SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KFYR) – Sanford Health announced Saturday that Thomas “Denny” Sanford died. He was 90.
Sanford was the major benefactor of the health care company. In 2007, he donated $400 million to then Sioux Valley Hospitals & Health System, which renamed itself Sanford Health in recognition of the donation. A spokesperson for the health system said Sanford gave $1 billion in total to the organization.
Sanford made his fortune after founding Sioux Falls-based First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard.
“We are forever blessed that Denny chose us and our communities to make the transformational gifts that will change lives for generations,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “He was a driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible. We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity.”
According to his obituary, Sanford was born in 1935 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He lost his mother to breast cancer when he was 4 and began working at his father’s garment shop at age 8.
Sanford graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1958 with a degree in psychology and worked in sales. After selling his startup company Contech, he purchased a bank in Sioux Falls.
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