21 years later, I find myself visiting my dads obituary, reading these comments still fills my heart with love. I love you dad, I miss you everyday and I pray for peace in our family. 

Savannah Sanford 

The news came as a complete shock.  My condolences go out to his beloved family and the many others that I know were so close to him.  Russ has been one of the biggest influences on my life.  He was an unbelievable mentor - someone I will always look up to.  I had the privilege of working for him right out of college at Trollco/Water Valley and for that I am truly thankful.  His determined work ethic, his ability to have fun, and his desire to help others around him will never be forgotten.  You will be missed.

Russ and I go so far back, I still think of him as ""Rusty,"" my teammate on the Boxers, our 9-year-old Little League baseball team in Fort Collins. He brought that up each time we saw each other after high school, at Rocky Mountain reunions, most recently a couple of summers ago. He was a fun and funny guy, and I am so saddened to find out he is gone.

So sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers and thoughts go to all friends and family.I had the pleasure of being Russ' chapter mate at UNC and got to meet Shane on his introduction to Sigma Chi. Rest in peace.
Bob Miller-Sigma Chi'77

Savanna,
I met you when you were just days old, I worked in the same  building with your Mom.  I also had the privledge of knowing your Dad.  Your dad is a wonderful man and I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.  I think that even though he left this lifetime too early, he left behind great memories for all of those who knew him.

Carly and Shane, you were the apple of your father's eye and filled his heart with much joy. You are surrounded by a wonderful mother and extended family to help you through this difficult time.  His contagious laughter and smile will be missed in the Fort Collins community.  He lit up a room and was loved by many. May he rest in peace.

I was also saddened to hear about Russ's passing.   I remember him from Rocky Mountain High School. He and his group of friends (my sister was one) were always up to something it seemed, told jokes, shared good times, pulled lots of shenanigans and had great fun during those years.   He had an infectious smile, a twinkle in his eye, liked to enjoy the moment and possessed the ""gift of gab.""   Russ seemed to be confident, self assured and a guy who would successfully carve his path in life, leaving a mark.   Those that Russ loved and loved him, those that he shared time with, those who were his friends, that knew him well, will all miss him dearly.  May he be at peace as he embarks on this final journey, while continuing to share his smile, jokes and fun-loving antics along the way.

I will always remeber ""Goalie wears a diaper!"" Not seeing ""Uncle Russ"" at the eagles games will always make me remeber. Just know that Russ is in a better place. I will be praying for peace in your family. Love you all,
Tawna Sysum

To the Sanford Family: Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Russ was  a wonderful man. Carly, although our paths have not crossed much since the Bucks softball I did see Russ quite a lot at the eagles games, and around town and I will truly miss him. The days at the ball field listening to Tom Petty while you guys warmed up for the game, all the trips etc, Russ was always fun to be with. Rest in peace my friend.

I am saddened by the news of Russ's passing. I also am RMHS class of '76 alumni. Immediately my mind was filled with Russ's beautiful, contagious, sexy smile and those loving eyes.
All of us that shared in his life while he was in this world, are truly blessed.
Rest in peace Russ.

My heart goes out to the Sanford family. I was so saddened to hear of Russ's passing. I met Russ through my Sister Deb and yes he was quite the Comedian and yet very caring and loving.His huge smile and a laugh you could hear from outside. I'll never forget the night he ""Punkd"" me. He got me good and i doubt anyone will ever top that. May you rest in Peace Russ and you truely will be missed by many.

We had known Russ only a year, but are so thankful he came into our lives.  Within hours after meeting, he began talking about his children.  He loved each of you very deeply and was proud of you all.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.  Russ, may you find peace and freedom. We will miss you greatly.

Many many many blessings to Katherine, Shane and Carly.  What a difficult time and what a wonderful man.  Russ always made an impact everywhere he went.  Always wanting to bring joy and fun to all around. He is remembered distinctly by many including us.   Wendy and Ali

I was saddened to hear of Russ's passing last week.  Russ helped coach our youth baseball team with Jack Vahrenwald and my dad over 20 years ago.  Every time I saw Russ throughout the years at softball games, Eagles games or dowtown, he always remembered me and was more than willing to re-live the glory days of the FC Sox!  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we lost a good man way too soon.
Mike Radcliff and Family

My prayers go out to each and everyone of you who were a part of this man's FULL life. I am at a loss for words because my heart still won't accept this. Russ helped me mold my soul and I thank him for that.  
Kris, my arms are around you now.  These lyrics sum up the bond he shared with MANY.
It don't matter where. It don't matter when.
It don't make no difference how long it's been.
This bond between us must have been blessed
cause it's always the same and it's always the best.
As quick as a kiss, we're heart to heart.
A person would think that while we were apart,
time got tired of marching and laid down to rest 
cause it's always the same and it's always the best.
I have drifted down to where the wind blows
but the road has always been able to circle you close.
It is my misfortune that you cannot stay
but we will meet again for sure some sunny day.
I would swear that you never left 
cause the bond between us
is always the same
and it's always the best.
-ROBINELLA

Russ' influence extended down into New Mexico as well.  He was a crucial teammate on our Lizards softball team in Albuquerque in the early 1980s.  His contributions at short and at bat were substantial, but he mostly was the kind of teammate who always had a smile, a laugh and an encouraging word for the rest of us.  We were very saddened to hear of Russ' passing.

I was shocked and very saddened when I heard about Russ's death. I want to send my condolences to all his family. As I was reading the previous entries, I too remember many happy times with Russ.  I have known him since grade school and we basically grew up together. I would see him at legal functions at times as I am in that profession as well and he always had a hug and a smile for me. We would usually begin talking about ""old times"" and laugh at some of the crazy memories.  He was definitely one-of-a-kind. Rest in peace Russ.

