Mr. Leslie F. Sanford, 75, died Thursday, June 29th, at the Hospice of Jefferson County.
The Funeral will be held at 11am on Friday, July 7th, at the T.R. Jetty Funeral Home in Clayton, followed by a burial in Clayton Cemetery with the Military Honors provided the United States Marines. A reception will follow the funeral at the Clayton Fire Department. Calling hours will be Thursday evening, July 6th, from 4-7pm at the funeral home.
Les was born February 25th, 1948, in Watertown, the son of George Reff and Mildred Sanford. He was raised by his stepfather Howard Patchin. He attended area schools.
He joined the United States Marine Corp on April 28th, 1966. He was honorable discharged as Corporal on February 1st, 1968. Les received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation.
On March 16th, 1974, he married the former Victoria Brown. Vicky passed away September 12th, 2006.
Les retired as a civilian carpenter after over 25 years at Fort Drum.
He was a member of the LaFargeville American Legion. Over the years he played in many softball leagues in the area, enjoyed golfing at LA Golf Course, stock car racing at the Can-Am Speedway for over four years, and was an avid bowler for over 50 years where he was a member of the 700 Club Bowling Hall of Fame.
Surviving are his four children, Cyndi (Don) Scales of LaFargeville, Pam (Brian) Solar of Clayton, George (Heather) Sanford of LaFargeville, and Les Jr. of Dexter; his companion of nine years, Jeannie Burns; seven grandchildren, Dustin, Sharina, Kristen, Katelyn, Lani, Dominick, and Breanna; one brother Claude Patchin; three sisters, Maryann Hardy of LaFargeville, Barb Tibbles of Watertown, and Louise Patchin of Clayton; nieces and nephews.
One brother Vernon, and one sister Patricia Whitmore, predeceased him.
Donations can be made to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham Street Road, Watertown, N.Y. 13601.
Ruth Garnsey
Your gonna be missed very much. Fly with the angel’s
Ruth Garnsey
Sorry to hear about your loss. Fly with the angel’s
Dawn Hallenbeck
I’m so sorry for the loss of Les. I only met him a couple of times but he seemed like a wonderful person. Rest In Peace Les..
Bud Cole
My deepest condolences goes out to all of Les’s family and friends. I was the Pin Buoy (Sec-Treas) of the 700 BCA and processed his membership into the 700 Bowling Club (Chapter 55) many years ago as well as his two sons George and Les Jr. They were all great bowlers and were fine gentlemen on and off the lanes. I enjoyed our many bowling contests and we always had a good time. I hope the family will remember and hold on to the many fine memories they had with Les.
Doreen Meeks
I will miss keeping track of your outstanding bowling scores .May you rest in peace !
Karen
My thoughts and prayers are with you all … Deepest Sympathy
KAREN DEROUIN
Cyndi and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May your father rest in Peace.
Karen Derouin
Laurie (Darou) Sigouin
So sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Rose Reff
So sorry Pam, prayers and peace to you
Tim Daly
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Judy Barlow
My sympathy to the family. I worked with Les on Drum and always enjoyed talking with him. Once a Marine always a Marine like my brother was.
Louis & Jill Nuffer
Sending deepest condolences to you all!
KIM DEROUCHIE
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF BIG LESTER, I WILL SURELY MISS HIM!! HAD SOME GREAT TIMES WITH HIM AND HIS SONS AT THE RACE TRACK. LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY!!
Rose Reff
So sorry for your loss Pam.
Eunice S.Murray
To Pam Solar & family,
We want to express our sympathy on the passing of your father. God Bless. Your neighbors Donnie Delaney & Eunie Murray
Don Armstrong
RIP old friend will always miss our times together bowling and golfing but you are in a better place now
Lynn Kelsey
So sorry for your loss Thinking of you and your family at this time Had many great times at the bowling alley
Lynnette Duford
Our condolenses are not enough. Les I hope and pray that you are at last with your love Vickie. Sending our love to our whole family.
Donna Taylor
So sorry to hear of the loss of Les. prayers to all that loved him.
Thomas F. LaClair
The Commander (Marty Stevens) and members of Klock-Smith American Legion Post 1788 in LaFargeville send our deepest condolences. We share these poignant words: “Hero’s take on many forms, but anyone who served their country with such pride and distinction is without a doubt a hero. May they never be forgotten.”