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Sanford Keller Obituary
The son of Jewish immigrants, who became a lawyer for the rights of the poor and powerless passed away on April 14.
Mr. Keller devoted his life to helping prisoners and other clients who could not pay him. His toughest fight lasted 12 years and took him from the parole board to regulatory panels and all the way to the federal courts. It ended on Dec. 04, 1989 when the federal court of appeals overturned the conviction of Mr. Keller's client Francisco Perez, who had been wrongfully convicted in 1977 on charges of armed-robbery.
Sanford Isaac Keller was born on May 4, 1941, in Palo Alto. He attended Cubberley High School in Palo Alto, and graduated from USC and Santa Clara Law School.
In 1970, he went to work for a federally financed legal services agency in a basement storefront in downtown San Francisco. Three years later, he joined the Legal Aid Society, to represent indigent clients in the Bay Area. He first worked on criminal cases, and then on appeals for the society. In 1983, Mr. Keller started a private practice, mainly taking clients who not afford to pay him much, if anything. He retired from full time law practice in 2001.
Mr. Keller is survived, in addition to his wife, by their daughter, Kimberly Osborne, two sons; Kyle of Seattle, and Matthew of New York City; a sister, Caroline Lehman; and a granddaughter.
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Memories and Condolences
for Sanford Keller
Fernando Diaz
April 20, 2012
My Dear Friend Sandy, My family and I were very blessed to have had you in our lives for over 40 years, many memories, many visits, many smiles, many laughs, many tears, many golf stories, but I am so happy now because you lived the life you wanted to by serving God and his people. I know you are in Heaven with all. It was an honor to have been your friend.
Aaron Purdle
April 20, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies, there are no words powerful enough to express sorrow for your loss. However, even in the face of tragedy you can have hope. God will comfort you and give you peace at this critical time so do not let your hearts be troubled and rely on the God of comfort. (John 14:27) May you find real comfort and relief as you begin to recover gradually from the pain. Love from God and those around you will help you through the days ahead.
Albert Moore
April 20, 2012
To the Keller family our deepest sympathy go out to you, we pray that Gods love will give you strength and peace in the mist of your pain. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Radine, Albert & Family
Catherine Cohan
April 20, 2012
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences. I am deeply saddened to hear of you great loss. May God grant you peace beyond all understanding.
Christopher Moon
April 20, 2012
Sandy, you and your son welcomed me with open arms into your family. You gave me friendship and confidence in myself when I needed it badly. I don't know how repay you for the all the kindness and warmth you showed me. I will never forget all the lively times we had over the years. You leave behind a legacy of sticking up for those who can't stick up for themselves. Love always, Christopher.
Kathryn Dodd
April 20, 2012
Dear Kyle, Matthew, and Kimberly: Such wonderful stories we all have of your father over the years and what a great influence he was to you! What a man! May he rest in peace. My prayers are with you!
Joseph Vick
April 20, 2012
I am HONORED to call Sandy my Uncle...He truly loved being around FAMILY...and that we are till this day! I will MISS seeing your SMILE and the LOVE you gave to ALL. May you rest in peace and dance your heart out....I LOVE YOU!
Matthew Keller
April 19, 2012
Daddy, I never wanted this day to come. You have been my rock all my life. You and mom were the best parents I could ever hope for. I was never afraid to take on big challenges in life because I knew I had you there backing me up. I will never forget how you were always there for me even when I was across the country in college and how many times you would fly to Florida just to see me for a weekend. You were simply the best Dad ever. I will press onward in life taking with me all the lessons you taught me. I will see you again someday. Until then I love you. Your son, Matthew Joshua.
Margaret Powers
April 19, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. It is hard to lose a parent. I have many wonderful memories of days spent at the Keller house as a kid. Please know you are in my thoughts.
Kelly Lewis
April 19, 2012
Dear Keller Family,
What an amazing person your Dad and Grandfather was. He always treated me like one of the family, he was so generous and always thought of everyone else's needs. He was a rare person and I will miss him very much. All my love, Kelly
Peter Ellis
April 19, 2012
Thinking of you all...his memory and legacy lives in the hearts and souls of those of us he touched with his gentle smile and caring ways. He was supporting of those around him, never thinking of himelf, just those around him. Wish I could be there, but know my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Don Lehman
April 19, 2012
I am saddened to hear about the passing of Sandy. Betty and I send our condolences to his family and friends. He was a joy to be around and his charity work was inspiring. Going to miss him around here.
Dusty Cheney
April 19, 2012
Barbara and Kids: I was saddened to get the call from Kyle about Sandy. It has been awhile since our paths crossed but I will never forget the fun times our families had every summer in the 80s. Sandy was the cool dad on the block that would let us all take turns setting off firecrackers. Some of my best memories come from living on that street. You guys always had the best food and fed every kid on the block. I wish I could have told your dad thank you for all he did to create the best childhood memories.
Michael Osborne
April 19, 2012
Sandy, Words can't describe what you mean to me and the girls. I became my father-in-law by fate and my friend by choice. I always admired your desire to make the world around you a better place and your will to help those who needed it most. You were an inspiring father and grandfather to the two girls that mean the world to me. I know you are watching over us from above and I will look after our girls down here. With a heavy heart I bid you farewell.
Samantha Keller
April 19, 2012
I love you Grandpa with all my heart. I will miss you everyday of my life. Thank you for always being there for me when I needed your bear hug. Sammy
Kimberly (Keller) Osborne
April 19, 2012
Dad,
It will never be the same without you here with us. I am going to miss your daily calls to check in on me and Mike and Sammy. I will cherish all the memories and try to take the best parts of you and be the best daughter I can be. I will always be your little girl.
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