Sandy Auburn was a long time Harrier of 30 years since joining the club in 1986. She left us on August 26, 2016 at the age of 59 after a one and one half year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Sandy was a very good runner in the Island Race Series, she was a Thetis Lake regular on Saturday mornings and she was a loyal member of the Hellions women's team in many Haney to Harrison and Vancouver Island Road Relays.
The Hellions were always laughing, having fun and were the liveliest team and envy of the hundreds competing in many events. Following her years of racing, Sandy turned to volunteering and was an extremely helpful club member at races such as Gunner Shaw, Thetis Lake Relay, Stewart Mountain, Pioneer 8K and the Elk/Beaver Ultras. You could always count on her to undertake an important job which she did well with no complaints and offered a big smile to everyone. As a Race Director for 35 years, I will miss Sandy dearly as will many other Harriers including some of her closest running friends, Alana O'Connell, Anita Carter, Marg Melvin, Marilyn McCrimmon, Sandi Berry, Linda Gibson and the rest of her Hellions team mates.
One of Sandy's best friends, Alana Brown-O'Connell, offered the following tribute to her, "On August 26th, after a brave and lengthy battle with cancer, Sandy began her eternal life. Through pain and tears we ask 'why?'. It makes one wonder if the folks on the other side needed a soul with a high fun factor to shake things up a bit. Sandy was that soul. Her life was an illustration of good times and laughter; she was irrepressibly funny and playful beyond words. Sandy was a loyal steadfast friend to so many; she exuded kindness, generosity and compassion. Sandy had a gritty toughness when it came to her athletic pursuits, but it was really her passion for the fun of it all that inspired us. She ran trails with vigor, hiked strenuous mountains, cycled countless kilometers for work and play, and swam effortlessly. Heaven is now blessed with our spirited adventurer. We trust she will experience untold new journeys and relish spectacular scenery that marvels her as her eye for beauty in photography marveled so many. We say goodbye to 'Awesome' Auburn with heavy hearts. Sandy will be terribly missed by her loving family and countless friends, though we are comforted knowing that she is now at peace. Until we meet again......"
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Sandy's life which will be held on Saturday, October 15 at 11:00 am at Sands Funeral Chapel, 317 Goldstream Avenue. A reception will follow from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.
