SANDE, William (Bill) Nicholas

Passed away at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, Guelph on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the age of 88 years.  Beloved husband of Helen (nee O’Neil). Proud father of Andrew (Margaret), Anne (Cliff Mann), Marie, and Eleanor (Jean Leger).  Predeceased by son Philip, sisters Sadie, Anne, Ella and Julia, brothers Peter, Michael and John and sister-in-law Marjerie (Charlton). Fondly remembered by 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren as well as Helen’s brothers Max (Dierdre) and Stuart (Jocelyn) O’Neil, brother-in-law Meredith “Skip” Charlton and numerous nieces and nephews.  A chemical engineer by trade he graduated from the University of Alberta in 1948.  Over his thirty year career split between the Imperial Oil and Syncrude corporations, Bill left an indelible mark on Canada’s oil industry.  His involvement ranged from development of extraction processes to remove oil from tar sands, to oil refinery design and construction, to the evaluation of nuclear energy technologies. When not working on the frontiers of energy development he was an avid gardener and photographer as well as an accomplished golfer who loved to cook his special “flank steak” for his many friends and relatives.  In the late 1960’s he developed a keen interest in agriculture after purchasing “the farm”.  Not content to simply use his property for recreational purposes he went on to manage his farmland using his now familiar approach of creative thinking and innovation.  Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph on Saturday, June 4 from 3 – 5 p.m. and Sunday, June 5 from 2 – 3 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the chapel at 3:00 p.m. Sunday followed by a reception.  Memorial contributions to F.A.M.E. (Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere) or to the Elliott Community would be appreciated.  We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com