David Blair Sanford

Sandford, David Blair ~ 83 of Kingston, NS, formerly of Bridgetown and Middleton, NS, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2026 in Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Middleton.

Dave grew up in Falmouth, NS, the only child of Nancy Eldridge Sanford and Inglis Sanford. He spent his childhood in Falmouth and at the cottage in Summerville.

Dave graduated from Windsor Regional High School, Anslow Business College, and Acadia University with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. Dave made his home in Middleton, NS and taught at West Kings High School and then AVM Morfee Elementary School for most of his career.

Although he loved teaching, Dave relished his time off. He spent some spring breaks in St. Pete’s Beach, FL with family. In summer, he loved the Valley and spent most of his time off there with family and friends. He loved animals, a good Frenchie’s hunt, tasty food (Pasta Jax in Middleton was his favourite), lazy afternoons and the Valley’s arts and antiques. He always left a good impression with his unique personal style.

Dave was creative, musical, and an enthusiastic contributor to the arts in his community. At gatherings, he lifted spirits with his piano playing and singing and family and friends were blessed with the products of his creative endeavours including toys, knitting, and art. Following his retirement in the late 90s, he was able to spend more time on his creative pursuits as an active member of many choral groups including the Middleton Choral Society, Connaught Family Singers, St. Mary’s Singers, Bridgetown Chorale. Dave was a founding member of Kings Chorale. Dave always said the adjustment period for retirement was the time it took him to walk from the front door of his school to his car!

In later years, Dave further shared his talents and time with the community as a champion of diversity and inclusion with PFLAG and as a volunteer in palliative care.

Dave is survived by his special cousin, John Swinamer, John’s wife Sherry, their children, Beth and Kathy, many other cousins, and numerous friends. Special thanks to Phyllis Bennett for all her care, attention, and advocacy in the last few years.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the NS Choral Federation or Cats for Keeps. Singing and cats were two of his favourite things.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street, 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting www.middletonfuneralhome.com