Skip to content

November 10, 1931 - January 14, 2012

Sandy was born in Longview WA. His distinguished academic career began when he graduated in 1950 from the local R.A. Long High School with a scholarship to Reed College in Portland OR. There, he won a Fulbright scholarship to study at the London School of Economics. He completed his MA at the University of Chicago and his PHD in Medieval History at the University of Toronto, where he taught until his retirement in 1995.

Sandy had a lifelong interest in bicycling. He founded Sandy’s Cycle Shop in Toronto, and rode whenever and wherever he could. His son David took over the bike shop and today Sandy’s Cycle Shop and Books is still an integral part of the Toronto cycling community. Sandy introduced his wife Stella to cycling and together they rode on several trips in France and Spain, including the pilgrimage route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Sandy trained extensively for the 1999 Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle ride of 1200 km; he finished the race in 90 hours.

Sandy was a master craftsman and woodworker; he was also an inventor and tinkerer. At the age of 12, he was the youngest licensed Ham Radio operator in the United States, building and then operating his own station for several years. Many years later, upon retiring with Stella to Parksville BC, he first designed and built a freestanding workshop where he crafted model ships, toys for grandchildren, furniture and many other projects. When the workshop was completed, Sandy and Stella embarked on the design and build of their beautiful wood craftsman style home and garden on a lovely wooded property, where they entertained a steady stream of family and friends.

Sandy is survived by his wife Stella Meades, of Parksville BC and her 3 daughters and their families; his 3 children, David (Toronto) Julia (Ottawa), and Geoffrey (France); 9 grandchildren; his brother James Sandquist of Sherwood, OR.; his wife Jeannie; their son and 3 grandnieces. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Geraldine Davis; a daughter, Patricia; and parents Adolph and Mildred Sandquist.

He passed away quietly at home in Parksville with his wife and daughter at his side.

Friends are invited to join Sandy’s family at a celebration of his life on Feb. 4th from 2-4pm.



Secondary Title

Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.