Obituary of Norman Borden Sanford

Norman Borden Sanford

January 5, 1952 – April 14, 2025

 

It is with solemn hearts that we announce the passing of Norman Borden Sanford (Clementsvale, Nova Scotia), on April 14, 2025, whose presence will be deeply missed. Save for some time spent living and working in Cape Breton, Clementsvale was his home. In his early years Norm loved to spend his days in the wilderness - hunting, trapping and fishing between Clementsvale, Schellen Camp and Victory. He also enjoyed many sports, including hockey, baseball and basketball.

In 1973 Norm married Carolyn Wells and in 1978, they ventured back to Clementsvale where they raised their three children on a hobby farm. Dad was devoted to his family and some of his greatest pleasures came from his three children and his six grandchildren, who referred to him as “Daddy Norm”. They made many memories enjoying camping trips, fishing and hunting, woodworking in the shop, and hanging out at the cottage at Grand Lake and Beaver Lake Lodge.

While Norm spent time working with Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, the majority of his career was spent as a carpenter. He was well respected in the industry and thoroughly enjoyed the projects he assumed, in particular the Kings Theatre, the Historic Gardens, the Digby Ferry Terminal and the Upper Clements Park. Dad also loved to cook, enjoyed gardening and always ensured his grandkids had homemade bread, raspberries, cookies and a bowl of ice cream.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Borden and Freda (Potter) Sanford; and his Mother-in-law, Barbara Wells.

He is survived by his children, Jeremy (Francine), Clementsvale, Megan (Mike), Toronto, Ben (Port Maitland), his grandchildren who brought him much joy, William, Patrick, Anthony, Victoria, Alexander and Liam. He is also survived by his sisters, Marcia, and Jane (Robbie) Lefurgey, both of Clementsvale,  his companion, Bonnie Hudson and the mother of his children, Carolyn Sanford.

Daddy Norm will be missed greatly by all of us. He leaves a void that will be impossible to fill, and we will all do our best to carry on traditions he instilled in us.

There will be a celebration of Norman’s life on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the Clementsvale United Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Norman’s memory may be sent to the Annapolis West Health Foundation, WAYS TO GIVE | Annapolis West Health Foundation.