Sandra Pauline Budd
Write a TributeCassandra (Sandy) Pauline Budd (nee Gates), suddenly passed away July 2, 2025, at the age of 68 from a heart attack. Her warmth, sincerity and personal involvement in the lives of her family, friends and community will be deeply missed.
Sandy cared about people. Her uncontrived charm and personal strength brought out the best in others.
She was a fantastic cook! Sandy’s zest for sharing food and ideas linked her friends to social change, direct action and just causes. She had values and ideas
She was a great champion for social, labor and environmental causes. Her social antennae were keenly attuned to politics and politicians. She encouraged others to participate in democracy.
Sandy was influential as a truth-speaker to power as it was based on her own lived experiences and sense of purpose. A rare value that benefited these causes.
She gave her time and support to many groups. Sandy was a volunteer Streamkeeper! Rain and snow did not dampen her spirits as she counted wild salmon coming home to spawn. She gently notched beaver dams so the salmon could make it to the gravel reaches, meanwhile pounding in rebar and fencing to protect the trees from the beavers. She hauled debris out of the creek and tore out invasive plants. At the end of the creek workday, she would open her car trunk and surprise the group with fresh homemade cookies and hot tea.
She perfected salmon dissections that educated and entertained hundreds of people at many public events. You could hear her laugh and see her engaging the public at Salmon Come Home, The Great Salmon Send Off, Rivers Day, Fort Langley National Park and other public events. Her dedication to Maple Creek Streamkeeps spanned over 20 years and her efforts were recognized in 2014 with the Environmental Protection & Enhancement Award.
Sandy was born in Vancouver and lived many places in BC where she learned to play the accordion. She was an accomplished baton majorette. Sandy always lived near the ocean.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Curtis James Budd and siblings Vince, Joanne, Dan and Jenny. Sandy was predeceased by her sister Robin, mother Pauline Alice Gates (nee Lousenberg) and Ronald Harvey Gates. Sandy leaves behind a large extended family living throughout Canada.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the UBC MS Clinic, at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. A Celebration of Life date TBD.
November 16th, 2025
My "sister from a different mister"...... we did so much together...... Streamkeeping, shopping, travelling, baking...... It's as I sit here picking out the recipes to make this Christmas. Your hand written notes changing cooking time or add this or that....... my heart brakes for just one more rant about politics or fish. You and Curtis were chosen family, and loved with all my heart. Your medication can't effect your drinking now. I hope you are enjoying that glass of "girl's are meaner"...... till we meet again my dear friend .....
October 21st, 2025
What a huge loss for this world. 💐
Sandy was a spitfire and a good troublemaker, she had such a strong sense of social justice and would fight tooth and nail to protect the environment. She always saw the big picture. I loved her so much and feel heartbroken she is no longer here but I am sure wherever she is, she is laughing lots, making loads of friends and shaking stuff up. RIP my hooligan friend.
October 17th, 2025
I was just thinking of you the other day, wondering why I hadn’t seen you comment on my Facebook posts. I always enjoyed the chats we had. Rest easy. I still owe you $5.
October 12th, 2025
Oh noooo, I’ve been trying for months to try to get in touch with Sandy! I found a post tonight that said she had died.
What! Omgoodness Curtis, I’m so so very sorry, My heart is broken 💔
I would love to hear from you, I want to come and see you.
My love to you.
Jackie
October 10th, 2025
The hole is still so large and painful. We miss you each day, especially your quick encouragement on social media. The salmon are returning and we watch with excitement for them, a piece of you is with us with each sighting.
September 29th, 2025
Sincerest Condolences to you Curtis. Sandy was always so happy and cheerful. She could brighten everyone’s day with her quick witted humor. She will be missed by many.
September 9th, 2025
Sandy you are my best friend....I am lost without you. We shared so many great times over the years. You gave so much of yourself to me and many others while standing up for us. I cherish those memories and will never forget you! Curtis I know there is a big void in your life now without Sandy, but stay strong and keep in touch.
August 25th, 2025
Sandy had great sense of humour and could get a smile out of anyone. She was not afraid of saying what she felt, needed to be said. She was an original and there are very few like her. She will be missed but not forgotten any time soon. Bart Healey and Joanne Day
July 22nd, 2025
I will forever miss you. Thank you for showing me how to fight for what you believe in.
July 22nd, 2025
I'm sad and shocked to learn about Sandy's passing - she was a special person with great insight and persistence as a salmon crusader - always on duty standing up for the health of streams... thank you dear Sandy! A sweet bright light with a wonderful sense of humour - always was present at the salmon gatherings ... oh how I will miss her lovely smile and cheery welcome. RIP Sandy my deepest condolences to her family >))))*>
July 17th, 2025
Very sorry for your loss.
Remember the family well.
Gone to soon!
July 17th, 2025
So sorry to hear, lovely person, grew up with her on sea island.
Sincere condolences to her family.
Ron Fletcher and Glenys Stuart
July 16th, 2025
I miss Sandy’s quick witt and ready laugh. She was always there to lend a hand and give support. She was a wonderful person.
July 15th, 2025
Kind, caring, intelligent,funny,loyal-the list could go on & and on to describe Sandy! She certainly was an unique Lady & we will miss her smile & laughter for a very long time.
July 14th, 2025
Curtis and Family,
So very sorry for the loss of your Beloved Sandy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sandy was a very loyal friend to me, and helped me through the loss of my Son and Husband. They both thought the world of Sandy.
I will be forever grateful for the treasure of her compassion. Sandy's smile and laughter will be cherished in my heart forever.
Love,
Lynda Sousa & [John Sousa* & Spencer Leslie * - In Memory]
July 12th, 2025
Deepest condolences to you Curtis.
You will miss her so much but remember the good times and fun things you have done over the years. Wishing you the best at this very tough time.
July 10th, 2025
I will deeply miss Sandy’s laughter, discussions, our friendship in sharing our love of wildlife nature which she fiercely protected. Sandy’s caring ways were showed with her family, our families and friends and the environment. Loved that fun lady!
July 10th, 2025
Love you Sandy. You will be forever deeply missed.
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