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Paul Sands Obituary
Paul met Gloria Pauline Taylor in 1957, and they were married in 1958. They welcomed Kimberly Pauline in 1959, and Yvonne Teresa in 1962. Paul had spent his younger years on solo mountain and water adventures. And soon, these became adventures with his family of four. Summers were filled with hiking, camping, and boating. Paul, Gloria, and their girls explored the Cascade Mountains, and spent weeks boating through the San Juan Islands. Winters were spent on family ski trips.
After many years working as an engineer for The Boeing Company, Paul took a position with the US Bureau of Mines in 1975 and moved the family to Spokane Washington. He retired in 1993, and Paul and Gloria began new adventures. They took frequent trips to Europe, and spent extended periods in Taxco, Mexico. Paul acquired his private pilot's license; he and Gloria flew to destinations throughout North America including the Arctic Circle and Central America. They became snowbirds, splitting their time at home between Apache Junction Arizona and Lopez Island Washington.
Through their many interests and travels, Paul and Gloria made lifelong friends. After 56 years of marriage, Gloria passed away in 2015. Paul maintained these friendships through communications and visits and continued his snowbird lifestyle. He sailed through the San Juan Islands on his beloved boat and enjoyed the warm winters in Arizona. As always, Gloria remained the love of his life.
Paul is survived by his two daughters and their husbands, four grandchildren and spouses, and seven great grandchildren. There will be no formal service; adding your memories of Paul to this Legacy site will mean a lot to Paul's family. We find comfort in the joy of loving Paul and knowing that his was a life well-lived.
18 Entries
Ellen Shuster
May 30, 2025
For a dozen years, I, along with Paul's old friend Ed.Marble, enjoyed and worried watching a very adventurous Paul! He wanted to experience it all as he lived with a real passion and joy.
I will remember his caring and his great stories he shared with us on Lopez and Az.
My condolences to his dedicated daughters and family. He is missed!
Hal Ebel
May 23, 2025
Paul and Gloria entered my world through my wife Cindy as Paul and Gloria were summertime neighbors of Cindy at Newman lake. A very sweet couple. My first experience visiting Paul on Lopez Island is where Paul introduced us to the amazing world of sailing. And had it not been for Paul, a world we may have never known. Paul´s example and connection to sailing was a magnet to me. A life´s course correction. In all my experience with Paul he remain consistent in attitude, intelligence and had a wide variety of interests. Paul was sweet, kind and a knowledgeable man. I time together was precious. Paul, you made a difference in our lives and will be missed and never forgotten. Fair winds my friend.
Hal Ebel
May 23, 2025
Madison Steiner
May 23, 2025
Paul, you will be so missed. I grew up with Paul and Gloria and they always felt like family, from neighbors at Newman lake to showing us the beauty of the islands one of my favorite places I visit yearly since. The last time I got to see Paul was a few years ago on one of those trips and got to introduce my partner Chad, as always he welcomed us with open arms, took us out in the dingy to show Chad a little crabbing and we talked for hours and hours on the deck. I will cherish that one on one time with him and all the memories I have of him since I was a kid.
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Gloria Fraser
May 23, 2025
Wonderful memories of Paul and Gloria who were our neighbors at Newman Lake, Washington for many years. Peace and love to those left behind...."from the other Gloria" (Fraser) next door.
Kent Oksen
May 22, 2025
So sorry to hear the loss of Paul. He was truly from the Greatest Generation.
Sincerely,
Kent & Mary Olsen
( Lopez Island Neighbors)
Susan Vance
May 21, 2025
Feeling your sadness losing your sweet father, Kim. Although I had never gotten a chance to meet Paul, I can see from the photos that he had a very adventurous spirit and a zest for life. Just like you! May he rest in peace, and may you and your family find comfort with all the wonderful memories.
Bella MOlina
May 20, 2025
Missing you so much! Thank you for all your kindness and love. I will miss laying on your shoulder as you read to me. I'm sure you and Rosie are flying over and keeping a good eye on us. You are missed by our whole community. Rest now, fly high and I shall see you one day! Love you Papa Paul, Bella
Kevin Bode
May 20, 2025
Cindy and Hal Ebel
May 19, 2025
We will miss Paul and all his stories at Newman lake around the many campfires, coffee at Felts Field, playing Santa to my kids who are now all grown, his passion for sailing and teaching us how to sail and his wonderful gift to Hal and I. He is one in a million and will never be forgotten. Much love
Rob Schilling
May 17, 2025
Paul had a remarkable zest for life, and pursued so many outdoor interests. He will be remembered as an enthusiastic boater, builder, crabber, horseman and camper, with an eye for adventure. He loved to socialize and engage in spirited conversation. Sail on Paul.
Linda Lansing
May 17, 2025
Gloria and Paul were dear friends in Roadhaven for many years. I will miss Paul when I return in the fall.
Suzy Lunsford
May 17, 2025
We first met your Dad when we purchased our cabin on Lopez Island in 2000. We could not have asked for a better neighbor and friend. We loved catching up with Paul and Gloria each summer and enjoyed many dinners together, highlighted by Paul´s stories. All of our kids and grandkids enjoyed seeing Paul and spending time with him around the campfire. I was always impressed with how much he had accomplished in his life. I also admired his adventurous spirit. We loved hearing stories about all of these many adventures. Paul will be sorely missed, but we are happy that he and Gloria are reunited. Our lives are better for having known and loved our neighbor Paul. We are so thankful we were able to have a short visit with him in April. May your family feel peace and comfort at this difficult time.
John & Diane Lunsford
May 17, 2025
Kim.
We are saddened by the passing of your father and our friend, Paul. We will always cherish the fun and laughter from both your father and your mother, Gloria. Lopez Island has lost two wonderful people but, rest assured, they will continue to be thought of and will often be spoken about during our visits there.
John & Diane Lunsford
Bakersfield, CA
Scott and Sheri Bartholomaus
May 17, 2025
Paul (and Gloria), was a welcoming person to all. He enjoyed interests and conversations on a wide spectrum. Always up for an adventure and good time. Sheri and I were fortunate to join in at times, at their home as well as their lake place. Later visits in Apache Junction as well. Paul always welcomed us and inquired about family and friends.
Leona Jaeger
May 17, 2025
We shall miss Paul on Lopez Island. Though we also have a home in AZ we spent many summers on Lopez sharing meals, stories and friendship with Paul. He was a very intelligent, interesting, adventurous, and generous man. Our heartfelt condolences to all his family.
Scott & Leona Jaeger
Leona Jaeger
May 17, 2025
Casey Bode
May 17, 2025
Please accept my condolences for this loss. I was so fortunate to have shared just a little bit of his later life through Michael Bode and his three sons. Paul was an amazing man. I was always impressed with his love of life and his willingness to fully participate......even in his later years.
Sincerely, Casey Cacioppo Bode
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