William "Bill" Sands

William “Bill” Robert Sands III, 9/28/1938–6/26/2026

We say goodbye to William Sands as he pushes off on his last canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, the place where he found adventure and solace for more than fifty years. Bill treasured the wonders of the wilderness, and loved to share his experiences with anyone who would listen to his stories or accompany him on his journeys, canoeing, backpacking, and fishing. At home, he baked scrumptious bread and created delicious pizzas for family and friends.

After earning a law degree at the University of North Dakota in 1964, Bill practiced law for a brief time, with a focus on defending those vulnerable to unfair treatment by the law. Eventually, he settled into corporate work, specializing in rural electric, cable and telephone insurance in several states from his Colorado office. In 2001, Bill and his wife Martha retired in enchanted Taos, NM, where they had happily visited for many years.

Bill is mourned by his wife Mary Martha Guillory; daughter Trisha Katherine Sands; son William Robert Sands IV (Natalie); stepsons Stacy M Spence (Michael Argilla) and Lynn B Spence (Lisa); step grandchildren and step great- grandchildren; sisters Edythe Gantt and Mildred Domain (Jay); and ex-wife Pat Tieslan. In his community, Bill is a legend, including among nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marion and William R Sands II; and his brother Charles Sands.

Please direct memorial gifts to Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905.

The family of Willian “Bill” Robert Sands, III, has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. www.devargastaos.com 1-866-657-4019