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Stanford Nils Kemp, Jr.
October 4th, 1960 - December 28th, 2024
On Saturday, December 28, 2024, Stanford Kemp, loving husband, brother and friend, passed away at age 64.
Stanford was born on October 4th, 1960 in Schenectady, New York to Stanford (Nils) Sr. and Bettie (nee Pryon). He received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at Clarion State University in Clarion, Pennsylvania in 1982. Stanford's friends from that time remember him as a “live wire”, " a one of a kind” with a twinkle in his eye and a ready smile.
Stanford pursued his passions, giving 110% as his friend Doug would say, enjoying extreme adventure sports like skydiving and bungee jumping. At Sober Softball league he became known for his energy, good humor and singing skills in the outfield, with his beloved companion Walkadawg (Walker) always by his side. For 6 years he attended Burning Man with his friends Gil and Richard. His habit of gifting everything from bandanas to cappuccinos, and infectious fun-loving energy was joyful to watch by many. He also had the good fortune of meeting his future wife Joan there, who he would later drag to another desert in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they built a life together. They loved seeing live music, traveling together, working on their home and playing with Miso, their beloved puppy dog.
Stanford continued to grow spiritually, emotionally and mentally during these years by investigating new avenues in recovery and traditional native ceremony. He made it his mission to have a mission, inspired by his recovery to have a life in service to others. He found his most meaningful work in helping others in the prevention and treatment of substance abuse disorder as well as working to create systemic change under the umbrella of behavioral health in New Mexico, most recently as Deputy Director of Behavioral Health for the city of Albuquerque.
Richard put it this way, “he took people on a ride whichever way he was going.” He lived a lot while he was here and will leave a legacy of laughter, friendship and love behind.
Stanford was preceded in death by his father Stanford (Nils), Bettie, sister Beth, and his trusted friend Walkadawg. He is survived by his wife Joan, sister Sandra and dearest Miso. A celebration of life for Stanford is being planned.
P.S. GO RAIDERS!!!
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Riverside Funeral Home - Santa Fe
Welcome to our beautiful new Santa Fe location, where our bilingual staff is ready to serve your family with dignified, affordable, and customizable funeral arrangements. Our dedicated team, including certified celebrants, is here to guide you in planning a meaningful funeral or celebration of life. You are welcome to honor your loved one in our peaceful chapel, or we can help with offsite memorials. Our onsite cremation means your loved one never has to leave our care. We can arrange for burial or interment at the cemetery of your choice, including state, national, or tribal veteran’s cemeteries. Riverside Funeral Home embraces the rich diversity of our community, where families of all faiths and walks of life come together for comfort and healing....
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