Andrew Robert "Sandy" Bunten
May 10, 1937-August 15, 2012
After a short, relatively pain-free fight against lung infections & cancer, on August 15th Sandy smiled and kissed a full and rewarding life goodbye at Lions Gate Hospital after a special last visit with his loved ones.
Sandy was born in Port Alberni to Matthew and Ishbel Bunten, was raised in Campbell River and later lived in and retired to West Vancouver. He is survived by his loving wife Sue, children Matt (Sarah), Mark, Dale (Pam), and Monique, grandchildren Brandi, Bradley, and Jack, friend and mother of his children Dorothy, sister Judy and niece Shannon. He was adored and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
With a successful career as a young heavy equipment operator, salmon gillnetter and troller, halibut longliner, and businessman, Sandy was one of three principals of Redden Net Ltd. for 40 years. As a top salmon and herring purse seiner and one of the original ‘Blue Fleet’ skippers, he was a man who always treated everyone as he wished to be treated. He was decisive and kept his cool in times of crisis. Sandy excelled at anything he did (except golf), and was respected by all who knew him.
On Monday August 20, aboard the “Belina” with his loving family and #1 crewman Sylverio M. close by, Sandy returned to his Nirvana: the Juan de Fuca “Blue Line” on a flood tide during Fraser sockeye season. A pod of 10 outbound orcas passed close by after his ashes entered the Pacific.
Sandy, were they coming to greet you?
A celebration to honour his life will be held on Saturday September 15th from 1-5 pm at 2246 Bellevue Avenue, West Vancouver in the downstairs rec room with access from the west side walkway. Street parking is available on Bellevue Avenue and nearby streets.