David Langlois Sands, born Sept. 2, 1939, in New Westminster, B.C., to newspaperman Edward Charles Langlois Sands and school teacher Audrey Elsie Sands (McMurphy), died Thursday, July 23, 2026 in Courtenay, B.C., leaving to mourn his cherished wife and the centre of his universe, Sandra Audrie Sands, of Bowser; his children Susan (Allan) Basler, Del, and Sandi, of Edmonton. He was predeceased by his parents and younger brother Patrick Osbourne Sands (2019) of Van Anda, B.C.

Dave and Audrie moved from Edmonton, AB, to Deep Bay in 1990, building a home on Shoreline Drive that they would for some years operate as a bed & breakfast. Dave was president of the Bowser Business Association for two years and beginning immediately in 1990, an active member of the Deep Bay Fire Volunteer Department for six years until health issues forced him to stand down. A longtime volunteer canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Association, Dave enjoyed great happiness in his association with the Fanny Bay Salmonid Enhancement Society (FBSES). It was here that he found kinship with others who felt compelled to put personal effort into making the world a better place - and people who shared his particular respect and wonder for the salmon, and the land and waters that sustain it. 

In addition to his wife and three children, Dave leaves four grandchildren, Brianne Emily Shanks (nee Basler), Erin Elizabeth Sands, Sydney Susanna Cardinal-Sands and Elliot Ian Sands, as well as two great-grandchildren, all of Edmonton.

Should you choose to make a donation in Dave's memory, please consider the FBSES.