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William Sands Obituary
Jan 22, 1937 - Dec 28, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of William ("Bill") Sands, age 78 of San Diego and Palm Springs, California, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, following a short illness.Bill was retired from Crown Zellerbach, in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he held the position of comptroller. He received his B.A. and M.A. From the University of California, Berkeley and was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity while attending the University of Michigan. Bill loved to travel the world, enjoyed cooking fine foods, and loved music, especially opera.
Bill was the beloved son of the late William A. Sands, Sr. and the late Margaret (Tomlinson) Sands. Much loved spouse for 54 years to the late Robert P. Yanko, M.D. Bill will be sorely missed by his adoring sister, Mary Ellen Sands-King (David) and his dear brother, Guy T. Sands (Donald). Bill is also survived by his loving nephews, Gregory Klerkx (Marina) and David Klerkx (Maureen) and by his nieces Laura Bouquette (Chris) and Saralyn Corona (Jaime) and by four great nieces and one great nephew. He was much loved by his cousin Margaret Johnson (Ralph), by his best friends, Mark Maggini and John Jenkins and by good friend, Robert Johnson, and many other dear and close friends too many to mention by name.
At Bill's request, cremation has taken place. There will be a small memorial service for Bill sometime in the spring in San Diego. If you are inclined, you may make a donation in Bill's memory to the Wounded Warrior project or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Sands
5 Entries
ilse raquel leyva medina
August 15, 2022
Hace poco encontré el libro de este maravilloso ser, en la cual supongo es su auto biografía, ha sido un deleite maravilloso leerle, he reído, llorado, imaginado todas esas escenas como si fueran una película y aún no lo termino y me dolerá el día que pase
Lamento tanto no haber encontrado este libro antes y poder enviarle este mensaje estando él en vida
Un abrazo a toda su familia y sepan que hay gente que lo admira y respeta
Deb Knox
May 11, 2017
My mom and I met Bill and Bob while traveling in Europe in 1973. I just ran across some old photos and their names and did a quick Google search in hopes of saying hello. Sadly, they have both passed. While the time Mom and I spent with them was short, it was memorable...so much laughter!!! My sincere condolences to their loved ones.
Vera, Bob, Robert, Bill, and Alice in San Diego, 2007
Alice McCracken
January 2, 2017
My late partner, Vera Foster, had been friends with Bob and Bill for many years; she introduced me to them, and we visited their lovely home in Palm Springs several times and then enjoyed visits at their condo in San Diego. I remember lunches with them in Mission Valley. They also attended a close-knit celebration of Vera's 85th birthday in June 2007. I was so sorry to hear of Bob's illness and passing and very sorry to find we have lost Bill as well. Wonderful people, great friends!
David Schultz
August 27, 2016
I recently learned of Bill's passing. We were best pals MANY years ago in the Delta tau Delta house at U of Michigan. Bill loaned me his ID for my spring break trip to Fort Lauderdale, as I was not yet of age and he was. It worked. I lost track of Bill for many years; it sounds like a had a good full life, which makes me happy. Sorry to hear of his passing; I have lots of good memories of Bill.
Chuck Blochberger
January 8, 2016
I have lost a wonderful, kind, and generous friend with whom I have maintained contact since our meeting at the Air Force Reserve in San Jose. Our friendship has been the source for much of my life's treasured memories.
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Memorial Events
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