SANFORD, JAMES NATHANIEL "NAT"
1926 - 2016
It is with deepest sorrow that the family announce the passing of James Nathaniel "Nat" Sanford of Alma. He passed away peacefully on February 10th, 2016 at his winter residence in Hillsborough with his loving family by his side. Nat was born in Armargh County in Northern Ireland on May 19th, 1926 the son of the late John and Margaret (Gillis) Sanford.
He worked as a Labour Work Supervisor in Fundy National Park for 33 years until his retirement. Nat loved sports and in his younger years he curled, golfed and competed in lumberjack sports. He was a huge fan of hockey, although he didn't play, he loved watching the game. He even took square dancing lessons with Mona. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and just being out in nature. Nat loved living in Alma and was very community minded, he was always willing to lend a hand when needed. He was a member of the Alma Volunteer Fire Department and also put many hours in at the Alma Rink. He loved to have a good laugh, he had a great sense of humor. His family meant the world to him and he will be remembered as a true role model for his family to follow. His legacy will definitely live on in the hearts of all his loved ones. He was kind, gentle, and selfless, always putting others first. He would want everyone to come together and support each other. As you remember all the great times you shared and all the special moments you have had. We can hear him say "don't worry about me, just take care of yourself and know if you do that I will be fine." He is now at peace with nature and God.
He will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Mona (Mosher) Sanford of Alma; children, Bonna MacPhee (Roger) of Petitcodiac, Wendy Hawkes of Hillsborough, Kenneth Sanford (Phyllis) of Riverside-Albert, Vernon Sanford of Alma, Marie Jollimore (Bruce) of Woodstock and Kathy Sanford (Greg) of Hillsborough; his treasured 14 grandchildren, Rhonda Wilson (Brian), Scott MacPhee (Coralee), April Hawkes, Kim Beers (Jeff), Graham Sanford (Samantha), Steven Sanford (Ashley), Nathan Sanford, Jon Sanford (Alicia), Lee Stuart, William MacDonald (Melanie), Trevor Jollimore (Carla), Kenzie MacDonald-Auger, James Sanford (Jessica) and Amber Graham and 12 precious great-grandchildren, Alyssa and Jacob Wilson, Liam MacPhee, Annabel and Reid Beers, Madisyn, Ryder and Peyton Sanford, Brya Wood, Andie Sanford, Bailee and Leia MacDonald; sister-in-law, Claire Sanford of Bloomfield. He will also be missed by several nieces and nephews and many good friends.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and besides his parents was predeceased by his brothers, Tommy, William and Sterling; sisters, Mary, Bella, Ella and Nora.
He will be resting at the Albert County Funeral Home on Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The funeral service and celebration of his life will be held at the Albert County Funeral Home on Saturday, February 13th, 2016 at 2:30 pm with Rev. Carol Mullins officiating. Interment will be in the Alma United Cemetery, Alma at a later date. Following the service the family will be meeting with relatives and friends for further sharing of memories and for refreshments at the funeral home.
Family Flowers Only Please. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund or charity of the donor's choice would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements are in the care of the Albert County Funeral Home, 4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB, E4H-3K2 734-2780 www.albertcountyfh.com