Stuart Richmond Sands

Stuart (Stu) Richmond Mackenzie Sands, age 81 of Courtenay, BC, passed away June 15, 2024 at the Eagle Park Care Facility in Qualicum Beach, BC after several years of living with dementia. Stu’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Eagle Park for the excellent care they provided him over the last four years.

Stu was born August 2, 1943, in Pine Falls, Manitoba to Jack and Molly Sands. He was a fun-loving kid, and shared a close relationship with his elder sister, Margaret. Stu graduated high school in Pine Falls, furthered his education at university in Manitoba, and then headed for the big city life in Vancouver, BC. He began a long career in sales with his first prominent position as a buyer for the Hudson’s Bay Company where he met his first wife, Kathy. He and Kathy had two children, Mark and Allison, and Stu took on the work of a travelling salesman for several years. He later transitioned into the shoe business and worked as a shoe buyer for his own company and others.

Stu married his second wife, Anne, in 1999 and moved to Vancouver Island where he embarked on a career in real estate. He became stepfather to her children, Kate and Lee, and fell in love with Island life, first settling in Sidney, then Qualicum Beach, and later Courtenay, where Stu and Anne lived on the Crown Isle golf course development. After many years working in real estate, Stu’s dream had always been to retire on a golf course, and he was thrilled he was able to do so. He enjoyed regular golf games as well as entertaining his and Anne’s many friends at their home.

Stu is survived by his wife Anne, son Mark (Jaci), daughter Allison (Nathan), stepdaughter, Kate (Silas), stepson Lee (Korina), grandchildren Esen, Alistair, Penny, Avery, and Van, sister Margaret (Roger), nieces Marci (Pete) and Michelle (Jerrod), and grandniece Brooke. Stu was fortunate to have had many enduring friendships that he carried with him through several decades, as well as a close circle of family friends and golf buddies with whom he loved spending time. Stu was truly one of a kind, and his singular brand of charm and charisma will be sorely missed.

His celebration of life will be held on Monday, October 7 at 2pm at Crown Isle Golf Resort in the Clubhouse room at 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC.