Sands, Berton Eugene, 66, Woodland; in Bangor, October 25, 2008. Arrangements in the care of Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Woodland – Berton Eugene Sands, 66, beloved husband, father, son and brother passed away peacefully after a long illness with his family by his side on Saturday, October 25, 2008, in Bangor at EMMC. He was the heart and soul of his family and will be missed more than words can express. Bert was always up for an adventure, whether it be snowmobiling, camping, traveling, family picnics, pool parties or eating. Whatever he did, fun was the key ingredient.
Bert attended Washburn schools and graduated from WHS in 1961 where he was senior class president. He was very active in Future Farmers of America, serving as club and state president. He also traveled to the National FFA Convention in Kansas City and received numerous welding awards. Bert graduated from the University of Maine at Orono with a degree in agriculture.
He worked several years at Maine Packers as a potato broker and then opened his own brokerage firm, Sands Potato Company, in Caribou in 1978. Through the years in the potato business Bert gained many close friends, the truck brokers, other potato brokers, farmers, and all the truck drivers, especially the “D & W boys” from Parsons, West Virginia. Many days Bert would be seen in the office with a phone in each ear, probably trying to “sneak around The Branding Law,” which he loved doing and was pretty successful at it!
Bert is survived by his loving and devoted wife, who never left his side over the past month while he was in Bangor, Sue Thompson Sands of 42 years and his only child, Holly Jo Rhinebolt. Bert adored his daughter and loved their father/daughter times together. Bert’s son-in-law, David J. Rhinebolt, was the son Bert never had. Dave was one of the few people that could make him laugh when he wasn’t feeling well. He always called him “the big guy.” Also surviving are Bert’s parents Herbert and Ruby Sands, of Caribou, brother Bill Sands and wife Sherry, and Duane Sands and wife Cecile, also of Caribou; brother-in–laws Jim Humphrey, Bob Thompson and wife Gwen all of Washburn; sister-in-laws Lois Thompson Gordon and her husband Ken of Little Madawaska Lake and Fern Sands of Washburn. Bert also leaves behind several special nieces and nephews who all have fond memories of times spent with him; Lynn Currier and friend Dave, of Brunswick, Mike and Kathy Thompson of Washburn, Matt and Denise Thompson of Westminster, MA, Joey Thompson of Springfield, MA, Alan “Butch” and Sharon Thompson, of Crouseville, Randy and Heidi Thompson of Washburn, Bindy Johnston of Orleans, MA, Sharon and Mark Niquette of Eastham, MA, Shelby Merriman of Caribou, Jim and Cindy Humphrey of Presque Isle, Mike and Robin Sands, Lori Beaulieu all of Gorham, Bob and Lori Sands of Hampden, Vicki and Steve Zeiger, of Mentor, OH, and Shari and Tod Edgecomb of Scarborough. Also leaving behind several great-nieces and nephews who all loved him dearly and got excited when Uncle Bert was on the way.
Bert loved dogs, especially his beautiful collies through the years, with Casey being the latest addition and his grand-dog Gauge. He loved his “girls” and couldn’t wait for the next day of doggy daycare. Bert would always carry milk bones in his truck, have frosty paws in the freezer and deli meat in the fridge for them or any dog he came across.
Funeral services were held 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 29, 2008, from the Chapel of the Mockler Funeral Home with Rev. Dorothy Matson, officiating. Interment is in the Woodland Cemetery.
Friends who wish to contribute in Bert’s memory may do so through the Palliative Care Program at EMMC; 489 State Street, P.O. Box 404, Bangor, ME 04402-0404. Envelopes are also available through the funeral home. This organization was with Bert and his family each and every day with unconditional love and support. www.mocklerfuneralhome.com
