In Memory of Gordon Riddle Sanford

This memorial is a work in progress. Be sure and come back by later
Memorial Information modified  4/20/2004
Guest Book and Guest Map added 04/07/2004
Mary Anne's Words from the memorial added 04/20/2004
Pictures from the Memorial - Added 04/23/2004

Gordon Riddle Sanford

Born December 28, 1919 in Fort Collins, Colorado died March 31, 2004 in Bakersfield, California. His cremains will be interred in the family plot in Grandview Cemetery, Fort Collins, Colorado. 

During World War Two, Gordon served as instructor at Gardner Field in Taft, California and as a P51 Mustang gunnery instructor at Sarasota, Florida. 

Gordon married Freda Inez Newman in 1945 and celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in December 2003.

Gordon moved to Bakersfield, California following his retirement in 1975 from USDA Forest Service with 33 years of service at various points around the United States including National Headquarters in Washington D.C. where he specialized in outdoor recreation and worked on an early computer application (RIM) which was used to produce congressional reports. He also worked in the Regional Office in Portland, Oregon as well as stations at the Diamond Lake, and Rigdon Ranger Districts where he served as District Ranger. 

After his retirement in 1975, Gordon spent 33 pleasurable and productive years. He was an antique car buff as well as a cactiphile and was an active member Bakersfield Model A Club, The Golden Empire Mustang Club, and the Bakersfield Cactus and Succulent Society where he was a charter member.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Gano Sanford and Jeanette Marion Riddle Sanford, and by siblings Gerald Allen and Richard Gano. He is survived by his wife Freda Sanford of Bakersfield, California; sister Joan Jeanette Garrity of Tucson, Arizona; and children Mary Anne Sanford of Portland, Oregon; Son, James Gordon Sanford of Melbourne, Florida; and Julie Ann Newman of Bakersfield, California.

Gordon circa 1967

Gordon March 2004

If you wish to submit a story or statement to Gordon's Remembrance Book, 
or simply want to send greetings or a card, 
you can send it to the homestead address below or 
e-mail to grsanford@rainbeaux.net or 
FAX to (503) 735-9346 or
Leave a comment in the Guest Book and stick a pin in the Guest Map

The Catholic Mass memorial was held April 19, 2004 at 10AM PDT at St Joseph's Catholic Church in Bakersfield, CA with a reception afterwards at the Sanford home. About 50 of Gordon's family and friends were there.  Father Rodriguez served Mass and presented a moving sermon and remembrance.  Daughter Mary Anne presented the eulogy of Gordon, which will be presented here shortly.

If you are so inclined, please make donations in lieu of flowers to:
Alzheimer's Disease Association of Kern County 
5500 Olive Drive 
Bakersfield, CA 93308 
661-393-8871 

Gordon was not afflicted with this illness but his wife, Freda, is.