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Wayne G. Sanborn
02/04/2021
Wayne G. Sanborn, former DeLand City Manager, passed peacefully from this life on February 4, 2021. A native of Bridgton, Maine where he still spent a part of every summer, Wayne found a second home in DeLand when he moved here with his young family in 1967. It was a choice that would shape both the Sanborn family and the city of DeLand in countless ways. As Wayne became part of DeLand, the community also became a part of him.
DeLand was a long way from the small New England town where Wayne grew up. The only son of Charles and Bertha Sanborn, he went on to graduate from the University of Maine with a degree in Public Management followed by a Masters in Municipal Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. A lifelong civil servant, his career began in Titusville and took him to Arcadia before he landed in DeLand where he put down roots with his former wife Dixie Sanborn. He served two stints as City Manager for this city, from 1967-1974 and again from 1992 until his retirement in 1999. In between, he developed both residential and commercial properties as President of Brandywine Enterprises.
An avid sports fan, Wayne was a regular fixture at both Stetson Hatter baseball and basketball games and a supporter of the DeLand High School athletic programs. He enjoyed many ski trips and basketball adventures with his buddies through the years and valued time with his friends. Although he had many personal accomplishments, Wayne was perhaps most proud of his children: Rhonda, Randy, Russell and Renee, his stepdaughters Sabrina and Stephanie and his 19 grandchildren. He believed investing in his local community was a lasting legacy for his family. He treasured time with his family and with his wife Pam, measuring visits by when we could all be together again at Camp Sanborn in Norway, Maine.
A service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 8, 2021 at Stetson Baptist Church in DeLand. To protect our community and Wayne’s loved ones, please wear a mask. Social distancing and COVID-19 protocols will be observed. A livestream option will also be offered. Details will be available through Lankford Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, you may honor Wayne’s memory and love for DeLand by making a donation to either MainStreet DeLand Association or the Neighborhood Center of West Volusia.
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