Thomas R. Sands

Thomas R. Sands, 74 ESCONDIDO / VALLEY CENTER-- Tom Sands was born April 22, 1936 in Chicago, Ill., to Robert and Dorothy Sands. He lived in Chicago with his father, mother, and brother until 1954. At that time, Tom graduated from Hirsch High School in Chicago. He was offered a football scholarship to Drake University which he declined and moved with his parents and brother to Escondido, Calif., the same year. Tom worked for the Forestry Service until finding a permanent job with SDG&E. He worked there for 17 years. He also worked for several heating and air conditioning companies before opening his own company, North County Custom Air in 1986. He met his beloved wife, Alice, four months after moving to Escondido. They were married 55 years. He loved playing golf and riding in his dune-buggy in Borrego Springs with family and friends. He enjoyed taking his motor home across country with close friends and visiting in Idaho with his Alice's extended family. Tom was a family man, happiest when all the family was together. In later years, he enjoyed playing cards with his Skyline buddies. He passed away at his home Sunday, October 3, 2010, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Alice; brother, Don Sands (Sue); son, Mark Sands (Haruko); daughter, Donna Armstrong (Mark); granddaughter, Karri Hathaway (Jason); grandson, Luke Armstrong; great- grandchildren, Jacob and Jenna Hathaway. Tom is joined in heaven with his father and mother, Robert A. and Dorothy Sands. There will be a Celebration of Life service at 4 p.m., Monday, October 25, at Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elizabeth Hospice Foundation in Escondido. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com