Clayton Bradford Sands

Clayton Bradford Sands was 70 years old when he died in his home in Cathedral City,
California on May 9, 2025. Growing up in Texas and later in Seattle, he was known as
Brad. His community in Palm Springs knew him as Clay. He was born in Houston, Texas
on September 6, 1954. The family moved to Seattle and there he graduated from
Queen Ann High School. After graduating he received an Associate Degree.
Brad charted his course. He always has. He liked what he liked... especially
strawberries, fresh king crab, BBQ and the game of Bridge. Like everyone, there were
so many facets to his life. He worked as an Optician for 8 years, but it was later, after he
worked at QFC that he established himself as a very trusted dog sitter - by both the
owners and the dogs! His bridge "career" blossomed and enabled him to dog sit more
which allowed Brad to play more bridge! He continued his pet sitting career for over
twenty years and simultaneously watched over many beautiful homes with great
attention and care. Another fun part of his life in Seattle was his membership in the
Seattle "Prime Timers" since 2011; and in turn, "Prime Timers" in Palm Springs. A not so
fun, but worth mentioning part of Brad's life, was his success in battling HIV for 34 years
- an accomplishment that many peers would not achieve.
He did a remarkable job keeping up with the younger members of the family - writing
letters, sending cards and hiding $2 bills in Easter eggs. His letters and cards were his
connection with family and friends. He wrote sharing his kindness and thoughtfulness.
He was a very friendly kid, talking with strangers and charming the neighbors to save
coupons for him to cash in. You could do that in the early 60's. At a young age he was
an avid observer of weather and baseball stats. Numbers came easily and those that
know Brad, know of his love of numbers and the strategy of card games, especially
bridge.
At fourteen, Brad's mother taught him the game when he started asking about the
"dummy" at the end of the bridge games. It's been his love and purpose ever since. He
earned 4415 American Contract Bridge League Master Points. This gave him a ranking
as a Sapphire Life Master! Most recently, he was the 2024 recipient of both the Helen
Shanbrom Ace of Clubs Award and the Mini-McKenny Award. The outpouring of love
and condolences from his bridge friends has been heartfelt and profound.
Brad was the youngest of three children by his father, James Elmo Sands and his
mother, Beverly Lenore Crockett, both deceased. He is survived by one brother, Scott
Sands (Mona Sands, wife) and sister, Kimberly Sands Baker (Michael Baker, husband).
Nieces and nephews include Teri Sands Unruh (Darren), Greg Sands (Stephanie), Amy
Sands Thom (Jeff), Allison Baker Docker (Bryce) and Kate Baker. Great grand nieces
and nephews: Emma Kate, Penner, MacHenry and Issac Unruh; Caden, Reese,
Hudson and Harrison Sands; Caleb, Joshua, William and Lydia Thom as well as Jack,
Bo and Michael Docker.
Clayton has requested that there be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations
may be made in his memory to MoveOn.org or Palm Springs Animal Shelter at
psanimal shelter.org. Before he died he said he was satisfied with his life, happy overall
and at peace. He will be remembered and sincerely missed.