FRANK R. STAFFORD WALLINGFORD - Frank R. Stafford, 91, passed away on May 30, 2014.
At the time of his passing Frank and Virginia were being cared for by his daughter and son-in-law, Janice and Steven Lynch of Fairfax, Vermont.
Frank Stafford was born January 27, 1923 in South Wallingford, the son of Roy H. and Mary (Gorton) Stafford, Frank attended school in Wallingford and graduated in 1944. He continued his education by enrolling in courses covering farm operation and graduated from Vermont Technical College (fka V.S.A.).
During the next 30 years Frank would carry on the family legacy by operating his farm bordering the Hartsboro Road in South Wallingford. His farm operation and practices qualified the farm as being one of the top Ayrshire farms in Vermont.
In 1950 he married Virginia Mae Hesse of Rutland, Vermont. They had two daughters, Connie Marie Stafford and Janice Ann (Stafford) Lynch. Frank and his family would continue to farm and participate in many agricultural shows and activities at the local, state and national level until he retired from farming in 1973.
He continued to share his love of the land and knowledge of farming as a salesman for Ground Products Division of Vermont Marble Company, Omya Incorporated, Shelburne Limestone and South Wallingford Limestone. In 1997 Frank retired as office manager at the quarry in South Wallingford.
Frank served our farming community and his church by holding various offices and working on many committees. A few of these endeavors were: Member of the National Ayrshire Breed Association, charter member of the Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District, member and past master of the local Maple Valley Grange, as a member attained higher degrees at the regional, state and national level, served on the Wallingford School Board, Rutland County Farm Bureau, Justice of Peace for Wallingford and served as Deacon, treasurer and member of the Business Committee managing the South Wallingford Church.
While farming he especially enjoyed participating in many regional Ayrshire cattle shows taking great pride as his animals received many awards and ribbons often showed by his daughters.
He was an avid Red Sox and Boston Celtics fan. His flower beds brightened the lives of those who drove by and he was always willing to share the blessings he received with those in need.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Virginia M. (Hesse) Stafford, daughter Connie M. Stafford of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, daughter Janice A. (Stafford) Lynch, son in-law Steven T. Lynch of Fairfax, granddaughter Rebecca A. Lynch and her husband Karbert Ng, grandson Christopher S. Lynch and wife, Eileen.
Frank was predeceased by his parents and his two sisters, Helen (Stafford) Read in 2001 and Ina E. Stafford in 2004.
The Lord welcomed a truly great man that for his entire life walked, worked and lived next to us as a true Vermonter. He will always be remembered and remain an example of a person who lived every moment loving life. You could tell by his constant smile and the twinkle of his eyes that he enjoyed every challenge and viewed every day as an opportunity and a gift from God.
A memorial service is planned at the South Wallingford Congregational Church for Wednesday, June 4th. The service will begin at 11 a.m. with interment to follow at the Scottsville Cemetery.
The family will be available at the church to greet friends who may wish to call from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
A luncheon celebrating Frank's life will follow at the Maple Valley Grange Hall in South Wallingford around noon; all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers please consider sending memorial contributions to either The South Wallingford Congregational Church, C/O Aldous Funeral Home, 44 North Main St. Rutland, VT 05701 or the Rutland Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, Vt. 05763.
Published in Rutland Herald from May 31 to June 1, 2014
