or hosting the organization’s fifth-anniversary pizza party at his home. His commitment went beyond administrative support—he genuinely believed in the importance of every American’s right to participate in democracy, regardless of where they lived.

“Gary had a passion for life and lived his to the fullest. As an attorney, community organizer, father, husband and friend, Gary was ‘all in’ with passion and purpose,” said Roland Seeman, a friend and Democrats Abroad colleague. “He was a do-er and a leader who loved the best of travel, skiing, diving, politics, cooking and mixology.”

A Life of Achievement and Adventure

Gary, a 1970 University of Colorado Boulder graduate, built a distinguished legal career spanning four decades. His professional life was marked by dedication and success, culminating in 2010 when a Jefferson County jury returned a significant verdict for his client. This judgment ultimately totaled approximately $1.3 million with interest and costs. It was a fitting capstone to his legal career before retirement.

But Gary’s interests extended far beyond the courtroom. In 1996, he became a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor, and by 1998, he had advanced to PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer. He led his first scuba trip to Cayman Brac in 1997 and went on to certify dozens of divers while leading underwater adventures around the world. His passion for diving and hiking reflected his broader approach to life—always ready for the next adventure, always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. 

Nancy Hoag, a Mérida resident who is also from Colorado Springs, has fond recollections of her longtime friend: “He and his lovely wife Jackie never seemed to age. They were always off on another adventure, either diving or hiking. A really good guy.”

In Mérida, Gary found new ways to stay active and build connections. He regularly played tennis with Yucatecan friends at Estadio Salvador Alvarado, demonstrating his ability to form genuine friendships across cultural boundaries. This same openness and warmth made him a natural community builder.

Seven years ago, Gary founded Democrats Abroad Yucatán to help U.S. expatriates stay connected to the political process back home. Working with both the local Yucatán chapter and Democrats Abroad Mexico, the organization became an essential resource for Americans throughout the Yucatán Peninsula.

Gary Sandblom served as chair for four years, then continued his involvement as immediate past chair and most recently as vice chair. He was particularly dedicated to helping fellow Americans navigate the absentee voting process, patiently guiding people through the requirements to ensure their voices were heard in U.S. elections.

Remembering Gary Sandblom

Gary Sandblom and his wife Jackie shared 60 years of marriage, a partnership that provided the foundation for his community involvement. Their long marriage was a testament to their commitment to each other and the life they built together.

As Marilyn C. Levy from the Democrats Abroad Yucatán community reflected on social media: “Gary embodied honor, integrity, intelligence and he lived his life with great passion. We will strive to continue his commitment to the principles of the Democratic Party and we owe a huge debt of gratitude to Gary for establishing this chapter.”

The organization he established continues to serve Americans throughout the Yucatán Peninsula, ensuring that his commitment to civic engagement will continue. His friends and colleagues will remember a man who combined serious purpose with warmth and hospitality.

“You always had an answer for everything. You kept all our spirits up until the end,” Anny Schrader wrote on Gary’s Facebook page.

“Gary was fun, but never frivolous, with an easy laugh and an attentive ear. A great guy, a great friend, greatly missed,” Seeman told us.