It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edwin John Sands, age 85 announce his death which occurred on Monday, December 26, 2016 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Edwin was born in Bloomfield, NB on December 24, 1931, is the husband of Barbara (Hodgin) Sands and a son of the late Edward and Rosella (Boyle) Sands. Edwin is survived by his loving wife Barbara of 61 years; sons Stephen Sands (Carol Earle) of Saint John, NB, Anthony Sands of Saint John, NB; daughters Jean (Wayne) Allaby of Waterville, Sunbury Co., NB, Norma (Brent) Crawford of Willow Grove, NB, Ann Sands (Ronnie Kingston) of Rothesay, NB; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; sister Catherine McGinnis of Rothesay, NB; as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Edwin was predeceased by his daughter Lorraine Sands; grandson John Paul; brothers Joseph, Laurence, Maurice, Gerald and sisters Anne Veysey, Eileen Mullin and Edith Sands. Dad was a very caring individual who always thought of others before himself. He was devoted to mom and loved his children and grandchildren dearly. Dad was a man who believed that if you worked hard, treated people right and had faith in God, you could have a good life. At a young age he learned the value of a hard earned dollar and throughout his entire life always remembered that. He was an exceptional role model and instilled the importance of high moral values and a strong work ethic in his children. As a man of prayer and faith dad attended mass regularly until failing health prevented him from doing so. From that point on, in the comfort of his chair, he watched televised mass programs. Dad spent his time doing puzzle books and enjoyed his evening card games with mom. He loved country music, especially George Jones and tuned in every Sunday evening to listen to the Country Jamboree. Resting at Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB with visitation on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 10:00am from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. Interment will take place in Sacred Heart Cemetery in the Spring. It was Edwin’s request that there be no donations made in his memory or flowers sent to the family. Personal condolences can be sent to the family through ReidsFH.com. We would like to thank everyone who telephoned, reached out on social media, offered prayers, provided food, visited the funeral home and attended dad’s mass as a way of extending sympathy and condolences to our family. Our sincerest thanks and appreciation is extended to Dr. Allan Rombaut and his staff and to everyone at Extra Mural and VitalAire for the exceptional care they provided to dad. You kindness and compassion will never be forgotten.