David "Dave" R. Sands

Dave's soaring spirit finally reached escape velocity and took flight on August 14, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. Dave was 89 years old, born in 1927 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to Rupert Charles Sands and Dorothy Quant Sands, both of whom predeceased him. Dave grew up in Rhinelander with his sister Elaine. She, with her husband Robert Hackbarth (both of whom are now deceased), resided in Green Bay and provided Dave with a host of surviving nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces, and great grand nephews and nieces. Dave graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1945, and went into the Navy immediately afterwards, serving briefly in the Pacific Theater near the end of WWII. Upon discharge, he studied chemical engineering on the G.I. Bill at the University of Wisconsin, graduating at the top of his class as a BChE (Bachelors of Chemical Engineering) in 1950. Upon graduating, he joined the DuPont Company in the Technical Section at the Belle Works in Charleston, West Virginia. While in Charleston, he met the love of his life, Eva Jane Selbe, who survives him, and to whom he remains devoted beyond his passing. Eva and Dave married in 1954, and over the ensuing years gave life to four wonderful children all of whom, with their partners, now survive him. They include Charles (Leslie), of New York, New York, Gary (Rina), of New Brighton, Minnesota, Sally, of Wilmington, Delaware, and Timothy (Katie), of Wilmington, Delaware. They, in turn, enriched his life with five wonderful surviving grandchildren, Danya (Alex) and Ayyub in Minnesota, Stephanie in New York, and Erin and Nora in Delaware, and a great granddaughter Sofia, in Milan, Italy. Dave served with DuPont for 35 years in technical and supervisory positions at Belle, WV, Orange, TX, Newark, DE and Parkersburg, WV, and in planning and computer systems consulting work in Wilmington. In his early years he was active in a variety of roles at Holly Oak Methodist Church. After retirement, he attended the Academy for Lifelong Learning for many years. He loved to spend time in his garden, and at times dabbled in art and art appreciation. Dave has chosen to be a body donor and consequently, there will be no viewing. Memorial services will be held on Friday August 18, at 2:00 pm at the Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington where friends may call from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Sellers Senior Center, 500 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19809.