Alexander J. “Sandy” Urquhart
“The more you put into life, the more it gives back”
Alexander J. “Sandy” Urquhart passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2026.
Alexander Urquhart and Margaret Dorothy Baxter welcomed Sandy to the world in Brooklyn NY on July 26, 1939. Best man Paul William’s 1957 blind-date introduction of young Kathleen B. McKenna led to matrimony in Queens Village NY on February 13, 1960. Sandy and Kay are blessed with sons Scott and Mark, daughters-in-law Kristi and Marcy and grandchildren Alexander “AJ”, Faith, Ethan and Alex. We miss him dearly.
His wife of 66 years says “the other [Catholic] schoolgirls weren’t dating boys like him”. Sandy lived like the custom ‘40 Ford hot rod he raced; unique and free-spirited. With an optimistic work ethic, he was up and at ‘em with the sun. Always present, Grampie enthusiastically seized every opportunity to support us in any endeavor. He will be with us always.
A passion for electronics, ham radio, morse code and airplanes led Sandy to Brooklyn Technical High School and a career in avionics that began with the U.S. Air Force at Maine’s Dow Air Force Base in 1959. Courtesy of the GI Bill, Sandy enrolled at the University of Maine after his honorable discharge from active duty in 1963, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1966. With a specialization in satellite communications, his career spanned five decades contributing to advances in communications technology at Link Avionic Devices, Raytheon, Bendix Aviation, Boeing and Tenzing Communications. He exemplified “Do what you love and it doesn’t feel like work”.
Sandy’s spirit for adventure took him west to a homestead in Edmonds, next to the neighboring donkey pasture known as Peppericca’s Pen, where he and Kay built the family home we still call home to this day. He generously shared his love for flying with others as a certified flight instructor. His passionate pursuit of running representing the Snohomish Track Club and pioneering contributions to triathlon inspired a legacy stewarded by two subsequent generations of Urquhart endurance athletes. A longstanding member of Holy Rosary Parish Church, Sandy’s dedication to his faith was evident in his kindness towards others. Sandy’s chipper, social, generous spirit lives at Pine Street Playfield, Yost Pool, Harvey Airfield and the quiet backroads of Edmonds as he soars above us moving with the freedom he cherished.
In Memoriam
Memorial contributions in Sandy’s honor may be made to the City of Edmonds Parks and Recreation Department by calling 425-771-0230 or by mailing a check to the Frances Anderson Center at 700 Main St. Edmonds, WA 98020. Checks payable to “City of Edmonds” please indicate “Parks Donation Pine Street Park” or “Parks Donation Yost Pool” in the memo field or when speaking with a staff member.
Celebration of Life
3pm Sunday, August 9
Please join us for a beer in celebration of Sandy’s life at his favorite gathering space:
Salish Sea Boathouse
180 W Dayton Street Suite 102 (In Harbor Square by Gallagher’s Where You Brew)
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