Published: Dec. 16, 2015
The Sparrow Women’s Board of Managers and Sparrow Volunteer Services Department have named Bill Kandler as the Volunteer of the Month for December. Kandler has volunteered in Hospice for over 16 years with consistent support on Sunday mornings. He takes the initiative and works independently in a friendly, caring way.
He often brings in breakfast for the hardworking and very appreciative Nurses and Patient Care Technicians. He enjoys working with the staff and calls them his “heroes.”
But Kandler is especially known for making an easy connection with male Patients and providing support for them and family members. Having been at his own father’s side as he died of cancer, Kandler looked for a Hospice Volunteer opportunity as a way to help other families go through the same journey with as little difficulty as possible. Whenever he can, he also assists his own family members who are older or ill.
Kandler grew up in the Detroit area of Southgate and graduated from the University of Michigan, where he met his wife of 42 years, Debbie. They have two sons and two granddaughters in California and often fly out to visit them. Kandler also owns a small vineyard in California with one of his sons.
After 20 years in the Michigan State Legislature, Kandler has been lobbying for over 24 years and is still employed with his own lobbying firm.
Sparrow is thankful to have this busy, caring, and thoughtful Volunteer who finds time to be part of our team taking care of Patients’ and families’ needs at the time when they are most sorrowful and stressed.