Eugene Raymond Sanford
Eugene Raymond Sanford
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Eugene Sanford Obituary
He was the eldest of three sons born to John Harry Sanford and beloved mother Bessie Hilda (Wright) Sanford. Eugene is predeceased by his wife Thelma V. Sanford, brother Weston and niece Donna. His is survived by his sons Barry and Brian; his youngest brother Bruce Sanford; nieces and nephews Margie, Johnny, Madelyn, Garry and John and by his ever loving cousin Nancy and granddaughter Danielle Sanford.
"Gene" as he is better known lived his boyhood years in Clementsvale, Nova Scotia. At the onset of WWII he volunteered his services to his country and enlisted in the military. He was then assigned to the First Canadian Parachute Battalion.
On Jun 6th, 1944, one hour before midnight (D Day Invasion) Gene and 20 of his fellow paratroopers parachuted behind enemy lines. He survived the heavy artillery fire, whilst in the air, but suffered two wounds from the bursts of flak, one in his knee, the other in his back. He and a colleague survived 22 days on the ground, with the aid of the French underground before being taken prisoners of war.
After the war Gene attended Acadia University graduating in 1952, having attained an Engineering Degree in Geology. Gene spent formative years in the Athabasca Tar Sands, beginning with a career with Sun Oil Company, eventually transferring to GCOS / Suncor where he was Chief Geologist for many years.
It was Gene's expressed wish there be no funeral service. Respectfully we would like to invite you to join us to celebrate his exceptional life. A Memorial shall be held Saturday April 9th, 2016 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #264 at 1910 Kensington Road N.W. Calgary from 3 - 9 pm.
At this time we welcome you to share your thoughts and reflections you have had with Gene.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
20 Entries
Robert Spisak
March 13, 2019
I have fond memories of talking on the phone with Eugene and the good fortune to meet with him. I remember talking to him about working at Suncor in the Oil Sands around the time I did, and he knew John Thompson (the person I worked closely with) well. We talked about his role in the D-Day landing and he remembers my father well. I feel honored to meet this true hero and the gentle man he was. My heart felt condolence once more goes out to the family over their loss.
Betty Hamilton Affleck (previously Rafuse)
November 17, 2016
Barry and Brian, I am just learning of your Dad's passing. My condolences to you. Such fond memories of Gene and Thelma . They treated me like family during the time I spent in Fort McMurray. Think of them often. Such nice people. Good memories of you all.
Jaye
November 11, 2016
I met Gene when my mother was placed into edgemont retirement centre. He and I visited many times and he made a significant impact on my three small children. My Mother passed in July 2015, and so I did not have the opportunity to visit with Gene after that time. Today is November 11, 2016 and I was watching a historical TV program about the paratroopers of D-Day. We knew Gene was there, and he shared a few stories with me and my kids. We are sad to hear that he has left this earthly world, but I am confident that he is once again visiting with those who left before him. Sir, I continue to salute you for your unselfish actions in a time of need, and your hard work laying the foundation for this Province's success - both of which my family has benefitted from.
LCol Stephen Joudrey
June 10, 2016
I had the opportunity to first meet and then visit Gene over the past 20+ years. I grew up in Granville Ferry, NS from 1970 to 1983 and the Sanford family was known to all of us. When I met Gene first in Calgary in 1994, I was in awe upon learning of his exploits in the Second World War. When I visited him last on Saturday, 2 April 2016, I was taken aback by his memory of our first meeting, but also his dignity and his grace (and his sense of humour). This was a special man. One who I will proudly say was my friend and someone I will always look up to and try to emulate. On behalf of Penny and I, and my Father-in-Law Granville Best and his wife Lila of Coldbrook, NS, I send along our heartfelt condolences and want the Family to know that many others share the enormity of your loss.
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Gail Howarth
April 9, 2016
So sorry to hear Uncle Gene has passed. I remember him and Aunt Thelma visiting my parents Mr &Mrs. Charlie Weeks, from when I was just a wee one. Uncle Gene is in a better place and with Thelma. Bet ya he already has a crib tournament going
Anne and Chummy Cottreau
April 7, 2016
so sorry to hear this sad news. Hugs and prayers to all the family and friends from us.
