Roger K. Sanford, a devoted husband, father, and contributor to the Nevada County community since 1965, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025, in Grass Valley, surrounded by the love and care of his family. He was 89.

Roger was born to Sadie Aileen McIntyre Sanford and Keith David Sanford and was raised in Gridley, California.

He earned a B.A. in Business from UC Berkeley, where he was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity. He then trained in the U.S. Air Force Reserves at Lackland Air Base in San Antonio, Texas.

He later attended Oregon State University, achieving a B.S. in Pharmacy, where he met Nancy Grizzle. The two were married for 63 years.

Roger and Nancy moved to Grass Valley in 1965, where he co-owned Phoenix Drug store before serving as a pharmacist at Raley’s for 24 years.

An engaged community member, Roger was a founding member and Elder of Sierra Presbyterian Church, a member of the Grass Valley Rotary Club, an early board member of Hospice of the Foothills (now Foothills Compassionate Care), and an active member of the Empire Country Club.

Roger was an avid skier, runner, and swimmer. He loved playing the piano, outdoor Music in the Mountains concerts, Cal Big Game, and traveling throughout the U.S., Asia, and Europe. But his greatest joy was the love he shared with his wife, parents, brothers, children, and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and survived by his wife, Nancy Grizzle Sanford; brothers Ronald Sanford (Nancy Wallace Sanford), and Thomas Sanford (Karen Whelan Sanford); his children Blair Sanford (Amy Steiner Sanford), Paul Sanford (Kanako Yachi Sanford), and Laura Sanford Johnson (Eric Johnson); and his grandchildren Andrew Sanford (Phoebe Joaquin Sanford), Margaret Sanford Walker (Kevin Walker), and Elizabeth Sanford; Juna and Kayna Sanford; and Grant and Heath Johnson.

The family is indebted to Cascades of Grass Valley and Foothills Compassionate Care for their kind and devoted care for Roger.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be directed in Roger’s name to Foothills Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of the Foothills).

A Celebration of Life for Roger will be held at Sierra Presbyterian Church on August 5th at 1 PM. [175 Ridge Road, Nevada City]