Pete was an unbelievable  mentor! He exemplified what it meant to be a true Marine and a friend. His legacy will live on in those Marines and everyone he touched. I will cherish his memory. 

Semper Fidelis
Jeff Grabow 
MGySgt USMC (Ret)

I will never forget Sandy... He always had a smile on his face and a hug waiting for me.. Although you guys traveled a lot in your days you always made time to come home for a visit. I will never forget his laugh and how much he loved his family. 

My deepest sympathy Marilyn 
Love you 
Shawna


I got to know Pete in Okinawa during the year I was there. We participated in numerous exercises and deployments and all of the planning that went along with them. Later, after I had retired, Pete was in my old seat at Requirements and I got to work with him again as a contractor. The thing that I will always carry with me was his smile. Over the years Pete was dealt many a sorry hand but every time I can remember meeting him that smile always came out. I consider it a privilege to have earned his friendship. Rest In Peace my friend.

I have never met another person quite like  (then) Captain Pike.  I, like anyone who ever met him, have many stories of his indomitable spirit and learned many lessons from him.   While I was not directly under his command, he took notice of a Marine who was in need of an advocate and a friendly face.  To see the way his Marines responded under his command and to see the immense respect everyone had for him was encouraging.  No one ever was outside of his reach and influence.  He was truly a giant among men and I miss him to this day.   He was the embodiment of Semper Fidelis.   Till we meet again on those streets of gold.   God Speed, sir.

I had the privilege to serve under then CWO4 Pike at MASS 2 while in Okinawa, Japan.  I still tell a story about him to this day and it goes something like this...  

I was a pretty much brand new LCpl and I got the worst sun burn in the Okinawa sun on a weekend liberty, I reported for work and diligently went about my duties and just so happened to run into the "old man" in the HQ building.   He took one look at my glowing red skin and he stopped me, he started to ask me about my weekend and then grabbed me by the shoulder...  Mind you all I had the worst sunburn and he proceeded to dig his fingers into my shoulders as we talked, I kept a straight face as he informed me about sunblock and its usefulness while on liberty.  The conversation soon ended with "Did you understand? Don't let it happen again Marine" and off I went back the Radio Platoon shop.  

The Marines doesn't make cry babies and it didn't make many Men like Pete Pike, he was without a doubt the finest Officer I had the pleasure of serving and learning under.  It pains me deeply to have learned of his passing and I will remember him fondly as I continue to tell that story in the years to come.   Thank you for taking time to mold each of your Marines the way you did, including me.   For I am a better man now because of it.  
Semper Fi, Fair Winds and Flowing Seas Sir...  Be at peace. 

I knew Pete to be one of those rare consistently upbeat Marines; happy for no damn reason at all except to be in the presence of other Marines!  After our hallway catch-ups I'd always leave shaking my head slightly, wishing I could be as optimistic as that guy.  He's one those Marines that we'll always remember as someone who exemplified a true professional.

My deepest condolences to Marilyn and the family.  I loved being in the presence of this superb Marine!  Pete always knew (as Paul Harvey would say)  the rest of the story!!  Semper Fi  Brother!!!

Just heard of the passing of fellow MACCS O, Sanford Pike. My deepest condolences to the Pike  family. May the Almighty keep you in the palm of his hands, providing strength and comfort during this difficult time, and may fond memories offer additional solace. God Bless. 

Pete and I served together in MACG-18 '94-'98, and interfaced on occasion, professionally and as a friend after that time on Okinawa.  Always courteous and repectful towards others, Pete would also share concerns and suggestions to make for improvements to the way we did maintenance and supported ops across the MACCS community.  We'd also, on occasion, just talk about life and what's important, e.g., family and service.  Our condolences go out to Marilyn and the family.  We'll see you next week (26 and 27 December).
Sincerely, Takako and Al Nelson

I worked with LtCol Pike at MARCORSYSCOM during his last tour. There wasn't a person in that building with a better attitude than Pete, even when he came in with, if I remember correctly, two broken arms, after a mishap with a ladder. He was a great example and mentor to everyone around him!

Denise and I share our heartfelt condolences to Marilyn and all who loved, respected, and served with Pete.  I have so many memories but the one that stands out the most was in the early 90's before Pete's throat issues took most of his voice.  I was a young aviation radio technician, then CWO Pike was our S-6 Officer.  Myself and another tech spent better part of a day troubleshooting a tricky problem and ultimately ended up breaking 8 out of 10 of a certain type of radio during the process.  Not thinking much of it, but proud of ourselves because we figured out the problem, we took the necessary paper work into his office for his signature to get everything repaired.  If Pete had any remaining hair back then, we were the cause of the loss of it.  I truly believe we were the last Marines to hear a full throated yell from Pete, instantly we knew we messed up big time.  But as was Pete, he would not let us leave his office until he calmly explained what we did wrong and better yet, how we (he included) would rectify the situation and more importantly never let that happen again.  It was those earliest days of my Marine Corps career that Pete became a mentor and friend.  The guidance he provided myself and countless other young Marines was evident throughout the rest of my career.  Lt Col Pike, Sir, you will be missed.  Semper Fidelis.  

Our deepest condolences to Marilyn and the family.  Our fondest memories were about serving with the Pete and Marilyn at MASS-2 during the early 90's.  Their presence was uplifting and motivating beyond words.  Despite all of the challenges presented to Pete, he was the most motivating and selfless human I have ever known.  God gave us Pete to be the best example of how a Marine should and could live an exemplary life.  During his time with the Marines of the Deuce, Pete was the perfect Marine who covered all of the bases as part of his daily routine.  During Team Spirit 93, Pete's life changed due to his exposure to an environment that led to his cancer.  During all of his travels for treatment, he met all of the demands of his recovery with his typical calm and cheerful nature.  I do not think we will ever meet another soul as beautiful and courageous as his.  God speed to you and your family; you will always be in our hearts.  Semper Fi, Chuck and Karen Duke

The loss of a friend, a veteran, a brother in arms is painful beyond words. Pete was as kind and dedicated as they come. I'm thankful to have spent time with him, to know him, and for him to know us. He will be missed and loved for all time. Thanks to all for taking care of him and our deepest condolences to all especially the family.  Rest forever in eternal peace Pete!

OBITUARY

Sanford Paul Pike Jr.

January 22, 1946 – December 17, 2018

Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service

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