GCOS Opening September 30th, 1967
George Clark
April 6, 2016
One of my early memories of Uncle Gene was being so happy to be at the official opening of Great Canadian Oil Sands mine on September 30th, 1967. Premier Ernest Manning and 600+ dignitaries flew in to attend inside the world's largest inflated Sprung structure to open the world's first commercial oil sands mine. Because Uncle Gene was such a big part of the GCOS team as their Chief Geologist, many of us nephews and nieces were able to enjoy the celebration in person. He was a pioneer in many ways, from his paratrooper military service, his unwavering devotion to developing a more complete oilsands geology knowledge right thru to his dedicated commitment to my aunt Thelma and his sons Barry and Brian. He will be remembered with love by many who always were welcome in his home and his life. He was awarded a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by France for his military service. Many in Fort McMurray knew him as Mr Sun Oil as he was part of the original Sun Oil Company (SUNOCO) starting in Calgary in 1955 and transferred in to Fort McMurray in 1957. His intelligence and perseverance qualifies him as one of the true pioneers of Alberta's great Oil Sands legacy.
Edgemont Nov 11, 2009 Eugene & John
Frances & Colleen
April 5, 2016
We will miss Eugene in the halls of Edgemont, he enjoyed and never missed a music performance or drop in cribbage game. He shared with me many cribbage tips. When my father arrived he was helpful in setting him up with local legion. Ad astra - Eugene
Angela Menjivar (Sanford)
March 22, 2016
As we spoke together of just a few short weeks ago, my fondest memory of Gene is that of he and Thelma dancing so beautifully together... every time I think of them rocking to and fro so effortlessly to the music it makes my heart smile, and I am at peace knowing they are dancing together again.
Gail (Clark) Gallupe
March 22, 2016
Uncle Gene lived a fine and long life, he was a role model when it came down to living your life to the fullest, he passed on a great work ethic and was a decent human being. He loved playing crib and ice skating and he embraced his family with love and help whenever they needed it. He served our country Canada and will always be fondly remembered. Love from Bertha's daughter, Gail and her family.
March 21, 2016
Carol Barnes (Mailloux)
March 21, 2016
Boys and Uncle Gene
Me and Uncle Gene
Carol Barnes (Mailloux)
March 21, 2016
I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Gene. I loved sitting and listening to your stories and I am so glad I grew up with you and Auntie Thelma. I will forever keep you guys in my heart.
March 21, 2016
Uncle Gene...on behalf of my dad, Clarence Houle, Gene's brother-in-law, we would like to send much love and gratitude for the many years we had Gene and Thelma in the Houle family. From rodeo's to hockey to encouraging post secondary education we were fortunate. His gentleness and kindness will always be remembered. My dad summed it up best, "he was the best person I knew." To my cousins, Barry and Brian -- thank-you for sharing the last couple weeks of Gene's life with us. Love you guys!
Lauralyn Houle
Jane Lefurgey (Sanford)
March 20, 2016
So sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I remember meeting Gene years ago in Clementsvale. He was my dads, Borden Sanfords first cousin. Dad has many fond memories of their times together in Clementsvale.
Marcia Sanford
March 19, 2016
So sorry to hear the news. My Dad has told us many wonderful stories about growing up with his cousins Gene, Bruce and Uncle Westin in Clementsvale NS. My thoughts are with you!
Marcia Sanford ( Borden Sanford's daughter)
Johnnie Sanford
March 19, 2016
My uncle Gene was a wonderful guy, always considerate of others.
He demonstrated great interest in all he came to know and was one of the most genuine persons that I have ever known. You always felt good after spending time with Gene. The glass was always half full as he was such a positive guy and saw good in everyone that he came in contact with.
Fondly remembered,
Nephew Johnnie Sanford, Moncton NB
Becky Dand
March 19, 2016
Eugene and I clicked from the moment we met
My entire family were blessed to meet him and even more privileged to hear his stories of the war, something my kids still talk about.
Rest in peace brave soldier and thank you for sharing your time with me and the service you gave to this country love ; nurse Becky
Bob Spisak
March 19, 2016
I have fond memories of interviewing Eugene regarding his involvement in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in the Vickers Platoon and the D-Day attack. He knew my father and shed some light on their involvement on D-Day. My condolence to the family.
Ian McMaster
March 19, 2016
Thanks for the happy childhood memories provided your next-door neighbour!! Sorry that I didn't get to see you during my four visits home! (Alas, I didn't know where you were!) R.I.P.
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