Douglas Ray Sanford

Douglas Ray Sanford was born August 25, 1951, in Coos Bay, Oregon, to Thor Liburn and Lois Helen (McIvor) Sanford. He grew up on the southern Oregon coast with a brother and a sister. Doug had a wonderful childhood and always spoke of fond memories of growing up. Coos Bay was a small town and Doug attended school with many of the same kids from Kindergarten all the way through high school. He and his friends spent countless hours adventuring together, always rambunctious and full of energy. During high school he was on the football team and enjoyed his popularity.  Over the years Doug held many jobs, but the one with the best stories was the job a friend got him working on a tug boat that went through the Panama Canal. He would tell his family of the amazing scenery in Panama and about all of the dolphins he got to see swimming about. But that gig was fairly short-lived, and Doug made his way back to Oregon. He took work in lumber mills and lived in the Eugene area for a time, where he became an big fan of the Oregon Ducks. Florence was another of the places he called home was especially fond of.    Everyone that knew Doug would tell you he was an incredible storyteller, with an incredibly sharp memory, and he definitely kept friends and family entertained with tales from his youth. He loved to socialize and was always the life of the party, making friends easily and keeping many of them for life, including some of his youngest childhood classmates. His smile lit up a room and his laid-back ways made him easy to be around. Doug cared deeply for others and would do anything to help someone in need, even a stranger down on their luck.   You could say that Doug always lived fast and hard, from his crazy childhood antics to riding his Harley (and crashing a little) as an adult. He was an outdoorsman and avid hunter of deer and elk. Doug also was very artistic and created many unique items over the years. He was a talented painter, made beautiful items with wood, and created unique pieces with rocks he found and polished.   Later in life he met and fell inlove with his girlfriend, Nancy, and the two were inseperable for many years. Together they found the Lord and gave their lives to Christ. They joined a church and spent time together with their friends there. The years they shared were special to Doug and he was devastated when Nancy passed away. Eventually, Doug’s health began to fail and a few years ago he moved in with his daughter and her family in the Salem area. He helped around the house and used his talents to create a beautiful succulent garden for his daughter in her back yard. All teasing and orneriness aside, those years are priceless memories for his daughter and her family that they will treasure always, including some deep and meaninful conversations near the end of Doug’s life.   On April 17, 2021, Doug passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his girlfriend Nancy. Doug will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind including his daughter Summer (David Garcia) Sanford; grandchildren Jayden, Bryson, and Monica; siblings Leon Sanford and Donna Sanford; and his best friend Carl. Doug also leaves behind his constant companion and beloved dog Belle.