Vernon Allan Sanford

Vernon Sanford ,64, of Alma passed away on July 28th, 2023 in the hayfield in Waterside doing what he loved.  He was born in Sussex on January 20th, 1959 the son of the late James Nathaniel "Nat" and Mona (Mosher) Sanford.

Vernon worked for the CNR, was a fisherman which was what he did for most of  his career, worked in lumbering and his last endeavour was farming.  He found his passion was farming and he loved his cattle.  Some would make jokes about him reading the newspaper to the cattle as he would pull over in the fields and watch them for hours, this gave him great solace.  He was  never one to stay idle and was always on the move.  Vernon was a big part of the Community of Alma as he was very generous and always willing to lend a hand. He spent a lot of time at the wharf with his fishing buddies.  He donated lobster to all kinds of fundraisers.  He made his regular rounds to the coffee shops in the morning and always knew everything that was going on.  He was also a regular at Kelly's Bake Shop for his sweet tooth.  He was a pillar of the community and made his mark.

He thought a lot of his mom and dad and they played an important role in his life along with his siblings growing up. He knew all the history of how his family came here and was proud of his Irish roots. He enjoyed learning about the land that they turned into their homestead and had a real keen interest in his heritage.  He was very protective of his family and had a special bond with his nieces and nephews.

He was a true Albert County Boy and had a lot of fun with his friends throughout the years. He played hockey in his younger years and enjoyed watching his boys play later on.  He started an annual boat run for his friends to come and enjoy the bay.  He had a great sense of humour and laughed a lot, he was also known to partake in playing practical jokes.

He was very proud of his boys and would want them to carry on and make their best lives.  He was not the type of guy to want to be the center of attention, he was more comfortable being behind the scenes.  He will be remembered for his kind and generous spirit.   He would want everyone to remember a funny story and have a laugh in his memory.  "Don't be sad I'm gone, remember all good times shared"

He will be deeply missed by his boys, Nathan Sanford (Celeste) of Riverview, Jon Sanford (Alicia) of Alma and Lee Stuart of Waterside; his treasured grandchildren, Andie and Jonah; sisters, Bonna MacPhee (Roger) of Petitcodiac, Wendy Hawkes of Hillsborough, Marie Jollimore (Bruce) of Woodstock, Kathy Sanford of Weldon and sister-in-law, Phyllis Sanford of Riverside-Albert.  He will also be missed by several nieces, nephews and by his friends and Community.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Kenny Sanford

Honouring Vernon's way of life there will be a private family visitation.  The interment will be in the Alma United Cemetery, Alma, NB where he will be laid to rest beside his parents.

There will be a time to celebrate Vernon's life as we reminisce, share stories with family and friends and all get together at the Fundy Curling Club on Friday, August 11th, 2023 from 6-9pm. All are welcome

Donations to the Alma Volunteer Fire Department, Alma United Cemetery or charity of the donor's choice would be greatly appreciated.