Richard Whiteford

Richard (Dick) C. Whiteford

January 14, 1935 – June 25, 2025

Dick Whiteford (Whitey), born January 14, 1935, left this world peacefully and on his own terms surrounded by his loving family on June 25, 2025, at the age of 90.

The son of Lydia and Hamilton Whiteford, Whitey traced his maternal ancestry to the Mayflower and his paternal ancestry to the founding family of Whiteford, Maryland. He was a devoted brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He will be forever remembered for his love of his wife, Susan, dedication to his family, quiet strength, wit, admiration for outdoor activities and service to his community. Born and raised in Baltimore City, he spent the latter half of his life in Sherwood Forest, Maryland.

Dick graduated from Friends School of Baltimore in 1953, where he was not known for his academic achievement. At Friends he was a three-sport varsity letterman and president of the student body. He then attended Washington and Lee University. As a collegiate student-athlete, he wrestled and played lacrosse, joining the North-South Team as a crease attackman. At W&L Whitey was a member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. He was an active member of the W&L alumni corps throughout his adult life. Teaching his children such lacrosse chants as, "Give 'em Hell W&L, Give 'em Hell! During College he was initially focused on entering the foreign service, however, upon completing his College lacrosse trip to England, Whitey realized his preference for staying closer to home.

The law was his pivot, and upon completion of a Juris Doctorate from the University of Maryland Law School in 1960, he joined his father's law practice, Whiteford, Taylor, Preston LLC. He was a skilled litigator and represented many of his clients in court and at the board level. In retirement, he continued supporting his community, friends and family with legal matters.

In 27 years of retirement, Whitey focused his energy in many areas. He served on the Sherwood Forest Company Board and as the SF Company Board President. He also served on the Tree Committee for many years. In partnership with his wife of 40 years, Susan, they remapped and organized trail maintenance for the community's "Outer Forest"; they advocated for, helped fund raise and successfully defended the community against litigation leading to the completion of Sherwood Forest swimming pool (which is now a centerpiece of the community); Whitey and Susan testified at public hearings on behalf of the Severn River community leading the State of Maryland to institute marine engine sound (noise) restrictions on the Chesapeake Bay estuaries. Also, of note, he and Susan were instrumental in supporting the community's land acquisition to expand the outer forest and create a State Park buffer zone between Sherwood Forest and the Sahlin farm environmental trust.

Whitey was also a deep thinker and well read. He particularly enjoyed nestling in his corner lazy boy recliner for hours on end to enjoy not only his books, but to discuss current affairs and the personal affairs of his family and friends. Of note, Whitey was not loyal to any organized religion or political party, his loyalty was to common sense, honesty and doing the right thing. Dick was engaged in the lives of his large extended family through annual trips which included travel to the Pacific Northwest, California and the Pacific rim spending time with his children, grandchildren and in-laws.

Whitey was an enthusiastic sportsman and man of the outdoors. And here he was not alone, as his many family members followed his footsteps. They carried his spirit on the field as collegiate lacrosse players, on the mat as wrestlers, on the water as kayakers and sailors, around the poker table, riding ocean waves and on the road as cyclists. Most notably, he both led us and joined us on bikes and hikes across multiple continents ranging from North America, Europe and Asia. He enjoyed not only the forests and wetlands of his native Maryland, but also the towering peaks, granite steps, tropical rain forests, remote natural hot springs, massive waterfalls, pristine jungle swimming holes, national parks and ancient trees of our glorious planet.

Whitey was pre-deceased by his older brother, David, and is survived by his brother William (Bill) and sister-in law, Linda, his wife Susan Whiteford and the mother of his children, Lucy Preston.

He was loved and actively engaged in the lives of all his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who called him Pop Whitey or Chocolate Grandpa.

Rest in peace, Whitey. Your life was a blessing, and your memory a treasure.

A Celebration of Life is planned at 1:30 on August 9th in Stewart Hall, Sherwood Forest, Maryland