Donald Rodney Wands

Donald R. Wands, 62, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Rust Medical Center, surrounded by his family.

Donald was preceded in death by his mother Grace Wands.

He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kelly Wands; daughter Akayla Brandt and her husband Tyler; son DJ Wands and his wife Sarah; DJ's mother Roseanne Pipins; grandchildren: Brydgett, Allie, Harper, and Monte; sister Janet Flowers; and many friends.

Donald was born on November 24, 1963, in Glasgow, Scotland. He grew up in Los Angeles and moved to New Mexico in the ’90s.

He was a DJ and a hustla who sold all sorts of things at flea markets across New Mexico.

Donald was a devoted Raiders fan for as long as anyone can remember, and he stuck with them from Oakland to Los Angeles, back to Oakland, and on to Las Vegas.

He loved rap and hip-hop, like DMX, Tupac, and Dr. Dre. He didn't just listen to rhymes, he created them. He turned everything into a verse: what was for dinner, the weather, or whoever just walked into the room.

He was an avid movie lover, and no movie was too low-budget for him to enjoy (Mega Shark vs. Mecha Shark, anyone?).

His other favorite pastime was trivia. Donald knew a lot about everything: movies, music, pop culture, sports, history, geography, science, and more. When you played trivia with him, you'd better be prepared to lose.

Donald spent his later years living with Akayla and Tyler. To Akayla and Kelly he was "Daddy." He shuffled from room to room, entertained his family with jokes and rhymes, made everyone pastrami burritos, and always had a hilarious anecdote to share (even if you’d heard it before).

Donald will be remembered for his humor, his generosity, and his big heart and presence.

At Donald's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Family and friends will gather privately to mark his birthday the way he would have wanted. His ashes will be scattered at sea from a cruise ship, his favorite place to be.

He never wanted speeches. He'd rather hear a rhyme.

So put on some Tupac and play it one more time.