Christopher Aaron Sanford

November 12, 1983 - August 4, 2019 (assigned DOD Oct 10, 2020)

Chris was born in Vernon, BC at Vernon Jubilee Hospital to Robert James Sanford and Marjorie Gail Mack Sanford. Chris was the fifth child in a family of six children. Chris is predeceased by his younger brother, James Sanford, who passed on October 31, 2010. Chris is survived by his parents and his son, Jayden Aaron Seimens-Sanford Dobrin. He is survived by his brothers and sisters; Michael Parsons (Ann), Cynthia Parsons Jackson (Joel), Daniel Parsons (Melissa), and Amber Sanford Geissler (Chris Stacey), Uncle Gordon Hoode, Neices, Nephews and Cousins in Canada and the USA.

Christopher began his life out of Vernon in the subdivision of Killaney on the Westside Road. He lived with his family in Idaho, Utah, Alberta, Northwest Territories and British Columbia. Life was a challenge for Chris due to his life long battle with mental illness. He was a teenager before he was determined to be dealing with Bipolar and Borderline Personality Disorder. This proved to be an internal battle with opposing reactions to stresses and life in general. Undeterred by his difficulties he excelled at learning his way. He began in his early teens at being able to dissemble malfunctioning electronics and reassembling them operational. He moved on to repairing his vehicles and upgrading them. As early as age 10 he completed a pencil drawing of an eagle with a fish in its talons above a river and softly colored it with pencil crayons. While living in Tuktoyaktuk, NWT he was taught how to carve soapstone. His first carving was a bear followed by many other animals and items; Easter Island monuments, bears, skulls, wax seal stamps, and a fabulous cougar. He continued to pencil draw and used his artistic skill to become a tattoo artist. Chris became a welder, and loved to learn any new skill that caught his fancy. He loved to invent. His first working invention was a perpetual motion magnetic engine at seventeen. Christopher taught himself to play guitar and loved to play loud and long and the faster the better. He owned many guitars and personalized each one to make it his own. His favorites were his razorbacks. He so wanted those he loved to enjoy music; so much so that he gave many guitars to family and friends.

With all Christopher’s challenges he tried and tried to find a way to feel better mentally and emotionally. He struggled to keep living, learning and loving. His family delighted in any and all of his successes large and small because we were all aware his life was a struggle for him. Any measure of joy he found we rejoiced with him. His greatest joy was his son, Jayden. He loved him deeply in the time he had with him in this life and he will love him eternally.

We, his family and friends, say goodbye to a very important person in our lives. We believe he is with his brother, James and other family members that have gone on before us. We look forward to the time when we shall all be re-united. Family’s are Forever; Love Mom, Dad, Michael, Cyndi, Dan, Amber and especially, Jayden.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com