Obituary of Arthur C Sands MD

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of respected physician Dr. Arthur "Art" Sands, MD, who passed away peacefully on October 4, 2023. Art, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and medical professional was born on June 17, 1947, in Billings, MT.

Art's parents were Warren and Frances Sands. He was the third born son of a family of four boys and a daughter. Warren was an officer in the Air Force, so the family moved frequently during Art's childhood. One of his favorite places they lived was Madrid, Spain. He told a story of him and his brothers hiring taxi cabs to chase each other around Madrid to play "cops and robbers".

During his time in Spain, Art contracted Hepatitis A and was hospitalized. The care and concern the medical professionals provided him with was foundational in his decision to pursue a career as a physician.

Art was always a standout athlete and student. As a senior in western Oklahoma, he was an All-District football player. Additionally, he skipped a grade in high school because of his advanced standing. Art had many options upon graduating from high school. He was accepted to Stanford, had an academic and athletic scholarship to Colorado College, and received a Presidential nomination for West Point Military Academy. Ultimately, Art attended West Point at 17, as the youngest cadet in his class.

Art's career in medicine began following his graduation from West Point in 1968. He attended the University of Colorado Medical School, graduating in 1972.

In 1973, Art married Pamela Bremer, the love of his life. Art and Pam met at Colorado General hospital. Pam was working in the radiation therapy department and Art was a junior medical student. After Art interrupted a date that Pam was on, he invited her to a rugby game and the rest is history.

His medical journey led him to serve as a Flight Surgeon in the Air Force, showcasing his dedication to both his country and his profession. As a Flight surgeon, Art was assigned to Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs and thereafter to Alconbury, England Royal Air Force Base. During their time in England, Art and Pam traveled in Europe. They visited Switzerland, skiing at Zermatt, drove through France in their Datsun 240Z with a Texas license plate, causing more than a few puzzled looks, and frequented London.

Following his service in the Air Force, Art worked as an emergency room physician for two years in Monterey, California. He then joined a private family practice for several years in California before moving and establishing his practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. He practiced in Fort Collins for 31 years before retiring in 2017 at the age of 70.

Off the clock, there were many passions Art was involved in. He played Rugby for 25 years starting at West Point, during his time in England, and for the Denver Highlanders Rugby Club. He was also an avid cyclist who rode his bike nearly every day, rain, snow, or shine. Art loved playing piano, particularly the blues. He also had a love and eye for black and white photography. In the basement of his office, he built a full-scale dark room and frame matting room. His photography was displayed at local businesses and galleries.

Art's memory will remain in the hearts of his loving wife Pam, his sons and daughters-in-law, Rick (Danielle), David (Rachel), Weston (Kiersten), and his four grandchildren, Addison, Ashton, Tyson, and Maddison.

A Celebration of Life for Art will be held on October 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM in Vail, CO. In lieu of flowers, we kindly ask that you consider donating to the "Larimer County Humane Society", a cause close to Art's heart. Information regarding the Celebration of Life can be found at https://everloved.com/life-of/arthur-sands/. We kindly request RSVP for those attending the ceremony at the referenced website.

Art's humor, keen intellect, and gentle kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We hope that his life and legacy serve as inspiration for future generations.

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