John Sanford, M.D.

John Bryant Sanford, M.D., of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2016 at the age of 90. Born September 27, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to W. Bryant and Margaret (Nygaard) Sanford, John grew up in south Minneapolis and enjoyed childhood summers filled with gatherings of family and friends at their Lake Minnetonka cottage. He left high school early during WWII and earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Minnesota while serving in the U.S. Navy V-12 program as an apprentice seaman and, in 1948, received his M.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School at age 21.

John interned in Duluth at St Mary's Hospital and discovered he had found the place to make his home. He continued with surgical training at the Duluth Clinic in 1950 until enlisting to serve in the Korean War as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, ultimately in the 8063 MASH. On returning to the U.S., John completed a surgical residency and served as an Instructor in Surgery at the University of Illinois Medical School Research and Education Hospital in Chicago, where he met and fell in love with his future bride,Dr.Julie Møller. They married in September of 1955 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago, Illinois and in 1957 returned to Duluth to build their home, family, friends, and careers.

John was an active member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, a dedicated and caring surgeon with the Duluth Clinic, served as Chief of Surgery at both St. Mary's and St. Luke's Hospitals, Chief of Staff at St. Luke's and Miller Dwan Hospitals, Board member of the Duluth Clinic, and President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. He especially enjoyed teaching medical students in the anatomy lab at the UMD School of Medicine for 34 years, honored as a Professor Emeritus of Clinical Medicine. An avid music lover, he spent many years on the Boards of the Duluth-Superior Symphony and the Lucius Woods Performing Arts Center. He held numerous additional professional and civic positions and distinctions. Both before and after retirement in 1991, he and Julie continued their journey together through travel, and of course walks, in cities around the world. He treasured each of his 12 grandchildren, and deeply appreciated family, friends, and colleagues both near and far, old and new. Remembering the example his parents had set, John devoted his life to serving others, through his profession, teaching, philanthropy, community service, and an always ready warm smile and kind word for all.

John was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth Wick, William Sanford, and Edwin (aka "Mike") Sanford.

Beloved husband survived by his dear wife of 61 years, Julie Clara Møller Sanford, MD. Loving father and grandfather of Ellen Altman (Mike), Eric Jordan; Martha Sanford (Tim Casey), Mary Ann, Sarah, and Claire; Paul Sanford (Ann), Margaret, Clara, Richard, and Michael; Ann Sanford (Lee Marks), William, Kathryn, Julia, and Grace; in addition he is survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

John's family thanks Dr. Mark Plachta M.D., the wonderful, skilled, and caring staff at Ecumen Lakeshore and the St. Luke's Hospice team for their kind and compassionate care.

Visitation:  5-7 PM Friday, November 18, 2016 at Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth.  Visitation continues on Saturday, November 19th. from 1 PM until the 2 PM Memorial Service at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to CHUM or to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church would be greatly appreciated.

Arrangements by Dougherty funeral Home, 600 E. Second St., Duluth, 727-3555.