Mr. Sidney Glen Shands Sr.

Sidney Glen Shands was born to the marital union of Edgar G. Shands and Hannah Mae Shands on October 21, 1949. He was the eldest of three siblings; two sisters, Brenda and Janice and one brother, Michael. Sidney married twice, his first wife was Betty Mosby. He later married Carlene Timmons. Their union was blessed with three children and they lived in Detroit Michigan for a few years. Unfortunately, both marriages ended in divorce. His teachers noticed that there was something special about Sidney early on. They were amazed at how quickly he was able to understand complex issues. His teachers struggled with finding adequate ways to nurture him on a level equal to his educational needs. At the age of 11, Sidney was tested and it was found that he had an IQ equal to Albert Einstein's; 165. He attended North Division High School and furthered his education attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Campus. Sidney was first black Driver's License Examiner in the city of Milwaukee and the second in the State of Wisconsin. He loved working with his hands and became an Arc Welder. This allowed him to work independently with exacting standards. After the architect designed curved and intricate patterned structures and the engineer created the blueprints, a specialist was brought in to weld the structure together. It is a far cry from a blue print to a massive structure and heavy piece of machinery to make the design a reality. That is where Sidney came in. He loved the mathematics and challenge of making the seemingly impossible take shape. Straight welding was too easy, in his opinion. It was when Sidney was welding that he felt God's hand guiding his. His work was a testament. Sidney was a master welder and took comfort in knowing that his welds would hold. He said his welds had no pits, no bubbles and no drips; pure perfection. Sidney enjoyed preparing taxes for his friends and teaching basic computer skills to retirees and others with disabilities. He received a Certificate of appreciation from Project Hope for his willingness to extend a hand to those less fortunate than himself. Although Sidney was Baptized as a young boy, he chose to be Baptized again, as a man in 2004. At that time he was Baptized by Pastor Louis E. Sibley III and joined Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. He vowed to become a better father, brother and friend which he accomplished in full measure. He loved the church and regretted that his health did not allow him to attend services as much as he would like but still counted himself blessed. There is so much to share about this remarkable man but space and time will not allow more. He will be sorely missed on this side of the river but we know that he is Walking Around Heaven, conversing with and learning from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sidney Glen Shands departed this life on June 13,2015. He was preceded in death by his father, Edgar G. Shands; mother, Hannah Mae Shands; and daughter, Sindy Dominque Shands. He leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Stephen A. Shands, Sidney G. Shands, [r., Sasi Edu, Christopher Edu and Tony Edu; grandchildren, Dominique, Anastasia, Stephen Jr., Brandy, Mia and D'Andrea; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Mr. Sidney Glen Shands Sr.

October 21, 1949 - June 13, 2015