Donald S. Sanford

Sanford, Donald S.
March 17,1918 - February 8, 2011
Donald S. Sanford, died Feb. 8, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Teddi, and his step-chlldren, Jennifer Levinson, Daniel Levison, and Michael Levinson, all of Atlanta. Don served in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career in radio and television. He had a long and successful career, which included over 200 credits and several Writers Guild Awards. His movie "Midway" has become a cult classic. He wrote many episodes of Bonanza, Perry Mason, Dr. Kildare, Gunsmoke, The Telephone Hour, Loretta Young Show, General Hospital, just to name a few. His movie credits in addition to "Midway" included "Ravengers", "Thousand Plane Raid", and numerous others. He was also a key member of the Pension and Health Finance Committee for the Writers Guild Pension and Health Fund for many years and was instrumental in getting one of the best health plans in the country. When he retired from writing he embarked on a new career as CEO of Stansbury Inc., a company that mined vermiculite. He was an excellent tennis player, a seasoned backpacker (hiking for 28 days on the Muir Trail), and really a man for all seasons. He loved animals and birds and on our deck in L.A., birds would perch on his hand to be fed. He also loved gardening and supplyed neighbors with beautiful vegetables every season. He was a classical music buff and could identify any symphony as well as a history of the composer. He played the flute for many years but decided he could never master it so he just listened and enjoyed. He was the kind of person that everyone wanted to sit next to at a dinner party. He knew how to listen, as well as how to converse. He was very comfortable being alone with himself and his music. Much of his work was requested by and donated to the University of Wisconsin. He was a gentle and kind person and will be very much missed and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Weinstein Hospice, 3150 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30327. There will be a private Celebration of Life gathering, Thursday, February 12, 2011 from 4-6:30 PM at Park Place. Arrangements handled by Fischer Funeral Care and Cremation Services, Atlanta, 678.514.1000