He was born on September 27, 1932 in Bath a son of William Henry Sanford, Sr. and Hazel Martin Sanford.
Don, or “Donny” to friends, spent most of his youth working on the family farm in North Bath. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving most of his tenure in Anchorage, Alaska. Don translated his skills as an avionics mechanic and became an auto mechanic. He started in business out of his home on New Meadows Road before moving it and ultimately building a series of automotive businesses located along State Road, atop Witch Spring Hill. Don married his wife Rowena in 1992; they spent more than 37 happy years together.
He was a friend to many, and often put his construction and automotive equipment to use helping others. He liked to exchange favors with friends with different skillsets. Don was an avid NASCAR fan, and for many years he sponsored local stock cars. He also enjoyed boating on the New Meadows River, spending time with his best friend Billy Moore, motor home trips, roaming around flea markets, and spending winters in Florida with Rowena. He built many things of value in his life, but his most precious accomplishment was his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Dorothy and Marion, twin brother William “Bill,” brother Norman, son Ernest, and grandson Justin.
He is survived by his wife Rowena, daughters Rachel Lounder and husband Charles (Litchfield) and Rhonda Reno Dunning (Topsham), grandchildren Andrew Lounder and wife Kara (Washington D.C.), Michael Dunning (West Bath), Brittany Verrill and husband Jerod (Bowdoin), Cody Lounder and wife Rachel (Brunswick), James Sanford and wife Angela (Gardiner), and Amanda Dunning (Topsham). He is survived by nine greatgrandchildren.
Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Daigle Funeral Home, 819 High Street, Bath. The Funeral service will be conducted at 2 PM on Friday at the funeral home with military honors. Burial will be at Orchard Hill Cemetery in West Bath.
Condolences may be made online at www.Daiglefuneralhome.com.
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