Scott Edward Sanford

September 28, 1962 - March 16, 2026

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Scott Edward Sanford, a devoted father and family man who left us too soon on March 16th, 2026, at the Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Science Centre, Halifax. 

Born on September 28, 1962, to Edna (Holt) and Graham Sanford of Halifax, Scott attended Queen Elizabeth High School in Halifax and went on to study Carpentry at the NSCC.

His happiest times were with his children, family and friends: cooking up a storm on the barbecue, walking the shore at Ross Creek, gathering around a bonfire sharing stories and lending a listening ear. 

Scott was a loyal and steadfast friend to many. His wicked sense of humour and caring, loving nature made Scott a favourite brother, uncle, neighbour, employee and later- employer- at his company, Sanford Garage Doors. Nieces and nephews hoped Scott would be in attendance at family gatherings because he teased and was “the fun one”. 

For the past three-and-a-half years, Scott lived his dream of early retirement—owning a piece of land and living simply in the country. His fiercely loyal dogs, Pepper and Nessie, shared that dream with him every step of the way. Once Scott moved to the country, Luke and or Melissa faithfully called every day to check in with their Dad, just to be sure he was okay. Scott was so proud of both his children. They were independent but not so much that a word from Dad wasn’t still needed every now and then. 

Scott was predeceased by his still born son, Adam, his parents, and his brothers, Greg, and Philip. He is survived by his cherished daughter, Melissa (Dion), Calmar, Alberta; and son Luke (Linsey), Shubenacadie; his brother, Arthur, Halifax; his sisters, Margaret, Beach Meadows; and Jane, Halifax; many nieces and nephews with whom he shared a very close and positive relationship; and a fine young man and friend, Tristen Butts, to whom he has entrusted his dogs.  

"We sincerely thank everyone who supported Scott and our family during his very short and tragic acute heart failure—especially Tristen Butts, without whom we would not have had that extra week of intense, joyful, heart-wrenching family time. We are grateful to the emergency personnel at Queens General Hospital who stabilized him initially; the ICU doctors and staff at Bridgewater who kept him alive; and the entire team in the Halifax cardiac unit specializing in heart failure, who explored every option tirelessly, shared our grief when none succeeded, and allowed a massive flow of family and friends to spend three full days reminiscing, laughing, crying and toasting Scott on his way. 

Scott’s legacy is the true meaning of family; he taught us all how to love completely and then to die excellently without regret and with much laughter. There is no describing the hole Scott has left in our lives for we will miss him every second of every day.

A “living wake” was held in the hospital, therefore a service is not planned. Graveside services will be held during the summer when Scott will join both his son, Adam in Windsor and his brother Philip in Canning. 

Those wishing to honour Scott’s memory may do so with a donation to Make-A-Wish Canada.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Scott may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.