Terry Lynn Sanford passed away the evening of July 19, 2020 at The Wentworth at Willow Creek due to complications of Lewy Body Dementia after a 10 year struggle with the disease. We offer heartfelt thanks to the dedicated Wentworth staff for their loving care.
No story about Terry would be complete without including the sports that molded him into the wonderful person, husband, father and grandfather that we all loved. It all started with a ball and a bat. When Disney released the motion picture “The Sandlot,” dad watched it saying that was exactly what his summer looked like growing up. He was at home in a dugout, on a court, or on the gridiron. He was often made the captain of his teams because of his optimistic, likeable personality and drive to do his very best at everything he set his mind to.
Terry and Carol were high school sweethearts at West High School where Terry was Student Body President and lettered in basketball, baseball and football while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Their romance started at age 15, they married in the Salt Lake Temple at age 21, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2019. Terry received a full-ride scholarship for football and he began to pursue a degree in pre-medicine. He also participated in basketball and baseball during his years at the Y, something unheard of today. In 1968, he sustained a career-ending concussion in football and left the sport to play on the BYU baseball team. He was fortunate enough to play in the White Sox Summer League in Florida after graduation.
Terry received a BS Degree from BYU, an MS Degree from Stanford University, and a Doctorate in Education from University of California-Berkeley.
There were many areas in which Terry excelled and some of the most notable in education and athletics were: NCAA post-graduate scholarship, scholarship from Stanford University Division of Physical Therapy, served as director of Stanford School of Physical Therapy, started a school of Physical Therapy at Springfield College in Massachusetts, Director of Physical Therapy Academic Program at University of Utah, and also served on the National Accreditation Board of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Amid all these triumphs, he also raised five children - Holly, Dane, Heather, Brooke and Tiffany and was a loving father. He spent time coaching teams, going on daddy daughter dates, driving us to Disneyland, playing golf with his son and sons in laws, taking bites of our ice cream cones, stealing our fries, and telling lots of jokes. Any one of his children could publish pages and pages of “dad quotes” and “dad isms” because he had one for every situation. Things get tough? “Nothing’s tougher than a sizzler steak!” Bad defense in a game? “He was all over him like a cheap suit!” Feeling distracted? “Keep your eyes on your fries!”
He spent his life serving as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Various callings included Counselor in the Bishopric at BYU, Bishop, Counselor in a Young Single Adult Branch Presidency and Temple Worker.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents, John Fred and Bonnie Sanford, his younger brother Timothy, and his grandson, Flash Jenson (Honorary Pallbearer). He is survived by his beautiful wife, Carol, his children Holly Christensen (Tyler), Syracuse, UT; Dane (Natalie) Menifee, CA; Heather Wilson (Tyler), South Jordan, UT; Brooke Barton (Jesse), Centennial, CO; and Tiffany Jenson (Jeff) Melbourne, FL; 18 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter (and another on the way!).
A viewing will be held from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, July 27, 2020 at Larkin Sunset Gardens Mortuary, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery on July 28th 2020 for immediate family. Please feel free to leave a thought or memory at www.LarkinCares.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at www.lbda.org
So sorry to hear about Terry I have known him most of my life from Onequa thru West and always thought the most of him we played football and baseball for many years again so sorry to his family
Ken Dillon
We were so sorry to hear of Terry’s passing and about his challenging health issues. He was such an inspiration to everyone whose life he touched. Our thought and prayers go out to Carol and their children and grandchildren. Much ❤️ love to all of you
Hi Carol, Remembering Terry with affection. He was a good man and loved his family. I know his memory deteration had to be horribly difficult to you all. May he rest in peace now and may you have peace remembering the good times. Although Connie has passed,too, I know if alive she would be sending her wishes and love to you and your family too. Hugs and love your way. Due to covid I won't be able to come to the viewing or services but my spirit we ill be there.
Heartfelt condolences to your family. What a tremendous life Terry lived.
When I was in third grade my family moved to Salt Lake City mid school year and I was truly a frightened little girl entering the classroom of total strangers. At recess the teacher picked two captains who were to choose a team to play softball. We stood in a line on the grass for the captains to see us. I was so uncomfortable and so embarrassed and was certain that I would be the very last one chosen because no one knew me and nobody would want the new girl on their team. To my surprise and delight Terry picked me very first! From that point he and I were dear friends that year. I have never forgotten his sensitivity and his kindness - so unusual for a young boy that age, and have never forgotten Terry Sanford. From his life sketch it is obvious those and countless other outstanding traits make up the story of a great man. You as his family are blessed and no doubt are to be credited for the success of a life well-lived.
Such fond memories growing up with Terry. He was my first boyfriend (Kindergarten through 6th Grade at Onequa). I remember his stollen kiss on my cheek on the playground in Kindergarten.) I hold a soft place in my heart for him.
Condolences to his family and loved ones.