Chris and family,
So sorry to hear about your loss.

I MET RUSS SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN HE ASK ME TO LIST A PROJECT HE AND HIS PARTNERS WERE DOING AT PELICAN LAKES IN WINDSOR. I ENJOYED MY RELATIOPNSHIP WITH HIM IN BUSINESS AND HE BECAME A FRIEND. RUSS WAS ALWAYS FAIR IN HIS DEALINGS AND I ENJOYED WORKING AND PLAYING WITH HIM. WHEN EVER A PROBLEM WOULD ARISE HE WOULD GIVE THAT GREAT SMILE HE HAD AND JUST SMOOTH EVERYTHING OVER SO EVERONE FELT IT WAS A WIN-WIN ALL A ROUND. WE GET THE OPERTUNITY TO WALK THIS WAY ONE TIME, RUSS DID THAT WITH HIS HEAD HELD HIGH . HE DID IT HIS WAY AND MADE IT WORK FOR HIM. WE WILL MISS YOU FRIEND, MAY GOD RECEIVE YOU IN HIS ARM.
KEEP SMILING WHERE EVER YOU ARE.
TONY C.

Carly & Shane,
    Joe and I are shocked and saddened by the news.  We spent many a year with your Dad in the stands at all your sporting events cheering you on.  I met your Dad through the sports but also worked with him through real estate. There was always a smile on his face and a hug when he hadn't seen you for awhile. He will truely be missed. We are so sorry for your loss.
    The Kovari Family, Joe, Laura, Tavah, Levi, Sienna

For Russ's family and everyone who knew him, I am so sorry for your loss.  I heard about this yesterday and can't get over the shock.  I've known Russ since Junior High.  We spent many a weekend skiing together with Rick and Nick.  First it was the famous ski bus to Hidden Valley and then when we were able to drive ourselves it was trips to El Dora and Medicine Bow.  Each and everyone trip was memorable, mainly because we were always doing something that we weren't supposed to.  Over the past day and a half I have relived many of the fun and crazy things that we did growing up, one handed boxing matches in Russ's front yard, dressing up in the Pom Pom girl's uniforms for a school pep rally, bumper jumping in City Park, tee peeing, and the list goes on.  Since HS graduation, I only saw him a couple of times, but every time he was the same ol' Russ that I knew from Jr. High and High School. You are truely missed my friend.

I met Russ at U.N.C. in 1976. We were fraternity brothers in Sigma Chi.  I last saw Russ in 2004 in Shreveport at a hockey game. He was, as he had always been, full of fun and vigor. My condolences to his loved ones.

We knew Russ through his aunt and uncle, Marion and June and his mother.  
How we first met Russ was when he volunteered to help Bob Schaeffer coach our son's Youth Baseball team in Fort Collins back in the mid 80's. 
I remember his smile and the boys thought so highly of him. 
What a tragic loss for his friends and family. 
Gary & Sharon Ellis
& The Reynolds Family

I remeber all the camping trips with ""the guys"", Russ always being the leader and alpha male of the pack.  He helped me with my baseball swing, told me the coolest dirty jokes that all us young guys died laughing over, and organized intense arm wrestling competitions.  He always inquired into my well being even though we only seldom saw each other, and for that he always seemed to stay on my mind, more than any other of my parents friends.  Katherine Shane and Carly Im praying for your hearts to heal.

Dear Sanford Family,
Our fondest memories of ""Rusty"" are from when you lived on Monte Vista.  Russ was a vibrant, savvy, and outgoing friend.  We wish our deepest sympathy to your family.
The Tobin family, Jack, Edie, John Jr., Bob and Mary

My first memory of Russ was watching him play ""House of the Rising Sun"" on the guitar at a Blevins Junior High School talent show!  From there, so many fond memories from our days at Rocky Mountain High School.  Several years later, I'll remember his kindness, concern and friendship shown to me at a very difficult time in my life.  He always had that smile and compassion for others...something that seems to be missing from so many.  I will miss you my friend...

My deepest condolences go out to Russ's family.  
He was one-of-a-kind, inspiring and brought joy to those around him.
I wrote my first development agreement with Russ, sitting under a tree at the park, watching Hailey play softball, arguing, then laughing and just enjoying life.  
I'll never forget you, my friend.

Russ was one of the kindest people I have ever known.  He always stopped to say hello, no matter how busy he was.  And he always had a smile on his face.  He will be truly missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with all of his children and love ones.

I learned of Russ' passing a few days ago from a mutual high-school classmate (RMHS Class of '76), and wish to express my sincere condolences to his famliy and friends.
While I have been gone from Fort Collins almost 30 years and have but vague memories of some of my classmates, I have nothing but vivid memories of Russ.  He was funny, gifted, charming, charismatic, and genuinely one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet.  I will always remember him with a big smile and a twinkle in his eye.
It was my privilege to have known Russ Sanford, and I am sure he will not soon be forgotten.

My heart goes out to the Sanford Family and all those who loved him. And there were a lot who loved him. Rest in peace Russ.

On behalf of my mother, Kris Howard, and my brother, Nick, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies at this terrible loss.  My mother worked for Russ for many years and I have fond memories of him from our many visits to the office.  I know he will be deeply missed and our hearts go out to his family.

To Russ's family,
His obituary certainly captured Russ!  What a fun guy to be around.  Travelling with Russ was always an adventure as well.  He was always on the go and had that smile that never went away.  I will miss him.  My thoughts are with you all.  Celebrate the life he had and enjoyed though cut way too short.
Rick Allnutt

OBITUARY

Russell Brooks Sanford

November 18, 1957 – August 17, 2010

Allnutt Funeral & Cremation - Macy

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