Dunn Barr Sands, 70, a son of the Dakotas who lived his Christian faith with kindness, humility, gentleness and generosity, died August 27, 2026, at Dougherty Hospice House following a difficult battle with cancer.

Dunn Barr Edwin Sands II was born April 30, 1956, in Fargo, N.D. He was the oldest child of Phyllis Juanita Sands. He grew up in Rapid City, Minneapolis and Aberdeen, graduating from Aberdeen Central High School. He spent most of his adulthood in the Dakotas, with a brief period in California. At the time of his passing, he was a resident of The Parkwood senior living community in Sioux Falls. He delighted in his beautiful home, where he was embraced by new friends and by The Parkwood’s fine staff.

Before retirement, Dunn Barr worked as a heavy equipment operator and house painter. His defining qualities, however, emerged in other areas. He was a self taught musician, an oil paint artist, a loving father and grandfather, and a man devoted to serving those in need. He faced personal struggles, yet he refused to let hardship defeat him. Instead, his challenging circumstances deepened his empathy and strengthened his desire to help others and to share the goodness God nurtured within him.

Dunn Barr’s faith was profound, personal and unwavering. It guided him throughout his life and shaped the way he treated others. At about age 30, he experienced a spiritual awakening and enrolled at Trinity Bible College in Ellendale, N.D. Although he did not complete his degree, he excelled academically while enrolled. He maintained a 4.0 GPA and stood at the top of his class. A devoted student of Scripture, he read the Old and New Testaments three times and memorized hundreds of passages. His most cherished verse was Proverbs 3:1: “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.”

His family believes 2 Timothy 4:7 best reflects his life: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

Dunn Barr also had a lifelong fascination with the writings of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s words were a frequent touchstone for him, second only to Scripture. A favorite: “Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be my duty to be for the good of mankind in general.”

A gifted, self taught pianist and saxophonist, Dunn Barr owned three pianos and loved playing for friends, relatives, churches and community gatherings. For the past 2½ years, he performed regularly in The Parkwood lobby, bringing joy to neighbors who eagerly awaited his music.

Despite living modestly, Dunn Barr was a philanthropist in his own right. Inspired by his mother and grandmother, both of whom had empathy for children facing food insecurity, he tithed faithfully for 40 years. He contributed 10 percent of his limited income annually to Feed the Children. His remarkable consistency and generosity earned him a distinguished donor award from the organization.

Dunn Barr leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and admired his purposeful life. He was a lifelong learner with a keen mind. When he applied himself, he was quick to master new skills, creative in solving problems and capable of achieving expertise.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Phyllis Sands; his grandchild, Kareem Cisse; his grandmother, Elsie Christensen; and his grandfather and mentor, Alva “Bud” Christensen of Britton, S.D., whose example taught Dunn Barr discipline and helped form the strong work ethic that became one of his defining traits.

He is survived by his son and daughter, Jesse Sands (Victoria) of Mesa, Ariz., and Niki Arrington (Ziggy) of Sioux Falls; his brother, Greg Sands (Pam) of Sioux Falls; his grandchildren, Banks Sands, Miah Sands (Jacari), Kaden Cisse, Khalil Cisse and Kamden Cisse; and his great grandchildren, Zeppelin, Zearrie and Kambrie.

In honor of Dunn Barr and as a tribute to his legacy, memorial contributions may be directed to Feeding South Dakota, 4701 N. Westport Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57107. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Sands Family, 5013 South Louise Ave., PMB 9995, Sioux Falls, S.D. 57108.

Arrangements are in the care of Spitzer Miller Funeral Home, 1111 S. Main St., Aberdeen, S.D. 57401. A celebration of life, followed by a graveside visit and fellowship luncheon, will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. Dunn Barr’s family will be present for visitation beginning at 12:30 p.m.