Slipped away peacefully on Sunday, February 27th, leaving his large family and his friends with a heavy heart.
Ken lived a full 86 years, living large and loving larger. Loving husband and best friend to his devoted wife Jacqueline of 66 years; awesome father to his daughters, Winnifred and Christine, his sons Marc, Michael, and Brian; father-in-law to Brock, Wullie, Petra, Francine, and Suzanne; devoted grandfather to Johnathan, Talia, Shawna, Jordan, Cory, Kassandra, Lee, Vicky, Julian, Ashley, Patrick, and Mathieu and to his great-grandchildren Isla, Riley, Hailey, Scout, Stanley, Maava, Loghan, Jake, Makayla, Emma, Paris, Marley, Isaac, Zachary, and Audrey, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ken is survived by his sisters Muriel Matthews (Bud), and Joan Collins, brothers Bob (Ginnie), Donald (Sharon), and predeceased by his brothers Joseph (Valerie), Fulton Annand (Bev), Elizabeth Annand, and mother Ethel and Stepmother Peggy.
Ken, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, joined the Royal Canadian Service Corps in 1953 and was shipped over to Antwerp, Belgium where he met his wife Jacqueline - and so it began. Married in 1955, he brought his new wife to Halifax to start his family and then to Ottawa where he retired as a Chief Warrant Officer after 37 years of service, looked after the personnel newsletter and then worked as a civilian running SISIP (the military insurance services).
Ken was the heartbeat of his family and of his community. Ken assisted in the creation of the Gloucester Swim Club, volunteered with the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club,was Director of CNIB Choir, hockey coach to many young men who grew up in our neighbourhood ("Diggy, Diggy, Diggy!"), holder of the cold water hose over the frozen skating rinks, seller of Christmas trees at DQ, earned 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and sat on Board of Directors of Prostate Cancer Canada Network. Throughout his life, Ken always wanted to make a difference.
Ken would not have you mourn him but have you celebrate his good life; practice good citizenship, make good friends, support and be kind to one another, and always lend a hand to those in need.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Perley Rideau Veterans R1S Team and support staff for their excellent care.
Visitation will be held on March 10th at Beechwood Cemetery from 2 to 4 pm and from 7 to 9 pm., located at 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1L 8A6
Funeral service is on March 11th at 1pm at Annunciation of the Lord (Catholic Church), located at 2414 Ogilvie Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 7N5, followed by a gathering in the church hall, to await the family's return from private burial service.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ken's memory to a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Barry and Debbie Proulx
Kathy Nagyobb Poulin
Our neighborhood has lost another wonderful man who created so many happy memories. My condolences to the family. RIP Mr. Sanford.
Malik Ayass
Thinking of you and sending you virtual hugs. Stay strong my dear Winnie.
David & Laura
Rest In Peace Dear Uncle Ken.
We will miss that big smile, along with the joking, and singing
We love you. Thanks for the memories. Xoxoxo ❤️
Johnathan Sanford
Will miss you grampa! See you on the other side! Big love from me and Marilyn and your 3 Great-grandchildren Maèva Sanford, Loghan Sanford and Jake Sanford!
Gaston Auger
My sincere condolences to the Sanford family, All our love from. Gaston Auger and family.
Vicki O'Neil
My deepest sympathies Jackie to you and all of Ken's family. I am sad to hear of Ken's passing. I knew Ken when he was in the CAF and was lucky to have him share and introduce me, as the new Service Income Security Insurance Plan (SISIP) Administration Manager, to the role and tasks related to that position when he was leaving in the summer of 1993. Ken did continue for some time working at SISIP on contract in the administration section which was very helpful. Jackie, you, Ken, and all of the family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Paul Gallant
I knew Ken when he was the Chief Clerk at CFB Ottawa Uplands. Ken was a warm, friendly man, who was always eager to greet newcomers to the base. He will always be remembered as a kind respectful man who loved life and his family. Rest in Peace Ken.
John Chartrand
Thanks for everything Ken.
Tracy & Chris
Our deepest condolences to you & your family Winnie & Brock. ❤ Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. May your memories keep you Dad alive in hearts forever. Big hugs. RIP xoxo 🙏❤🙏
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family Brian and Suzanne. Your father sounds like he was an amazing man. His kindness and friendship shines on through you.