Buford Belgard

Buford B. Belgard, 89, died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, at Flagstaff Medical Center after an extended illness.

Mr. Belgard was born May 18, 1920, in Newton, Kan., to Fred and Mamie Belgard. He attended school in McPherson, Kan., and Newton, Kan., graduating from Newton High School in 1937. While still attending high school, on April 1, 1937, he started working for the Fred Harvey Laundry. In 1940, he transferred to the Grand Canyon to manage the laundry and dry cleaning plant for the hotels and facilities there.

He married his high school sweetheart, Myra Mae Brown. They made their home at Grand Canyon until World War II when the couple returned to Kansas. In 1943, Mr. Belgard enlisted in the Kansas State Guard and trained with them until he was inducted into the U.S. Army Air Corps in September 1943, entering active service in October 1943. After basic training, he was sent to airplane radio mechanic school. He shipped out to the Pacific Theater in April 1944.

In March 1946, the Belgards returned to Grand Canyon. Mr. Belgard joined John Ivens Post No. 42 of the American Legion. He was elected Post Commander for 1950 and 1951. He went on to become Commander for the Legion's Department of Arizona in 1959 and Alternate National Executive Committeeman the following year. He was instrumental in the Post buying land for a Legion "hut" in 1951. The hut was intricate part of the community until 1979, when it was leased out and the building was replaced by a hotel. He also helped to establish scholarships for graduating Grand Canyon seniors. In 2008, Mr. Belgard was honored for 65 years of membership and the work he did for the Legion.

He was a Boy Scout leader from 1947 to 1952. He was a member of the VFW for 65 years. He also had a life membership to the NRA. He was a 52-year member of the Masonic Lodge and served as master. He was also a Rotarian for many years, serving as president. He was always on hand to help where needed.

Mr. Belgard was proud to have served 16 years as a member of the Grand Canyon School Board and to be able to present both his daughters with their grade school and high school diplomas. He was an avid hunter and liked to spend time out in the woods whenever possible.

In 1975, the Belgards moved to Williams where they owned and operated the Gateway cleaners until 1992. Mr. Belgard served on the Williams City Council and served a term as vice mayor. He was also a member of the Williams Airport Commission.

Mr. Belgard is survived by daughters Karen J. Stoermer of Las Vegas and Rebecca A. Terry of Prescott; five grandchildren; four great-granddaughters; a nephew; and his sister-in-law, Virginia, of Newton. Kan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Myra Mae; parents Fred and Mamie Belgard; and his brother Ronald.

A memorial service and interment are pending. Condolences can be sent to the family at http://www.norvelowensmortuary.com">www.norvelowensmortuary.com.

Norvel Owens Mortuary is handling arrangements.