Norbert Joseph Samford

Norbert Joseph Samford, 92, former Denver Investment Banker, died December 25th from complications of Parkinson's. Known to his friends and in business as ""Sam,"" he was born in Chicago, Illinois, March 11, 1925. He married Mary Joan Bates of Des Moines, Iowa, September 18, 1954. The couple moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where Mr. Samford was employed by National Gypsum Company, of Buffalo, New York. The Samfords moved to Denver in January 1955, when he was transferred to Englewood, Colorado, where his Company was opening a new Western Division Base of Operations. Mr. Samford served in World War II as a member of the United States Army Air Corps. He was graduated from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, with a Bachelor's of Arts degree and, received his Master's of Arts degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With his degree in Business Administration from Creighton, he had long wanted to be involved in the Investment Banking industry. In 1956 Mr. Samford joined Coughlin and Co, a well-known Municipal Bond firm. Ultimately, this move led to the formation of the firm, Hanifen, Imhoff and Samford, Inc., which he co-founded with Edward A. Hanifen, Sr., and Walter F. Imhoff in 1960. HIS, as the firm was known within the financial community, became the third largest full-service Investment Banking firm in Denver. Early in the firm's existence, Mr. Samford recognized that HIS needed to become more than a Municipal Bond Underwriter arid Dealer to compete with the other larger Denver firms. He convinced his partners that a seat on the NYSE would upgrade and benefit their firm. HIS became a registered member of the most exclusive club in the financial world - the NYSE in 1972. Mr. Samford retired from HIS as CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1979. He was involved personally and financially with several local charities, including the Archdiocese of Denver; he served on the Board of the St Vincent de Paul Society and the Rector's Council of the former St Thomas Seminary. For many years he was active in the breeding and racing of Thoroughbred Horses. Sam is survived by his daughters, Margaret Sorenson (Robert) of Elbert County, Mary Samford Hogue of Lone Tree and, and son Mark Samford (Rebecca) of Gilbert, Arizona. He had five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr. Samford was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Mary, and infant son, Michael Joseph, the twin of Margaret Sorenson. Visitation and Rosary will be recited at the Horan & McConaty Chapel, January 3rd from 6:00-7:30 pm, 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, January 4th at 1:30pm, 6673 West Chatfield Avenue, Littleton, Colorado 80128. Internment will follow in Littleton Cemetery, 6155 South Prince Street, Littleton. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in Norbert's name to: The Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, 1325 South Colorado Boulevard, 204B, Denver, Colorado 80222, The Little Sisters of the Poor, 3629 West 29th Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80211 or to the charity of your choice.