On December 12, 2023, at Lakeridge Health Oshawa, the same hospital where on May 22, 1947, he was born, William Alexander "Sandy" Ménard drew his last breath while hearing the voice of Martine, his daughter and pride and joy.

He was surrounded by his four sisters, Eileen, Gisele, Franny and Joan.

He was 76 years old.

Sandy was predeceased by his parents Leo and Olive (née Cardinal), youngest sister Bernie, and brother-in-law Ted Drew.

He is survived by his daughter Martine Chantal Marie-Claire Ménard (Scotty) of Nanaimo, BC, Eileen (Jim) Minett, Gisele Drew, Franny (John) Coleman and Joan (Gary) Westoll. He has eleven nephews and nieces, two great nieces and three great nephews.

He kept in close contact with them often by phone or over email sending favourite newspaper articles to read. He leaves his former wife, Marlene Lacey. Sandy was well read and a favourite pastime of his was visiting the local library. Often, he was researching current topics or writing his most recent letter to the editor of one of the Toronto newspapers. Sandy was a man of strong beliefs and values, always a loyal friend for life.

His curiosity and learning knowing no bounds, Sandy was always up for a good debate. He had many life and academic experiences, from studying Philosophy & Political Science and attending Law School at Queen's University to studying Journalism at Lethbridge College in Alberta.

Among some earlier lifestyle career choices following his postsecondary studies Sandy managed smaller vegetable gardens with his beloved goats, did logging and tree felling, embarked upon wood stove sales, and taught. In the early 1980s his sales work for Michelin Tire took him to Lethbridge, Alberta, then back to Ontario. In all of his interests in life, physical work did not escape Sandy: right up to his final month of living he was driving large construction vehicles.

This past February and again in June, Sandy was thrilled to spend time in Nanaimo with his daughter Martine, saying he loved it so much he could move there. It is through love and communication when important decisions often occur. Soon after Sandy died the process of cornea donation began.

In memory of Sandy, please consider signing your donor card. Sandy enjoyed the natural and wholesome things in life nothing more than a good breakfast at T&T in Markham, a barbecued steak, a glass of French red wine, a cold beer after a long day at work, a smoke on the porch of any of his sisters, and a tour on back roads in his truck, yeah, listening to the radio.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558)

A springtime celebration of Sandy's life with family and friends will be held in Oshawa. Nph Nph

Online condolences can be shared at makfuneralhome.com .