Thomas Sanford

Thomas H. Sanford

1 January 1934 - 20 January 2025

On January 20, 2025, after a long brave fight against multiple health issues, Thomas Sanford passed away at the age of 91 at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community in Boulder, CO.

He was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho graduating from Pocatello High School in 1952. He then went on to graduate from Idaho State University with a bachelor's degree and was commissioned as a Regular Army Officer. Later he earned a master's degree in Public Administration Police Option from UCLA.

Upon completion of his infantry detail Tom was moved to the Military Police Corps and assigned to the US Army European Honor Guard in Heidelberg, Germany. He later headed the MP Customs Detachment in Munich, Germany.

After returning to America, he taught military history and law at Claremont Colleges, California ROTC Program for two years before being assigned to Saigon/Cholon, Vietnam MP Battalion.

At tour's end he landed in Stuttgart, Germany in the MP Battalion. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara. They were married shortly before he was again assigned to Vietnam. Tom retired from the military in 1978 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Tom's "retirement" included a job heading EG&G's Contractor Safeguards and Security Department at DOE's Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. Next, he was in charge of Security and Fire Operation through forty-one Space Shuttle launches, including the Challenger disaster and recovery. And finally, he was transferred to Rocky Flats Nuclear site which allowed Tom and Babara to make their home in Boulder. They bought an RV soon after arriving in Colorado which became their joy with many years of travel.

Tom faithfully continued to serve his country, volunteering for many years in several community organizations. He loved visiting with family and friends, including annual trips with Barbara as members of the Heidelberg International Ski Club. He was also a very talented artist. He especially looked forward to Sunday gatherings with his Parkway breakfast buddies.

Tom is survived by his wife, his sisters-in-law, his youngest brother, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tom's final resting place will be Fort Logan National Cemetery. The service at Fort Logan National Cemetery will be held on June 23, 2025 at 10:30am with full military honors.