David Michael Vanzant

David Michael Vanzant, 67, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, lovingly surrounded by his family on his daughter’s birthday. 

 

David was born July 14, 1959, in Memphis, Tennessee. Before graduating from Westwood High School in 1977, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for 6 years aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). When David was 15 years old, he met a girl at the school library named Helen “Renee,” who became the love of his life. In May 1979, David married his high school sweetheart, and they built a life together for the next 47 years. After completing his military service, David and Renee moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1982, where they made their home and raised three beautiful children together. 

 

After settling in Alaska, David worked for his dad’s construction company, Sanford and Sons, and worked in the catering and hospitality industry, where his passion for cooking became well known. Whether he was barbecuing or baking, David was extraordinarily talented in the kitchen and never missed an opportunity to share recipes. He enjoyed catering parties and hosting family gatherings, and he had a gift for bringing people together through good food. Simply put, David loved to cook and could not be happier to see others enjoying a meal he had prepared. He was known for his famous Halibut Olympia, BBQ ribs, prime rib, macaroni and cheese, peanut brittle, pies, and red velvet cake. 

 

David was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. His sense of humor and entertaining spirit touched everyone who knew him. His family loved him deeply and will forever cherish the countless memories made around good meals, laughter, and time spent together. 

 

David was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Vanzant and William (Mamie) Sanford; sister, Susan Williams; stepsister, Lyn Carlyle; and stepbrother, Benjamin Blakely. He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Renee Vanzant (Anchorage, AK); sons, Justin (Mercedez) Vanzant (Valdez, AK) and Adam Vanzant (Anchorage, AK); daughter, Chelsea (Bryan) Protzman (Anchorage, AK); brothers, Stacey Sanford (San Francisco, CA), Tracey Sanford (Anchorage, AK), and Kadeen Sanford (Anchorage, AK); sisters, Dewanda Forrest (St. Louis, MO), Sheila (Terry) Sanford (Washington, D.C.), and Latonia (Pete) Sanford (Washington, D.C.); six grandchildren, Zoe Vanzant, Aaliyah Vanzant, Tobias Vanzant, Lucca Vanzant, Onais Vanzant, and Zara Vanzant; as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends including lifelong friends Reginald and Regina Mitchell, and Robert Jones. 

 

David will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Richardson National Cemetery on September 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Megan Room Event Center, 6591 A Street, Anchorage, Alaska 99518. Memorial donations may be made to Access Alaska, a charity organization assisting seniors and individuals with disabilities.  

 

The Vanzant family extends heartfelt gratitude for the many expressions of love, support, and prayers received during this difficult time. Your kindness has provided great comfort and strength. David's legacy lives on through the family he loved, treasured friendships, and the meals he loved to share. 

 

May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.