On June 21st 2008, the bay area lost a cherished member of its community. Steve Sanford, owner of Steve Sanford Inc., Len Conrad Photography and founder of Pro Image Studios, died in his home at the age of 65 after a two year bout with brain cancer. His passing was gentle, peaceful and without pain. Steve was known for his keen wit and boundless kindness. He had business savvy, and an unrivaled work ethic. He was a man who knew how to live life to its absolute fullest. Steve was born on September 5th, 1942 in Zanesville, Ohio. He was the second son of Denzil and Vivian Sanford and younger brother to David. He grew up in Roseville where he attended Roseville High School and graduated with the class of 1960. Steve had a big spirit and big plans, and the borders of the quaint rural town could not hold him. Upon graduating from Ohio University with a degree in photography, he accepted a job and came to California where he established himself as a leading figure in the business of school photography. Steve’s passions were his wife and family, his pottery and coin collection. He and his wife Martha authored eight books on pottery collecting, the production of which took him back to his roots in Ohio. Steve is survived by his beloved wife Martha, his two daughters Kathryn and Vikki, his two sons Paul and Chris and his two grandchildren Jacob and Savannah. In his final days Steve dreamt he was a knight in a band of golden horsemen in a full charge with sword drawn. He did not know where he was going but he knew he had a purpose. “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince, And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” -Horatio on Hamlet’s death—William Shakespeare. Services were held Thursday, June 26th at Willow Glen Methodist Church at Woodhaven, San Jose, CA.

Published in the San Jose Mercury News on 6/25/2008.