Walter Matthew Sands

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Walter Matthew Sands on November 16, 2023, a the age of 90. Walter was born to the late Walter John Sands and Margret Getzen Sands in Baraga, MI. He was the brother of the late James Francis.

Walter was a man of few words but those who knew him and loved him appreciated his intelligence, his extraordinary work ethic, his clever wit and most importantly, his love of family.

Walter's family moved to Detroit when he was a young boy and he learned at an early age how to be responsible. HIs parents would take him to the train station in Detroit so he could spend summers with his Grandparents and they would tell the train conductor to let him off in Baraga 526 miles away. Walter would recall the train riding on tracks onto the Mackinac ferry to St. Ignace and it would continue to Trout Lake where he would change trains and continue to Baraga where he would run across the railroad tracks and into the back door of his grandfather's bar and announce his arrival. 

Walter was an avid reader and finished a book a day. His idea of a fun date was to take his then girlfriend (Terry) to the main library in downtown Detroit, to read all of the out of town newspapers.

Walter and his wife, Theresa (Terry) were married at a young age and beat the odds by being wed 70 years. They were blessed with three children, the late Thomas Michael, James Timothy, and Susan Therese. 

Walter served his country during the Korean conflict. He often said, the army made him a better man and never regretted his time served.

Walter retired from H & L Tool Company in 1998. His keen knowledge and interest in the stock market provided a comfortable lifestyle. He and his wife traveled extensively the first 15 years of retirement pursuing their mutual interest in Genealogy. Many hours were spent combing through records and he was very satisfied when he traced his Sands side of the family back to the 1600's. Walter was a long-time contributor to the Find a Grave group. He was rewarded by correspondence from people all over the world., thanking him for his efforts.  

Walter enjoyed his life but his greatest satisfaction came from his grandchildren, Just David Campbell, Curtis (Melanie) Smith, Shannon Nicole Smith, Jamie Ann (Adam) Swinehart, Emily (Milo) Prince, Matthew (Samantha) Sands, Deryk Kucharski, Madeline Sands, Luke Sands, and great grandchildren Alayna Breanne Smith and Hazel Therese Smith.

The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to the Chesterfield Library Building Fund would be apricated. 

Visitation Tuesday, November 21 from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM, with a service at 12:30 PM at the funeral home.

Burial and military honors to take place on Wednesday, November 23, at Christian Memorial Cemetery at 12:00 PM.

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