The community of Burien is mourning the loss of a beloved member, Rick Sands, who passed away peacefully after a battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Sands, a Real Estate Broker at RE/MAX All City, was admitted to the ICU at Swedish First Hill after being rushed to the ER with a severe lung condition. Despite the efforts of the medical team, the exact cause of his illness remained unidentified, and Sands ultimately succumbed to the disease.
His daughter, Olivia, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, expressing the family’s gratitude for the support they received during this difficult time. In accordance with Sands‘ wishes, there will not be a traditional funeral. Instead, plans are underway for a memorial event in early 2025, where friends and family can come together to celebrate his life with music and storytelling.
Olivia also revealed her father’s dream of writing a book to share his many stories. In his memory, she is collecting anecdotes and photos from loved ones to create a book of remembrance. Contributions can be sent to ricksands1964@gmail.com. The Sands family expressed immense gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Swedish First Hill for their exceptional care and compassion during Rick’s final days.
The outpouring of love and support from the community has been overwhelming, and the family will continue to share updates on the planned celebration of Rick’s life. Olivia’s heartfelt message on Facebook reflects the deep loss felt by those who knew and loved Rick, emphasizing his aversion to traditional funerals and his preference for a joyous gathering of friends and family.
The dedication and commitment of the medical staff at Swedish First Hill were acknowledged, with Olivia praising their heroic efforts to make Rick’s final days as comfortable as possible. The post also highlights the importance of sharing stories and memories to honor Rick’s legacy and keep his spirit alive in the hearts of those who knew him.
In conclusion, the passing of Rick Sands has left a void in the community, but his memory will live on through the stories and memories shared by those who knew and loved him. The planned memorial event will be a fitting tribute to a man who valued celebration and storytelling, bringing together friends and family to honor his life and legacy.