DEATH NOTICE: Eugene Nathan Sands, D.O.

SANDS, EUGENE NATHAN D.O., passed away at the age of 93 on October 2, 2015 at the Sherman Home Hospice in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his family.

Dr. Eugene Sands

Born on March 25, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York, Eugene was a well-respected doctor, war veteran, and community volunteer. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from City College of New York, Eugene served as a medic in World War II, landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Following his service, he attended Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine where he met Sylvia, his wife of 64 years.

A family physician in Detroit and Dearborn, Michigan for 35 years, he was on the staff of Zeiger Osteopathic Hospital (Detroit, MI) and served as chief of staff at Botsford General Hospital (Farmington Hills, MI). Active with the Boys Club of Greater Detroit, he was honored with the Friend of the Boy award for his service as a board member as well as his work performing physical exams for its members and mentoring many young men, especially those interested in medicine.

At age 65, Eugene retrained as an addictionologist, becoming a fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and serving as medical director for Brighton Hospital in Michigan. He and his wife relocated to Scottsdale, Arizona in 1996, and Eugene worked part-time at St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center until 2013. A lifetime member of the Michigan and Arizona osteopathic medical associations and a recipient of ASAM’s lifetime achievement award, he was a beloved and valued friend, colleague, and mentor.

He took great pride in the educational, professional, and personal development and successes of his sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zalman and Rose Sassulsky, as well as his sister, Sophie Sands.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; sons, Mark (Charisse) and Larry (Edee); and seven grandchildren. Contributions can be made to Hospice of the Valley-Sherman Home, c/o Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 or Midwestern University-Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, online at www.midwestern.edu.  Graveside services were held in Phoenix, AZ.  Arrangements by Sinai Mortuary of Arizona.