Robert Francis Sanford

Robert Francis Sanford – known to all as Bob – passed away a year ago - on September 29, 2024, surrounded by the family that meant everything to him: daughter Maureen, John and Lila Procopio of Oregon; son Allan Sanford and Barbara Urenovich of New Jersey; and former spouse Bobbie Sanford and Jerry Rosa of Oregon; and of course Kato his devoted and adoring kitty. His legacy endures in the quiet devotion he showed his children and the courage it took at age 74 to leave his hometown for love of family.

Born March 4, 1942, Bob grew up on a farm in Andover, New Jersey, and was the eldest of four children: Arthur, Kathleen, and Douglas - all of whom showed their love through the years and the miles. His parents Frank and Margaret Sanford preceded him in death and remain close to our hearts.

Bob proudly attended Pope John XXIII Regional High School and then found his calling as a lineman building electrical substations for Jersey Central Power and Light Co. He took pride in building things that would last. He was a hard worker and valued his “crew” and friends at the company.

That same care extended to everything he touched at home. His workbench in his daughter's garage tells the story of someone who believed in doing things right. All the measurements remain jotted on the wall with precision, in his beautiful handwriting.

While he and Bobbie divorced in 1989, their relationship evolved into a genuine friendship, alongside Jerry Rosa, fondly regarded as Bob’s “husband in law.” Altogether, they became Lila’s west coast grandparents as she grew into a sweet teenager.

By his own admission, Bob was not particularly social. He preferred the quiet company of family, and his beloved cats, Buddy and Kato. He was a collector of antique clocks, history books, and much more. His knowledge on subjects was varied and vast which made him a great conversationalist.

His perfect day was one with his cats on his lap, giving extra veggies to his neighbors, delivering garden flowers to Lila and Maureen, chatting about current local events with John, and a cold glass of iced tea. With Lila, Bob's quiet nature transformed into engaged grandfatherly devotion. Their weekly Checkers games were lessons in respect and fairness. He never let her win because he believed true kindness meant honoring her intelligence. Soon, she was winning against him!

In Eugene, Bob’s daily routines created gentle connections. His morning stop at Albertsons on 30th Avenue wasn't about needing groceries – it was about greeting staff and buying his newspaper in person. When asked why he didn't subscribe to home delivery, his answer was pure Bob: "Then I wouldn't have an excuse to say hello to the people who worked there."

His front garden became a neighborhood fixture. He shared vegetables and enjoyed quiet yard conversations, and in later years, neighbors returned that kindness by checking in on him. Bob loved helping his neighbors on Kincaid, a truly loving and caring group of people. Maureen and Allan are so grateful for their kindness during Bob’s very short illness. Neighbors made food, delivered a blanket, whispered caring words - all when needed most.

In lieu of flowers, Bob would have appreciated time spent with family, care shown to elderly neighbors, and taking a moment to treat people with dignity and kindness.