George Sanford Obituary

George Sanford 1931 - 2009 Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, George Gilbert Sanford went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, September 16, 2009. He was born July 5, 1931 in Craig, Colorado to Lott and Violet Sanford. George grew up with his 10 brothers and sisters in Colorado until the family moved to Greeley, CA just outside of Bakersfield. He attended Bakersfield schools and in 1954 received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Redlands. He took a job at Beardsley Jr. High School where he remained for 32 years; 8 as a teacher and 24 years as a principal. He was dearly loved by many of his students, staff and faculty, many of whom continued to correspond with him throughout his retirement. In 1986, after his retirement, George worked for Tejon Ranch. He was endearingly called, "Mountain Man" by some who knew how much he loved the great outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish especially with his two sons, David and Donnie. George attended First Baptist Church of Bakersfield for 25 years and it was where he married his wife Charlene, of 55 years. He adored her and wrote her a love note each morning. They spent most of their married life together in Bakersfield while raising their family. In 2001, they moved to Morro Bay, CA and in 2006 George moved into Vista View in Paso Robles then later The Villa in San Luis Obispo, where he lived until he died. The staff, other patients and their families became a second family to George and Charlene. He was treated with the utmost love, respect and kindness. The family is especially thankful for all of the wonderful care he received. In addition to his wife Charlene, George is also survived by his three children, David (Kathy) Sanford, Donnie (Berta) Sanford both of Bakersfield, and Diana (Chris) Knauer of San Luis Obispo; six grandchildren, Brandon Sanford, Melissa (Dusty) Taylor, Jordan and Sydney Knauer, Katie and Carly Sanford and their mother, Shirley Sanford; two great grandchildren, Zackary and Lucas Taylor. A small family graveside service will be held on Friday, September 25th, 10:00 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Rd., in Bakersfield. A special thank-you to Hospice Partners of the Central Coast for their loving support and care.

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Published by Bakersfield Californian on Sep. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for George Sanford

10 Entries

Darrell Ingold

October 10, 2009

I was saddened to learn of George's passing since I had so many fond memories from the 5 years I taught at Beardsley and worked with George (1968-73). I especially enjoyed the many hunting outings that George, Darrell, Eldon and I made during dove and quail season, leaving right from school to make the afternoon dove hunts. George had such a great sense of humor and was truly a fine person. No one will ever really know how many lives (young and old) that he touched.

Patty (Wallace) Godwin

September 30, 2009

I enjoyed working with George at Beardsley where he was so well-respected and admired. His caring nature and kindhearted smile inspired both staff and students to do their best. I'm sure his guidance helped so many, many students. It's nice that he got to spend time in the mountains he loved. But it was obvious to his friends just how much he loved you, Charlene, and enjoyed his family. God bless all of you. He will be missed.

Cheryl Miller

September 24, 2009

Mr. Sanford was my 7th grade teacher at Beardsley Junior High, more years than I care to remember -1957! I have always thought of Mr. Sanford, and Max Evans at North High, as my two all-time favorite teachers. Mr. Sanford was an excellent teacher, while always cheerful and making class fun. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family. Cheryl (Carpenter) Miller

Linda Batson

September 24, 2009

All, I am so very sorry for the loss of your Dad, but what a wonderful legacy he has left you of his remarkable life. Know you are all in our prayers and hearts. (Linda - Totalflow)

Carly Sanford

September 23, 2009

God put George Sanford on this Earth to touch each and every one of our lives. Those of you who knew him know this is true. For me, he was the best Grandpa anyone could ever ask for. I still think of Grandpa whenever I smell peppermint trident!!! I love you Grandpa!

September 23, 2009

My grandpa is my hero...I hope to follow in his footsteps when it comes to touching the lives of children...I will miss him dearly. -Katie Sanford

Davis C Bruce

September 23, 2009

Mr. Sanford was my 8th grade teacher at Beardsley in 1960, and I saw him again in 1983 when I passed through Bakersfield. But we kept in touch from 1977 on. No one, no one in my entire educational background or process, had more influence on me than George Sanford. He was a mentor to me all my life, without his even being aware of it. He was the single most important influence on me from the very first time I sat in his class, beginning those days long ago in his eighth grade class. He will be very very sorely missed. I know God welcomed him into His arms last week.

Dennis & Vicki (Reynolds) Utt

September 23, 2009

We remember Mr. Sanford from Beardsley Junior High School in the early 1960's - and every student will remember the numerous cages of snakes and lizards and other creepy-crawly things that inhabited his classroom! He was a legendary teacher and a great influence on the lives of so many children. We will always remember him fondly. (Dennis, BJHS class of 1961 & Vicki, BJHS class of 1962)

September 23, 2009

Charlene and family,

Don and I are so sorry to hear about George's passing. If there is anything we can do, just come next door and let us know.

Don and Debbie Thomas

Carol Magner

September 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May our dear Lord comfort you. Mr. Sanford was my 8th grade teacher. He was truly a wonderful teacher. I wish all my teacher could of been as wonderful as him. He was a very special man. I am truly blessed that our paths crossed. He will be missed.

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