Richard Sanford Obituary

December 28, 1948 to September 29, 2023 Richard (RIck) Stephen Sanford was born in Taft, CA to Richard G. and Lorraine W. Sanford (Pond). Rick attended Foothill High and graduated in 1966. After graduation he joined the US Army and was an Airborne Infantryman. He served 2 tours of Vietnam and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts, a Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. After living in Taft and working for the US Postal service he and his family moved back to Bakersfield in 1975. He retired from the Postal service in 2004 and enjoyed spending his time at the family’s beloved Cabin 52 at Cedar Slope in Sequoia National forest. Rick was married to his love Darlene Sanford (Long) for 52 years and had a daughter Christine Sanford and a son Scott (Angela) Hacker and two granddaughters Alyssa and Madison Hacker. He also had a sister Gail (Sanford) Johnson and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and step mother Helen Sanford. Rick will be dearly missed by many friends and family, and especially by his grandchildren who always enjoyed being around their Pops. A viewing will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday October 15th at Kern River Family Mortuary at 1900 N. Chester, Bakersfield, CA 93308 Military Funeral services will be held for Rick on Monday October 16, 2023, 1:15 p. m. at Bakersfield National Veteran’s Memorial Park, 30338 E. Bear Mtn Blvd. , Arvin CA 93203 Afterwards a reception will be held at Senor Pepe’s Restaurant at 3:00 PM at 8450 Granite Falls, Bakersfield, CA 93312 In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Kern County Honor Flight.