Zachary Gentry Sanford

Zachary Gentry Sanford was born on December 14, 1990, in Denver, Colorado, to the loving union of Fred Sanford and Adriane Burks-Sanford. From an early age, Zachary radiated compassion, curiosity, and a deep commitment to helping others.

He attended East High School, where he had the life-changing opportunity to travel with classmates to Papua New Guinea. There, he helped stabilize an at-risk village, mentoring children and supporting the local community. Zachary often described this experience as transformative, and it remained one of his most cherished memories.

Zachary went on to graduate from Denver Emily Griffith High School, Class of 2010, and continued his education at the Community College of Denver. He pursued a career in science with a particular interest in astronomy, driven by a fascination with the universe and a desire to explore its mysteries. Alongside his academic pursuits, Zachary held a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and worked for a major trucking company for three years to support himself while attending college. Though he was a skilled driver, his heart remained rooted in science and service.

Zachary had a deep passion for humanitarian work and philanthropy. He lived a life of purpose, always seeking ways to uplift others and share his faith. He accepted Christ at an early age and remained devoted to the Word of God throughout his life. He was of the Pentecostal faith and found joy in spiritual fellowship, especially with his mother and sister.

In his leisure time, Zachary enjoyed reading the Bible and reflecting on scripture. He loved working out at the gym, spending weekends grilling and bonding with family, attending church, and fixing cars with his nephew Jasper. His favorite moments were those spent in fellowship, sharing faith and wisdom with loved ones.

Zachary never married and had no children, but he leaves behind a loving and devoted family who will forever cherish his memory: His mother Adriane Sanford, father Fred Sanford, sister Zaneta Sanford, brother Alexander Burks, and half-sisters Latishia Sanford-White and Lakietra Sanford of San Antonio, Texas. He also leaves behind his beloved nephews Jasper Sanford, Gentry Burks, and beloved niece Cassianna Martinez. Zachary was the youngest of his siblings and shared a special bond with each of them.

He is also survived by his aunties Angela Gibson and Tamela Lee of Denver, Colorado, and his close cousin Blaine Lee of Denver. Zachary leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and cherished friends whose lives he touched with his kindness and faith.

Zachary is also proceeded in death by his precious, grandmothers and grandfather: Mr. Gentry Burks and Mrs. Patsy Burks (NaNa) of Denver Colorado; Georgia Sanford-Henry of Dallas, Texas and uncle: Robert Lee of Denver Colorado.

Acknowledgments:

The Sanford family, with humble hearts, wishes to express their sincere gratitude to each of you for your prayers, presence, love, phone calls, text messages, sympathy cards, and every expression of kindness during this time of loss. Your support has brought comfort and strength, and we are deeply grateful.

May God bless each of you.

— The Sanford Family

A celebration of life for Zachary will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Olinger Hampden Mortuary & Cemetery, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

A committal service will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.

A reception will occur Friday, August 15, 2025 from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 8600 East Hampden Ave, Denver, CO 80231.