Photo courtesy of Chadwick Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC - New London
New London, New Hampshire
Apr 25, 1926 – Apr 29, 2012
Andover, NH-Belford Arlington Richards, 86, died Sunday, April 29, 2012
at Franklin Regional Hospital.
He was born in South Portland, ME on April
25, 1926 the son of Harold Scott Richards and Aria Gould Richards.
He graduated from St. Paul's School in Concord, NH in 1945.
Joining the USMC at 18 yrs old, Belford was one of the youngest marines to serve during the end of WWII over the South Pacific as an aircraft radar/radio operator and tail gunner . He attended
the University of MI and transferred to Rollins College, FL where he graduated
in 1953 with a BA. While at Rollins College he wrote comic strip continuity for
Les Turner artist of the Washtub Comic Strip cartoon. Mr. Richards traveled to
England in the 1950's to do research on a book he was writing called
"Forty on the Emu". He returned to Portland, ME in 1963 and was employed
in advertising and became a Freemason.
In 1974, he moved to Bradford, NH
and has resided in Andover for the past 15 years. Mr. Richards was an avid
reader, collector of original comic strip art, and loved to travel, especially
to the island of Gozo, Malta.
He leaves behind Gail Gurnsey Richards, his
wife of 25 years; two sons, Tyler Ford Richards and The Rev. Michael H.
Richards; a daughter, Lizabeth McAllaster Tompkins and numerous friends
in both Europe and the US.
Friends may call at the Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, New London,
NH on Thursday, May 3, 2012 from 4:30-5:30 P.M. There will be a service at
the funeral home at 5:30. Please join the family at the schoolhouse on 206
Old College Road, Andover to celebrate his life. Private burial will be at the Pine Grove
Cemetery, Manchester, NH. Memorial contributions may be made to the
Andover EMS, P.O. Box 61, Andover, NH 03216.
I'm sorry that Bel is gone.He was a fine man and I enjoyed speaking with him.
Mike Crowley
May 27, 2012
My connection with Belford is through my Aunt Jean who was Michael Richards (my cousins`s) mother.
I remember him very well telling us kids stories sitting on the wall of my Grandfather`s bungalow in Shoreham-By-Sea UK and also later on when I was about 11 years old he sent me some cartoon strips and a GI JOE action man so I could get figure drawing correct. It was kind of him to think of me like that.
Very sorry to hear of his passing and condolences to the family.
Best...
Ian Piper
May 25, 2012 | Poole U.K.
I happened to meet Belford more than 30 years ago at the Twin Mountain (NH) airport. He loved flying. A warm-hearted, gentle, kind man, Belford always appeared friendly and cheerful. He enjoyed helping others. Over the years he carried on an extensive correspondence and for this one reason alone, he will be greatly missed. I remember he was particularly fond of Nikki, his handsome wolf puppy. Belford was indeed "an awesome warrior."
May 09, 2012
semper fi Belford,some of the most awesome warriors I know are the gentlest of men,as you were,thank you for being Gails husband,xo
May 02, 2012
Dear Gail. Our deepest condolences to you.Al and I cannot make the service tomorrow but we'll come visit soon. With much love. Laurie and Al Brown
May 02, 2012
Dearest Gail, please accept my condolences at the loss of your beloved Belford. He could not have had a more loving and faithful wife and friend. Sincere sympathy, Phyllis Gagnon
May 02, 2012
I knew Belford while I was working at Dodges Store,I served him coffee all the time at the sada counter. I would like to send my deepest Sympathy to the Family. And God Bless you.
Cookie Chaffee
May 02, 2012 | Newbury, NH
