Walter Lewis Sanford

June 12, 1948 – Jan. 31, 2019

Walter Sanford, age 71, passed away at his home Jan. 31, 2019.
He was lovingly attended by his family and friends, and especially by his daughter, Christina.
Walter was born and raised in Oregon. He spent his childhood in Silverton and graduated from Willamette University. His family were important grass seed agriculturalists, owning Sanford Seed Company. They exported Oregon seeds the world over.
“At the invitation of President Nixon,” he was fond of saying, Walter spent two years in Vietnam working in the Signal Corps. This laid a foundation in communications that Walter drew from his entire life. After returning, he was employed by both KGW as a camera man and OPB as a production engineer for “Brave Blind Boys Radio.” At OPB, he was a group Emmy recipient.
Walter was also the owner of Portland Legal Video Service, documenting many a deposition.
His last great adventure was his love for volunteering at OMSI on the Blueback Submarine. He was honored with a 1000+ hour pin for conducting many delightful tours. The opportunity to work at the sub, allowed Walter to combine his interests in the military, public speaking and fun! His tours were always enlightening and amusing.
Walter will also be fondly remembered for his front-porch parties on N.E. 58th Street. His friends and neighbors would come together for cocktails and very lively conversation.
Water was most willing to share his home, wisdom and many skills, with all his friends.
The family would like to especially thank the Portland VA hospital and staff for all their skill and kindness. Walter’s care at the VA was both expert and compassionate. A special thanks to friends, Gordon Hillesland, Cindy Morgan, Jim Springer, Christina Hunt and Mike Perrault for their loving support.
Walter is survived by his lovely daughter, Christina Megan, she was the apple of his eye; his nephew, Scott Sanford; and Kim Sanford; and sister-in-law, Marlis.
Walters mother, Marion (Ruth); father, Desty; and brother, John all predeceased him.
As he requested, Walter has been cremated and will be interred at Willamette National Cemetery.
A Wake/Open House will be held from 3 – 6 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at his new home in Gresham. We will celebrate and remember Walter.