Frank Sansom

Frank Kenneth Sansom
1927-2012
Salt Lake City, UT-Ken Sansom, beloved husband, dad, Papa, brother, uncle and friend passed away Monday, October 8 at Care Source Hospice Facility in Holladay, Utah after suffering a stroke 16 days earlier. He was blessed with consciousness and the ability to express his love and receive the love of the many family members and friends who came to see him during that time. We express gratitude to his nurses, doctors and care providers at IMC and Care Source for having helped him to go "gentle into that good night." We also thank our loving Father in Heaven for the gift of time with Dad/Papa. We stand all amazed at God's economy: the many Iives He touches; the grace, healing and mercy He offers in one event. Ken loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and emulated Him by his kindness and consideration for everyone. It is a farewell for us, but it is a homecoming for dad.
Ken was the first of three children born to "Frank" Arundel Sansom and Emily "Frances" Baird on April 2, 1927 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up during the Depression, his family moved in with both sets of grandparents for a time, which fostered a particular affection in Ken for "Mamma and Pappa Baird."
Graduating from East High School in 1944, Ken immediately joined the Navy for the remainder of World War II, serving for 11 months and 26 days and then joining the reserves. Ken began attending the University of Utah in 1945 and then transferred to Brigham Young University two years later, receiving a degree in Broadcasting in 1949. He was later called up for three more years of Navy service in San Diego during the Korean Conflict and worked with the USO, entertaining service members with various celebrities including Bob Hope, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans.
Ken's unique talent for mimicking was apparent early in life. This talent led to a successful career in radio and television that started in earnest at KSL radio in 1957 with the program Sansom and Then Some. In this "talk" show, Ken acted as host, guest and caller, displaying his amazing ability to be anyone from anywhere, male or female. Moving to Los Angeles in 1968, Ken began his television and movie career, playing parts in The Sting, Herbie Rides Again, The Brady Bunch, Days of Our Lives, Murder She Wrote, etc. and becoming the "Commercial King" in the mid 1970s with his versatile voice and "every-man" looks. Ken moved back to Salt Lake City in 1992 and continued his voice-over work from home and local recording studios. His longest running character was as the voice of "Rabbit" for 22 years in Disney's Winnie-the-Pooh television cartoon series and movies.
Ken's most important role, however, was as a loving and devoted husband to Carla, whom he married in 1961. Supporting (and affectionate) cast members include his son and daughter in-law Matthias R. Sansom and Janice H. Sansom of Sandy, UT; his daughter and son in-law Melanie Sansom Smith and Steven D. Smith of Idaho Falls, ID; and daughter Melissa Sansom also of Idaho Falls, ID. Additional credits go to his brother John S. Sansom of Holladay, and sister Joy Sansom of Murray. Nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren are his greatest fans.
The family will greet guests Friday evening, October 12th, from 6-8pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park (3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT). The funeral will be held Saturday, October 13th, at 11am in the Brighton 8th Ward Chapel (2895 E. Creek Road, Sandy, UT). Family will be available to visit an hour prior to services. Interment follows at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the LDS Church's Perpetual Education Fund 50 E. North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150