William A. Shand (Bill) passed away peacefully at age 84 in Manassas, Virginia on May 31, 2017 after a long fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila; son, Bill; two daughters, Denise and Lesley and 6 grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Billy, Natalie, Garrett and Kylie.

Bill was born in Gravesend, Kent, England on November 2, 1932, where he lived throughout his childhood and was raised with his younger brother, Brian. Bill always demonstrated a hard work ethic, with a passion and perseverance to succeed in any and all endeavors he tackled in life. This can be seen from the very beginning of his career, completing his engineering degree over a period of 10 years while working full-time and serving 2 years in the Royal Air Force. Additionally, during this time, Bill spent many week-ends fulfilling his love of photography by photographing weddings with his close friend, Derek. As with all Bill’s endeavors, the business thrived and Derek continued to grow and expand the business after Bill transitioned away to realize his engineering career.

Bill married his wife Sheila in 1957. In 1962, Bill was hired to work as an engineer for General Electric in Lynchburg, Virginia, and they immigrated along with their daughter, Denise, to the United States. Bill continued his career in the engineering field, working in the telecommunications sector, including installing air-to-ground communications for police departments throughout the country. Bill even walked out on a ledge at the top of the Empire State Building to install one of its first air-to-ground antennas. In 1974, Bill started his own telecommunications sales company, SAC Communications, in which he was a Manufacturer’s Representative for several telecommunications companies. Bill later expanded SAC to include stand-by power systems sales, installation and maintenance, and thrived as a business leader for 35 years. Bill was a member of the Radio Club of America and the Dunn Loring Rotary Club, serving as its president 2002 - 2003.

Bill continued to show initiative and perseverance in all his endeavors through life beyond work and the business to which he was so dedicated. This is no better demonstrated than through his initiative to keep his son Billy playing competitive hockey after moving to Fairfax, Virginia from the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. Recognizing a need for higher level hockey programs for young boys, Bill made it happen by forming the Metros Hockey Club and remained as its President until 1980. His son Bill is still very involved with his own son’s hockey today.

Bill will be missed for his animated story telling which he often did behind his home bar, modeled after his family pub, the New Falcon. He loved a good scotch and enjoyed entertaining friends and family with holiday parties and telling lively jokes. He met his wife, Sheila at a summer camp reunion dance and they continued to enjoy dance and music throughout their marriage. Bill also loved playing golf as well as tennis and table tennis, both of which he played competitively at his work in England.

A memorial service will be held on July 29, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Baker-Post Funeral Home, 10001 Nokesville Road, Manassas, VA. A celebration of Bill’s life will begin at 11:00 in the funeral home Chapel with Pastor Jim Johnson officiating. A reception will immediately follow at the family residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may take the form of a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/get-involved/donation2.php?pg=tribute

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Baker-Post Funeral Home & Cremation Center, under the direction of Michael Post. Please sign the guestbook at www.bakerpostfh.com

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