July 8, 2008

A life well lived

Stephen Sanford 1942—2008

By Jeanne C. Carbone
Editor

Stephen Sanford was a well known fixture in Campbell. For years he took school photographs and portraits of families at his studio on Campbell Avenue. He lost his two year battle with brain cancer on June 21. He was 65.

Steve Sanford died peacefully in his sleep on June 21. Photo courtesy of Pro Image Studios

Mr. Sanford was born in Zanesville, Ohio, the second son of Denzil and Vivian Sanford and grew up in Roseville. He graduated from Ohio University with a degree in photography. After accepting a job in California he entered the realm of school photography. His savvy business sense, professionalism and zest for life created an empire; he was owner of Steve Sanford Inc., Len Conrad Photography and founder of Pro Image Studios.

Sanford married his wife Martha and the couple had four children, Kathryn, Vikki, Paul and Chris as well as two grandchildren Jacob and Savannah. Besides photography, he had a passion for pottery and coin collecting. He and his wife also authored many books on pottery which brought him back to his roots in Ohio where many of the companies were once located.

Twenty months ago, Sanford was diagnosed with brain cancer but as usual he approached the disease with the same enthusiasm as he had lived his life. At first he told the doctors that they didn’t know what they were talking about. After treatments, he and his wife traveled the world and visited friends and family in the U.S. He died peacefully in his sleep at his home.

“He was a fighter,” said Pro Image Studios Director of Operations Kim Brady. “And he did it the way you’re supposed to. He was very determined.”

Services were held June 26 at Willow Glen Methodist Church.