Ulf Teddy Sandstrom

March 8th, 1952 – October 1, 2020

Ulf Teddy Sandstrom (born March 8, 1952, Stockholm, Sweden) a Swedish American lawyer, entrepreneur, best selling author, and philanthropist died of internal injuries sustained from a traffic accident in Sarasota, Florida on October 1, 2020. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and dear friend to many in the United States and Sweden, Ulf passionately practiced and promoted the power of positive thinking throughout his adult life.

Raised by his father Col. Sture Sandstrom a high ranking Swedish military strategist and Alli a devoted mother and homemaker, Ulf grew up living in different parts of Sweden, but especially loved life in Karlsberg Palace in Stockholm. During his teen years in northern Sweden, Ulf was an accomplished youth chess competitor and a talented soccer player in his county (as a student he also earned top grades in mathematics and in sciences). Upon finishing high school, in 1971-72, Ulf served in the Swedish Navy. After training at the Muskö naval base, Sandstrom served on Sweden's last frigate-class vessel where he first explored the world, sailing across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. After completing his military service, Ulf continued his journeys by working for the renowned Gripsholm world cruise line. For two years, 1972-73, the cruise line took Ulf around the coasts of Latin America, the Caribbean islands, Africa, Indian, Asia, but most importantly America. When his ship first approached the American shores near New York City, Ulf fondly recalled hearing their intercom system tune into a local New York radio station. While listening to some popular American rock songs in English, Ulf got his first glance of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan and instantly decided “This is where I must live”

With America, it was love at first sight. From that point onward, Ulf planned, plotted, and calculated how he could make his American dream happen. After encouragement from his father, Ulf gained admission and studied law at Uppsala University, Scandinavia's most prestigious law school. Located just north of Stockholm, Ulf became reacquainted with where he spent most of his childhood while pursuing his passions in philosophy and politics. During his university days, Sandstrom actively participated in Norrlands nation activities, Uppsala's Soccer Club, and began his lifelong affiliation with the Uppsala Beer Association.

While studying at Uppsala, in 1976, Ulf and his lifelong friend spent 65 days during that summer exploring United States, driving from the east to the west coast. After returning in December, he met the love of his life, Annika on campus. On that first night that they met, Ulf made a seemingly outrageous offer to take Annika to America. From that day onward, the two became inseparable, later engaged, and eventually married after Ulf completed law school on June 10, 1978.

After honeymooning in California, in September 1978, the young couple relocated to southwestern Sweden in Halmstad where Annika established her first clothing boutique, Olivia and Ulf created his law firm, Hallands Juristfirma. While he and his wife built their respective businesses, Ulf became more deeply involved in reading motivational materials, including the works of Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale, and Napoleon Hill. Always active in community affairs, Sandstrom joined Halmstad's City Club and became the President of Hallands Merchant Association, 1985-1986. However, his American dream never diminished.

The year 1986 proved to be Ulf's most pivotal year. His years of research resulted in publishing his first book. “You become What You Think” (Du Blir Vad Du Tänker). Particularly popular with Middle School educators and counseling centers, it endured as a best-seller in Sweden and Norway for over twenty years. Later, he published another book “You Become What You Dream Of” (“Du Blir Vad Du Drömmer Om”). Prompted by the success of his book sales, Sandstrom finally realized his dream by moving to the tropical paradise of Sarasota, Florida.

Arriving on July 17, 1986 with his wife and two young sons but without a job or residency permit. Ulf and Annika instantly fell in life with St. Armands Circle and felt determined to establish their commercial operations there. They opened Olivia Boutique on 9 South Blvd of Presidents. As Sandstrom had done in Sweden, he immersed himself into community service. He became an active member of the Rotary Club of Sarasota Keys, the Rotary Club of St. Armands Circle, The International Platform Association, and Toastmasters of Sarasota. In 1988, Ulf sought to bring together the region's Swedish immigrant community by creating the Swedish Club of Sarasota. The club expanded from a small, singular social event among a few friends to hundreds of members. Activities included an annual Lucia Celebration held at St. Armands Circle Key Lutheran Church in December, pea soup parties, shrimp feasts, crayfish Swedish style, and socializing on Florida's beautiful gulf coast. He served as the Swedish Club president on numerous occasions.

In 2003, Family Sandstrom became American citizens. Ulf resumed his writing career by finishing his first work in English, “The Road to Happiness.”Two years later, a fourth book,”The Magic Silver Coin” was published. For the remainder of Ulf's life, he gave motivational talks promoting the messages of his books. Shortly before Ulf's passing, he completed his long-awaited magnum opus, “The Optimist”, a compilation of stories and his life's research involving the power of positive thinking. Aside from celebrating over thirty years of success for his Florida based businesses, Ulf relentlessly motivated and encouraged his son's entrepreneurial efforts. For Sandstrom, his family always came first. In 2019, he delightfully became a proud grandfather. Sandstrom is survived by his wife, Annika of 42 Sweden, his sons Fredrik and Mikael, his sister Ann Berg of Sweden, his daughter in law Anneliese Sandstrom, and his granddaughter Anja Sandstrom, and many many dear friends in the United States and Sweden. Ulf is remembered as a man who deeply loved his family, loved the American dream, and was always kind and generous to his many friends, and life a positive impression wherever he went. He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services are pending due to concerns relating to the covid-19 cirumstances