Clare V. Sands 87

Clare V. Sands of Lakeside died of a sudden, massive heart attack at the age of 87 on Sept. 26, 2012, at his son Steve’s house in Salt Lake City. He was on a road trip to California in his new car to visit relatives and stopped to spend the weekend and see his great-grandson’s homecoming football game. He loved road trips, loved spending time with his family, and died doing both.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Coyne and Alma Sands; his brother, Warren; his sister, Betty Jo Conner; and most significantly by Donna Mae, the love of his life and devoted wife for 54 years.  

He is survived by his son, Steve and wife, Karen, of Salt Lake City, son, Jack of Billings, and son, Craig and wife, Connie, of Eureka; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of loving relatives and friends. Special among them was his loyal friend and companion for the past several years, Margaret Kleinert of Lakeside.

He was born and raised in Harlem, Mont., and farmed in the Milk River Valley until the age of 39 when he moved to Butte, where he worked for the Montana Highway Department for 29 years. He and Donna Mae retired to Lakeside in 1993 and loved the people and the land of the Flathead until their deaths.

He lived a long and good life, served his family and community faithfully, left many friends and no enemies, and died the kind of death he wanted. 

All in all, no one could ask for more. His life was a beautiful journey. We miss him deeply and will love him forever.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Lakeside, with graveside services to follow at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, at the cemetery in Harlem.