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Douglas Lee Sanford
The Seattle Times Sunday, March 22, 2020
Age 73, mathematics educator for more than forty years at Bothell High School, Doug Sanford died on March 14, 2020 at Swedish Hospital in Seattle, WA. He was the devoted husband of Kathleen (Blanding) Sanford for 14 years. He was born in Seattle, son of the late Everett “Sandy” and Marian (Price) Sanford.
He graduated from the University of Washington and received his graduate degree in Mathematics from Seattle University. Doug retired from teaching in 2008 as a respected and well-loved figure in the math classroom of his high school alma mater, where he made a lifelong impact on generations of students. He made mathematics a fun and achievable subject. He freely devoted his extra time to tutor and help students in need of encouragement, patience, and guidance. In honor of his late wife, Kathy also an educator, he established a college scholarship to help and motivate many students.
Along with his living wife, Doug is survived by his mother Marian, his brother Gary, and sister Lynn. Also grieving are his stepsons and their spouses Andy (Erica) and Jon (Melissa) Farsnum, and his granddaughter Emilia, the last big joy of his life, who he absolutely adored. In addition to Doug’s father, he was predeceased by his beloved stepdaughter, Michaela Farnum. Memorial services will be held at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Doug would encourage you to offer an act of kindness. This may be a donation to your favorite charity or local shelter, or through simply sharing a smile to help restore goodness to our world. Caring grows exponentially.
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Dwight Funai
Doug was my friend since 1st grade at Ricketts--Sept 1953-- I will miss his humor, his laugh and his stories at our bi monthly breakfasts. RIP Doug---Dwight
JoAnne Carver (Dandin)
Like Dwight, I Doug and I were classmates grade 1 through 12. I remember one incident when we were in third grade. We didn't get to churn butter from the cream like the other kids in the class. We got in trouble for talking so we were writing sentences. He was a very sweet and funny guy. Another one who will be missedRandy Carruthers
Unlike Dwight and JoAnne, I only knew Doug from Jr High at Anderson and then, of course, BHS. Doug was special in that he always seemed happy, and made all others around him happy as well. When ever there was a gathering, if Doug was there, people were laughing. I vividly remember one incident when we were at an assembly in the gym at Anderson. Doug had broken his leg and had a cast on from ankle to hip. We were together near the top of the bleachers. When the assenbly was over Doug got up with his crutches and started to negotiate his way down the bleachers. As soon as he started he lost his ballance and was about to fall head first down the bleachers. At that point I reached out and grabed him by the belt and was able to pull him back, preventing him from doing a nose dive into the bleachers. From that day on he would introduce me as the one "who saved his life". Great Memories! Today we miss a special friend, but you have to know he is making alot of people happy in heaven.
Don Wright
Doug was one of the first students I met in 1960 went I came to Northshore School District. As a classmate Doug was welcoming and funny and never changed. After moving to Montana when I retired, I was still able to keep up with Doug through Saturday Morning Coffee if I was back visiting. We had a great visit on February 1 which I will treasure. RIP my friend, you are missed by many.
Judith Bosley (Spiller)
Doug and I were in school from K-12. Also, he lived very closeto my grandparents and I used to go over to his house to play. He was sort of a living disaster. He broke his arm in elementary school tripping over his own feet. When we were at the white school on the hill we decided to go over the fence to a candy store. At the top of the fence the wire went into his hand and he tore it open so you could see the muscles and such. At his house we were chasing a squirrel or mouse under his porch and he got bit and had to get rabies shots. Such a fun guy and yes, always made you laugh. Even though I now live in Arizona, I will miss him. But I have plenty of great memories! RIP Doug!
Maxine Boone (Gries)
I did not Doug very well, but my children did. He was their teacher along with Mr. Church. All of my children graduated from Bothell as well as most of my grandchildren. They also had him as a teacher. Giving back to your community was what my kids said Mr. Sanford did. Thank you for caring so much to make them great adutls. Another set of Angel Wings! Blessing to his family in this time the grief and sorrow.
Rod Jussel
The memories I have at W A Anderson and BHS was that Doug always had a smile and a positive attitude. I got to know him about one year before our 45th reunion, when we attended coffee. He enjoyed sharing his life experience growing up in Bothell, memories with classmates, his love of being involved with his students. He always welcomed those that he met and wanted to know how things were going and was interested in your life. He truly had a tender heart and he will be greatly missed by all. RIP Doug.
John Murphy
It is sad news about Doug. Doug and I were freinds at Ricketts Elementary, W.A Anderson, and Bothell High School. We played Little League Baseball together and Doug's Dad, Sandy, was our coach. Sandy was very proud of Doug in getting a masters in Math.