Obituary of Harold Sanford

SANFORD, Harold Robert "Bob" -- 73, of Annapolis, passed with family by his side, Wednesday, January 20, 2010, in Annapolis Royal Nursing Home. He was well-known in the community for his sharp wit and sense of humour. Bob had strength of character and integrity. He was a caring and kind family man, an exceptional farmer, and straight-forward politician. He grew up in Clementsvale and later returned to the family farm to raise his family. Bob studied at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and McGill University (B.Sc) and Acadia University (B.Ed). During his career he taught school at Horton Academy and Annapolis Royal Regional Academy. He was the guidance councillor and principal of Annapolis West Education Center. As well, he served as Councillor and Warden of Annapolis County, for several years. "Farmer Bob" spent endless hours on his tractor and in the garden. He took such pride in growing vegetables and fruit, raising cattle and chickens, and maintaining the property. Bob loved the time he spent outside, in the barn, field and woods. He also enjoyed playing hockey and softball in his younger years. Bob is survived by his wife, Betty Anne (Wilton); daughters, Tanya (Harry Potter), Clementsvale; Shelley (the late Jamie Carswell), St. Georges, Bermuda; Heather (Dan Ryan), Abbotsford, B.C.; grandchildren, Josh Bell, Avery Carswell, Isaac Keoughan, Eryn, Cyanna and Azlyn Ryan; his one "favourite" brothers, Donnie (Marilyn) Sanford, Kingston; nephew, Jason Sanford, North Carolina; niece, Tracy (Greg) Dempsey, Coldbrook; great- niece, Carly; great-nephew, Noah. He was predeceased by his father, Harold Bruce Sanford and mother, Grace Mae (Simpson); son-in-law, Jamie Carswell; uncles, Clyde, Wilfred and Ted Sanford and aunt, Doris (Hayes). The family wish to express thanks and appreciation to so many people. To our family, friends, neighbours and staff of the ARNH for their caring words, particularly in this past year. Thank you as well to Dr. Hancock and Dr. Buchholz. There is no visitation by Bob's request. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 15, in Saint George and Saint Andrew United Church, Annapolis Royal. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia or to Saint George and Saint Andrew United Church or charity of choice. Flowers are also welcome. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Serenity Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 568 Main St., Wolfville, P.O. Box 239, Port Williams, NS B0P 1T0. Donations or cards of sympathy may be sent to this address or on-line at: www.serenityfuneral.com "We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them... As they prepared for their long journey and waved goodbye and slipped the surly bonds of earth, to touch the face of God".