Ramona Luker Watson
So sorry to hear of passing of Terry. He was an all around talented guy. So sad a disease would take over his mind and shorten what should have been a great life.
Linda and I send our condolences. We fondly remember the time we spent serving in the Canyon Springs YSA branch/ward with Terry and Carol.
May you find peace in the knowledge of eternal family relationships!
Doyle Judd
Carol-
It was such an honor to serve with Terry in the Draper Temple laundry. He was such a sweet, kind man with a unique zeal for life. During our time together he was really my pal and I felt his loving spirit. I only wish I could have know him many years before. It is a blessing you had so many wonderful years with this honorable disciple of Christ. I wish you peace and happiness until you meet him again.
Dennis Smith
I worked with Terry at the University of Utah Medical Center long ago. He was always pleasant and cheerful. Condolences to his family. I am sure he will be missed.
Carol, so sorry to learn of Terry's passing. Sadly, I won't be able to attend the viewing as my wife is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Our thoughts are with you and your family. I first met Terry when we were 14 years old and played on the same Cops League baseball team - we were 19-0 that year! At West High we were on the 1965 Baseball State Championship team; he was always a leader and always had a great story to keep us motivated; I don't know where he got all of his jokes and stories before the advent of the internet! He was always a strong competitor and it certainly showed from his life. You and your family can really be proud of him and a life well lived.
Wayne & May Lynne Neeley
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss of Terry. Blessed with the knowledge that you will see him again in his perfect state.
Love,
Ty Nea
Dear Carol and family
We are so very grateful for the time we shared together in the Canyon Springs Branch. What fun memories we have with you and Terry. We know this has been a difficult few years and our love and prayers are with you now. Charles is on his way up this morning to be there at the viewing tonight. I'm sorry I couldn't join him....but I want you to know how much we love you and your family....and how much good you both have done in this life. You are dear to us....Charles and Zella
How could anyone forget Bishop Sanford?! What a wonderful, happy man! He made my family feel so welcome in the West View ward. And I do remember looking up at McDonalds (across the street from Disney Land) and thinking, "that looks like the Sanford twins!) And of coarse, it was! I am so very sorry that you have lost this wonderful man, for a time! May you all have comfort and be assuedly at this time. He will be watching over you all and awaiting your arrival when it's your turn to join him! Know that your family is loved by many and will be praying for you.
Sheri Christensen and family
Dear Sanford Family,
Just wanted to send a little note and say how sorry I am to hear of Terry's passing. His obituary was just beautiful and so fitting for him. Throughout my life I have always heard such good things about him. I have few memories of him as he was an older cousin and I was one of the younger ones. All of my older sisters loved him and spoke so highly of him. Many years ago I remember going to a reunion at Fred and Bonnie's, he and Carol were there and I had a chance to visit with him, during that encounter I could tell that he was such a good person and a lot of fun as was Carol. My mom Aunt Lu always loved all of her nieces and nephews and thought so highly of you. I know it is so hard to lose those we love and we miss them dearly. During this time of sorrow, our family will be praying for you and keeping you close in thoughts and in our hearts. May you be blessed with peace, sweet memories and the love of our Savior during this difficult time. Much love Tova Donley Taylor & Family Layton, Ut.
Carol and family, Grant and I were saddened by the passing of Terry. We remember the good old days when we were in the Sunnyvale 4th Ward with you and your family. We even remember the twins, only a month younger than Amy, our youngest. We have been back in SLC since 2003, Wish we had known that you and your family were here so we could have spent some time with you. Hope all goes well with you and your family and hope that this message will lift your spirits a little. Sincere Sympathy, Grant and Carolyn Head and family.
Dearest Carol,
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family for Terry. Terry was always so respected for his kindness, enthusiasm and diligence (not to mention talent). May God comfort you, knowing Terry is in God's loving care now, as He promised. May God make His face to shine upon you and give you peace.
Deepest sympathies and love,
Karen Gordon Luck
Sharon Gordon Gardner
Little league baseball buddy...rest in peace Terry.
Bill
We only knew Terry because we sat behind him in section YY two rows down from the top of LaVell Edwards stadium at BYU many years ago. He was so much fun to sit behind (on his Stanford stadium chair) We enjoyed talking with him and really missed him when he didn’t renew. But we still remember him even though it’s been about 20 years because he was such a great man. We offer our sincere condolences to the family. Though our contact was brief it was very meaningful. May God’s choicest blessings and comfort be with your family.
Dear Carol & Terry
We loved knowing you at our Assisted Living Center in our Branch where we served for 3 years.
Terry and I played Baseball at BYU together. We competed in High School I from Murray and Terry a star at West in Baseball, Basketball, and Football.
Terey was always a joy to be with and lived by all that truly knew him.
We are sending our love to you Carol and your children and Grandchildren .
Dane Iorg recently told us of your passing last year after being away during this global pandemic.
Jeril & Marsha Winget
Holladay, Utah