In Memory Of

Richard Sandham

Oct 12, 1945 - May 4, 2026

Service

  As per family wishes, no service will be held at this time

Obituary

RICHARD SANDHAM
1945- 2026

Rick was born in North Yorkshire, England on October 12, 1945.
At the age of five, “Ricky” boarded a ship with his mother, Nan and travelled to Canada to begin a whole new life. Settling west of Caroline on Uncle Charlie Masons’ homestead. Rick, his mom and Aunt Syble worked hard, raising sheep, a few goats for milk, many chickens for selling eggs and always grew a huge garden. It was there that Rick became an avid fisherman, walking as often as possible to the Raven River or Clearwater, seldom coming home emptyhanded. It was here that he began to hunt grouse and deer. As a teenager, Rick was much in demand as a farmhand, especially at harvest time, finding plenty of work around the community. After graduating high school, he continued farming as the Bystroms’ hired man.
In 1967, after marrying Helen Barker and starting a family of his own, Rick began working in the oil patch on drilling rigs. Becoming a driller, he was often given the “green hands” to train. Many friends were made during these years; most had great nicknames and even better stories. Years later, Rick became an oilfield operator while getting back into farming around the same time; often burning the candle at both ends. Ricks downtime was cherished and he shared it generously when he got some. Long change was for dirt bikes, camping, shooting black powder and travelling.
In 1996, Rick married Julie. They lived life together to the fullest. Together they enjoyed fishing, golfing, cards, rodeos, dancing, travelling, and visiting with good friends and family. Grampa was very proud of all the grandchildren and always enjoyed attending the various sports and tournaments they played, even watching on the computer screen if unable to attend in person. He took great pleasure in watching for improvements the teams made, no matter which sport. Rick believed any job was worth doing right, so that is how he lived. After oilfield retirement, Rick became a fulltime farmer with his wife Julie on their Sunsetview Angus farm at Evergreen. If you would ask him his favorite color, he would always reply, “black cows on green grass; that’s a color, isn't it?”
There are no words to explain the devastating loss we all feel. We wanted so much more time with Rick. Rick is lovingly remembered by Julie, his wife of 30 years. Kim and Dave, Jason, Joh, and Erin. Grandchildren: Hannah, Ayla, Madison, Ember, Caine, Ryder, Nevaeh, Landon and Andrew. As well as many good friends and relatives across the globe, too numerous to mention. Until we meet again, rest easy, Rick; you've earned it. We will miss you every single day.
There will be no service held at this time.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Dwayne & Shelagh Bunch:

Our sincere condolences to the Sandham family - Rick was one of them guys that was a pleasure to work with when he worked with Gulf. Always enjoyed having coffee at Boundary cafe with him. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Dave Trautmann:

Rick was great to work with and we could always count on him to voice his opinion to make things better for the crew. He will be missed.

Rick and Andrea Staples:

We’re so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Rick faithfully attended family events at Julie’s side and always brought a positive, kind, steady presence to any gathering. I always looked forward to visiting with Rick and, no matter how brief our exchanges might be, I always walked away feeling uplifted. Our hearts go out to Julie and the family for the loss of such a good and kind man.

Rick and Andrea Staples:

We are so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. I always looked forward to visiting with Rick at family gatherings, which he attended faithfully at Julie’s side. No matter how brief our exchanges would be, I always walked away feeling uplifted for having chatted with Rick- he always had a smile and a kind word. Our hearts go out to Julie and the family in this time of deep loss.

Ruth Huhn:

I am glad for the time we worked together, there was always a laugh. You were a great teacher. Rest in Peace

Adam Clayson :

We never met Rick but we know Erin. We can see why Erin loved him so much. I enjoyed reading about Rick. He sounds like a great guy. You are missed. Rest well our new friend.

Richard Jones:

I never met you but I knew Ricky. My condolences

Gloria Shilka:

No words will help at this time. Rick is a kind man who is missed so much. Hugs to all the family.

Glenn Solland :

There wasn’t a day went by that I didn’t enjoy working with Rick. Will miss you my friend

ashley bird:

Rick was one of those rare men you could measure yourself against and always come up a little short. In all the years I knew him we never had a cross word — he was simply too decent, too steady, too sure of what was right, and never anything but kind. Honest, hard-working, immovable on the things that mattered. I'm grateful my daughters got to call him Grandpa — Hannah, Ayla, and Madison were lucky to have him. My deepest sympathies to Julia and the whole family. Rest easy, Rick. You've earned it.

Crystal Oliver:

I remember Rick coming around frequently for a day's work or an hour's coffee in the 80's when he was buying lumber from my dad to build his house at the time. Always smiling straight through to his eyes, always kind and honest, resilient, never afraid of a good, hard day's work.

Though Rick and Nan were first generation Canadians, mother and son together only needed one lifetime to leave a legacy of goodness in the community. The Sandham name stood for genuine actions and Canadian handshake type trust and goodness.

The John and Alyce Anger family would like to extend our sorrow for your sudden and all too early loss. May he be a happily busy man in Heaven as he catches up on coffee with all those in the community who've gone on ahead of him. For those left behind to mourn, our arms wrap you in hugs near and far. May you always remember that every day without him is one day closer to seeing him again.

Reg Marek:

I've been a good friend of Rick's for 35 years. He was a good person and was always honest and was generous to a fault. He worked hard all his life and deserved to still be here enjoying family, farm, and friends. We will all miss him and Krys and I wish the best for Julie and all the family. Rest in peace Rick.

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