On August 8, 2016, Thomas Eugene Sanford was called home to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Tom was born in Havre, Montana on August 20, 1948 to Thomas and Mary (Fitzsimmons) Sanford. He moved to Polson, Montana with his family when he was 6 years old. He spent his childhood there and graduated from Polson High School in 1966. Tom was very athletic in high school lettering in football, basketball and track.
The summer after he graduated from high school in 1966 he was in a motorcycle accident that dramatically changed the course of his life. After many surgeries and ongoing rehab, Tom was able to live a fulfilling life on his own for years. The last 8 years he was a resident at Big Sky Care Center in Helena, Montana.
Tom was a man with a very strong faith who loved the Lord. Because of that faith he was a blessing and inspiration for everyone he met. He will be missed by his family, friends and the many people he touched throughout his life. His sense of humor and hearty belly laugh will be forever missed.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Sanford. He is survived by his mother, Mary Sanford of Helena, MT, his brothers Randy (Stephanie) Sanford of Wenatchee, WA and Brian (Tammy) Sanford of Hillsboro, OR., and his sister, Yvonne (Charles) Brooke of Helena, MT. He is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.
A graveside services for family members will be at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 15th at Liberty Baptist Church, 210 Sierra Road West in Helena, with a reception following the service in the Church fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Tom’s name to Visions beyond Borders, P.O. Box 2635, Casper, WY 82602 or you can donate online at visionsbeyondborders.org. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Tom.
TOM WAS HERE!
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday August 15, 2016
Liberty Baptist Church
210 Sierra Road West
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Monday August 15, 2016
Liberty Baptist Followship Hall
210 Sierra Road West
Helena , Montana 59602
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Judy Strauss Molloy says
Mary and family- offering you my prayers and my tears. Tommy was here and he was the best. He is forever in my heart. Judy Strauss Molloy
Pat Dailey Skinner says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom was such a gentle soul, one that left wonderful memories in our hearts. We had so much fun with him in high school. The class of 66 was truly blessed to have Tom as a member of our class. He is resting, walking and running in peace with the Lord. Hallelujah
Connie Montgomery Potter says
To Tom’s family. He was a true friend to me and Duzzie Glover when we were quite little. And he and cousin Dean Davis were as close as brothers. Our teen years were so much fun because Tommy was such a good kid and great team player. Who didn’t love to see him on the court or field. We miss you Tommy and see you now healed and well in Jesus arms. Your forever friend, Connie Montgomery Potter
Denny Smith says
It is with great sadness that I heard about Tommy’s passing. My prayers are with his family. I have many fond memories growing up with Tommy. Among those, building the lucky 7 club in his back yard, the tree forts by the pumping plant along the river and playing football with him. I hope his family can find some peace in his passing.
Denny Smith
paul oldis says
During my high school years, I worked at Courtesy Chevrolet in Polson where I often delivered cars to Washington state for wholesale. Tom and I delivered two cars to Washington. Tom still talked about the fun we had on that trip during our last 10 year class reunion. I’m very glad that he was able to make that trip with me and I will never forget Tom and the fun we shared on that trip.
Karen Fors Tabacco says
Dear Mary and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was truly in a league of his own. Full of fun and adventure mixed with kindness and compassion. His mischievous smile lit up the room and warmed your heart. He made the world a better place. I hold you in my thoughts and prayers and will carry the memory of Tom’s amazing spirit with me always.