SANFORD, Robert (Harvey)

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Friday, October 12, 2012 - Robert "Harvey" Sandford born Jan. 9, 1926, passed away on July 17, 2012 in Lake Havasu City. He was a widower of three years. He married Rita in 1956 in Canada, wishing to give his family all the success they would want and the freedom they would need. He moved to Hacienda Heights, Calif. in 1958. He purchased a home, had three children and became a member of a church and the Free Masons. He spent many years raising his children and working the church building/school. He was part of the board and was the maintenance department as a volunteer. He loved his family, neighbors, his Mason and Shriner and his wife's Sorority; they were all family. He was an engineer supervisor for General Dynamics but when the economy changed he became an auto hauler from Detroit to LA. He dreamed of taking Rita across the county and when they retired they sold their home in S. Calif., took their motorhome and did just that, from New York to Alaska. They lived the warm months in Trinity County, in northern California and in the winter traveled in their motorhome. They became grandparents and settled down again this time in Lake Havasu. This was about eight hours closer to the kids and soon to be grand kid(s). Not ever wanting to really settle down, Harvey joined many philanthropic groups in Lake Havasu. He joined the lodge of Masons and became a Member of the Month for his fund-raising of Vidalia Onions and Clowning around (literally) for the kids in the burn ward of The Shrine Children's Hospital. He supported and helped to run the Clothe-a-Child in Lake Havasu and Operation Blessing that traveled here in America and around the world spreading Gods love with free food, surgeries and homes. They camped with the Elk's RV club every year until Rita passed away July of 2009. He enjoyed cooking hamburgers with the Eagles and bringing Rita's turkey to Thanksgiving for those without family in Lake Havasu, the community was always their family. Harvey's generosity will be sorely missed! He leaves behind a son, Richard Sandford, son, Robert Sandford who has two children Robert Henry Sandford and Alexandra Joy Sandford; a daughter, Suzanne Hanson (with Harvey's third son) Gary Hanson who have a daughter Holly Rae Hanson. Memorial Service will be at the Masonic Lodge on Sat., Oct. 13, 2012 at 10 a.m. Thoughts and condolences can be sent directly to the family or through www.lakehavasumortuary.com. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory