Robert Sanford

Robert 'Bob" Jay Sanford, 52, of Casper passed away April 9, 2011, after a heroic battle with mesothelioma. A memorial service and reception will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011, at 2:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 804 South Wolcott. He was diagnosed with cancer due to asbestos exposure in 2005 but thanks to God, Bob's positive attitude, and the extraordinary care he received from Dr. David Sugarbaker and the International Mesothelioma Program in Boston, we were blessed with five and a half more years with Bob. He had an unshakable faith in the Lord and looked to Him for the strength and grace he demonstrated through his long battle. Bob was born July 27, 1958, to Albert and Betty Jean (Dunbar) Sanford. He attended elementary school in Cut Bank, Montana, before moving to Casper in 1972, where he attended CY Junior High School. He graduated from Natrona County High School in 1976, graduated from Casper College in 1978 with an Associate's Degree in Business and went on to the University of Wyoming, following his love of business. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. Bob started work with the Wyoming Department of Employment in February of 1983 and continued working there until his passing, where he was an Unemployment Claims Supervisor and Special Programs Coordinator. Bob was an outstanding distance runner and wrestler in high school. He played on Scummy's Men's softball team for over 25 years, developing many lifelong friendships. He was known for his patience, grace under pressure, kindness, and amazing sense of humor. Spending time with Bob was always an adventure and always fun. He never met a person he didn't like or respect and his motto was, "Don't judge a man before you've walked a mile in his moccasins." Bob was a wonderful mentor and positively influenced people beyond number. Since his cancer diagnosis in 2005 he lovingly inspired and counseled mesothelioma patients nationwide. After his close and extended family and friends beyond number, Bob's passions included anything to do with hunting, fishing, boating, camping and hiking anywhere in Wyoming, with his wife and children, his family and friends, or sometimes just his dog. In the off seasons he applied his love of the hunt to trapping mice in his garage, experimenting with different combinations of baits and traps to lure them in. In this, as in all his hunting endeavors, he was wildly successful. He shared his love of Wyoming outdoors through his column in the Grassroots Advocate and his weekly radio outdoor report, where he was known as "King Commando Sando," or just "King." His traditional sign off fit his views on life and living: "Be Safe, Be Smart, and Be Outdoors." Bob married Nancy Schuman on May 11, 1985, and their son, Tyler, was born in 1987. They later divorced. He married Suzee Buckley on September 16, 1996. Their son Ian was born in 1998 and their daughter Elizabeth (Libby) was born in 2000. He is survived by his parents Al and Betty; beloved and devoted wife Suzee; children Tyler, Ian and Libby; sister Kathy (Pat) Thomas of Fairfax, Virginia; sister Karen (Dan) Gall, of Billings, Montana; brother Mark (Heather) Sanford, of Shell, Wyoming; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lee and Marie Beekley, of Casper; sister-in-law Maureen Lee, of Yuma, Arizona; sister-in-law Andrea Morgan, of Jacksonville, North Carolina; nieces and nephews - Jared and Jackson Lee; Katelynn, Karalee and Craig Thomas; James and Kailyn Morgan; Carter and Hayden Gall; Grace, Torrey and Bennett Sanford; an uncle, three aunts, and numerous cousins and extended family; and his bird dog, Sandy. Bob lived for the Wyoming outdoors and loved every opportunity to share his joy with others. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you introduce a young person to the wonders of Wyoming, that he or she can develop a lifelong appreciation for the infinite beauty Wyoming. offers. Memorials may also be made to the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Development Office, 116 Huntington Avenue, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02116.