Thomas Robert Sangster

SANGSTER, THOMAS ROBERT Son of the late Frances Sangster Stimpson, a native of Orlando and DeLand, FL, and a resident of Bay Minette, AL for 20 years, died at age 72 from a recently diagnosed, rare lung cancer, on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at his home. Mr. Sangster was a longtime Unitarian. He was a true humanitarian and an environmentalist of note, working long and quietly for such causes as human rights, civil rights, clean water and a strong and safe environment. He was college educated in Florida and Alabama, was an intellectual giant who demanded a challenge, expecting the best from everyone while demanding the most from himself. He maintained a strong sense of humor. He never met a stranger but was awed by few; respecting, admiring and socializing with people regardless of their age or station in life. Mr. Sangster was also a multi-talented creative genius, having inherited a penchant for fine art: drawing, painting, cartooning and other visual mediums, which he vigorously pursued and studied his entire life. Hundreds of his works were sought, and may be found today in homes, restaurants and buildings throughout the country. Additionally, he had a keen eye for the art of dance, a fine ear for great music, and appreciated it all. Also a writer, Mr. Sangster authored, co-authored and illustrated several books, his favorite being, Alabama's Covered Bridges, and penned many articles and journals. Throughout his life, he enjoyed such work as that of cowboy, forester, surveyor, design engineer, artist, writer and photographer. He won for the State of Alabama, national first place awards by Keep America Beautiful for his highly successful statewide anti-litter campaign. He prepared extensive colored traveling photographic exhibits on Alabama's covered bridges for the state. He was co-owner of the Lavender Shoppe and Lavender House Bed & Breakfast in Bay Minette. An avid reader, he cherished books, enjoyed water sports and activities and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dess Lavender Sangster, Bay Minette, AL; four sons, Norman (Gerri) Sangster, Nashville, TN, John Sangster, Bay Minette, AL, David Sangster, Nashville, TN, William (Lisa) Sangster, Robertsdale, AL, one sister, Darryl Stimpson, Orlando, FL, one1 brother, Dr. John Stimpson, Orlando, FL, four grandchildren, Jessica Sangster, Natasha Sangster (Tommy Bracknell), Adam Sangster and Amanda Sangster, two great grandchildren, Thomas "Tommy" and Alexias Bracknell. A memorial service was held Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 3PM in Bay Minette. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 26148 Capital Drive Suite F, Daphne, AL 36525, The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203-1606 or Forever Wild, 64 North Union Street, Suite 468, Montgomery, AL 36130. Cremation arrangements by Mack Funeral Home and Crematory, HWY 59, Robertsdale, AL.