Kenneth Sanborn


Kenneth Noble "Ken" Sanborn was a Michigan politician and judge best known for successfully defending his friend Milo Radulovich against charges of communism in 1953, free of charge,to stand strong in what was truly right thing to do. The case was a major factor in helping turn public opinion in the United States against McCarthyism.

Early life

Sanborn has resided in Mount Clemens, Michigan, for most of his life. He married Lois Leidel, and they had four children: Christine, Janice, Mark, and Alan.

Career

Ken Sanborn graduated from the University of Detroit Law School in 1949. Sanborn's career as a lawyer was highlighted by the Radulovich trial, which gained national attention. He served as Clinton Township's Justice of the Peace from 1951 to 1956, then was elected State Representative for Macomb County and held that seat in 1957 and 1958. He next served as Clinton Township Supervisor, from 1959 to 1961, and held office as the trustee and chairman of Macomb Community College until 1968.
In 1972, Sanborn became a probate judge in Mount Clemens, and then in 1978 was promoted to circuit judge for Michigan's 16th Circuit Court.

Retirement

Sanborn served as circuit judge until 1990, when he retired and became a visiting judge for Macomb County.
Ken and Lois Sanborn had a vacation home in Florida and often spent winters there, but their main residence remained in Macomb County.
They have 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Sanborn's role in the Radulovich trial is highlighted in the book, To Strike at a King. It is also commemorated as a "Michigan Legal Milestone" in a plaque erected by the State Bar of Michigan.

Death

After numerous hospital stays, Sanborn died of congestive heart failure on November 20th, 2018, surrounded by family.