Edwin Harry Sand Jr.
Edwin Harry Sand Jr.
Edwin Harry Sand Jr., 84, passed away peacefully on Aug. 1, 2025, surrounded by his family after a long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s dementia.
Born in Ellendale, N.D., on March 11, 1941, Ed was the son of Edwin and Bernice Sand. He grew up working on the family farm, where he developed a lifelong love of music and baseball—both of which became central to his life’s work and passion.
Ed graduated with high honors from the University of North Dakota, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Music Education. He went on to have a 40-year career as a dedicated music educator, including many years as the band director for the Osseo School District in Minnesota. His impact on generations of students and musicians is lasting and immeasurable.
At home, Ed was a loving and involved father and husband. He coached his sons’ baseball teams, took them to ski races and golf tournaments, and always prioritized time with his family. He and his beloved wife Susan enjoyed many happy years together. After 2009, they became snowbirds in Arizona until her passing on Jan. 1, 2010. In recent years, Ed remained active, spending time with friends, including a girlfriend, Georgie.
Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Bernice Sand, and his wife, Susan Sand.
He is survived by his sons:
Greg Sand, wife Carrie, and four children: Jack and Harrison (from a previous marriage), and Luca and Kinsley, Greg and Carrie’s children
Ryan Sand, wife Mariana, and their four children: Anabel, Sophia, Ryan, and Cody
Ed loved and cherished his eight grandchildren deeply. In later years, he enjoyed organizing music groups and playing with friends, continuing to share his gift of music well into retirement.
Ed’s life was a blessing to all who knew him. He was a kind, generous man devoted to family, faith, and music. His music and legacy will shine on for all eternity.
Messages may be sent to: marianaryansand@yahoo.com, 15649 Fountain Creek Ln, Edmond, OK 73013.
James E. Cox
James E. Cox
James E. Cox was born on May 8, 1935 in Chicago, Ill., and raised in Indianapolis, Ind. Jim passed away on July 10, 2025, at Fairwinds Desert Point where he had resided for the past year.
He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughter, Kim Gustafson (Chris); granddaughter, Rachael (Ted Slade), great–grandsons, Cole and Ryatt; grandson, Josh; stepsons, Dennis West (Julie), Brad West (Lauren); brother, Richard Cox; and nieces and nephews.
After graduating from high school, Jim joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and served two years on the ship Basilone during the Korean War. Upon completion of his duty, he returned home to pursue a college education, starting at East Tennessee State College. When his family moved to Utah, he transferred to the University of Utah. After several years of full-time work and part-time school, he transferred to Westminster College and graduated with a B.S. degree in Physics and Math.
Jim’s first job out of college was at IBM in New York. However, the last 25 years of his career he worked at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company in northern California as an aerospace physicist.
Jim met his wife, Pat, at a single parents’ golf group while living in California. They were married in 1990 at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe, after a golf tournament. They both retired in 1997 and moved from San Jose, Calif., to SaddleBrooke.
They immediately became involved with activities in the community. They joined Friends of Oracle State Park and held offices in that organization. Jim was a member of the SaddleBrooke House Committee for several years, and later became the Unit 4 Rep. He joined the SaddleBrooke Performing Arts Group and performed in several shows, including SaddleBrooke’s Got Talent. Many great friends were made over the 27 years that they lived in SaddleBrooke before moving to independent living at Fairwinds.
Jim discovered his love of poetry during his college years. After retirement, he pursued that interest and earned a Poet Laureate certificate from the International Society of Poets. He was a member of the Society of Southwest Authors and the SaddleBrooke Writers Group. He also taught a poetry class for the SaddleBrooke Institute For Learning in Retirement and was a finalist in the contest for Poet Laureate of Arizona in 2012.
Jim was a Past Exalted Ruler at Catalina Mountain Elks Lodge, and organized the first Elks Flag Day Ceremony in SaddleBrooke after 9/11. He loved to sing and was usually one of the vocalists who performed at the ceremonies that were continued for many years.
Jim was a member of the Oro Valley American Legion Post 132 and served as historian when it was first chartered. He later joined the Color Guard team. A week before his death, he was presented with a Quilt of Valor from the Quilt of Valor Committee and representatives from the American Legion at a ceremony held at Fairwinds. The quilt, made by the SaddleBrooke Quilters for veterans who served during a war, was an honor that he cherished.
In his final years, Jim wrote “The Saga of Jim,” which is his factual, tongue-in-cheek life story in rhyme.
Oasis reached…the saga ends.
But in the sands of Time,
Jim left us with his final words,
“May all of your days end in rhyme.”