Ralph Vernon Sanford, of Halifax, formerly of Brooklyn, Hants County, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2014, at the Halifax Infirmary, QE II, with his family by his side. Ralph maintained exceptional strength, courage and a positive attitude throughout his illness. Born in Marshalltown, Digby County, Nova Scotia, he was a son of the late Albert and Hilda (Sibley) Sanford. Ralph worked for various companies over the years and had retired from Dexter Construction after 35 years of service. Ralph had a great love of life and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Ralph is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 32 years, the former Debbie MacLellan; his daughters, Ruth (Bob) Fiddick, Vancouver, Britsh Columbia; Elaine (Joey) MacLellan, Lake Echo; Rhoda Dunbar (Grant Ingram), Beaver Bank; Margaret Sanford, at home; sons, Graham Sanford (Doris Lunn), Centre Burlington; Vernon (Anna) Sanford, Ellershouse; Stephen (Sherry) Sanford, Union Corner; 15 grandchildren and his 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Hatchard, Belmont; Shirley Sanford (Richard Hawboldt), Newport Station; sister-in-law, Cheryl Sanford, Newport Station; brothers-in-law, Ronnie (Margie) MacLellan, Welland, Ontario; Joey (Elaine) MacLellan, Lake Echo; Ronald McKinley, Cheverie; sister-in-law, Betty MacDonald (Gerald Howlett), Mosherville; many nieces and nephews. Beside his parents, Albert Norman Sanford and Hilda Belle (Sibley) Sanford; he was predeceased by his son, Paul Sanford (1973); sisters, Rhoda (Maurice) Lowe; Millie (Patty) Hatchard; brothers, Eddie Sanford, J.R. Sanford, and Harley Sanford; sister-in-law, Anne McKinley; brothers-in-law, Bernie Keizer and Vince MacDonald; father and mother-in-law, Jack and Belle MacLellan. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of the Dickson Center, Dialysis Unit, for the great care and friendship given to Ralph over the last 5 years (you held a special place in his heart). We also wish to thank the doctors and staff at the Halifax Infirmary, for the excellent care provided in Ralph’s final days. Visitation was 6:30 – 9 p.m. Monday, August 18, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home (902-798-2232), 194 King Street, Windsor. Funeral service was 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2014, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Garnet Parker officiated, followed by a reception at the Brooklyn Civic Centre, Brooklyn. Interment will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Ralph, were requested to be made for his special little buddy, to The Michael Jeffrey McKinley Harvie Trust Fund (Payable at any Branch of the Victory Credit Union). To add your condolences, click on Contribute, at: www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com