Richard A. Guilford

Richard Arden Guilford, beloved husband of Sue (Lash) Guilford, beloved father of Andrea, Pauline, Jennifer, late daughter Katrina and father-in-law to Joe Martinez, beloved grandfather to 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, left this world in the early morning hours of July 25, 2020, from the effects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis - just one year, one month, and one day shy of the 60th anniversary of his wedding to Sue, the love of his life. They loved each other with their whole hearts. Rick was a man of many accomplishments, but caring for his family was the primary purpose and passion of his life. He was our mentor and our model for how to be good. He was the good-est person we have ever known. When children or grands needed to reason things out, they sought his counsel. He always made them feel safe; he could soothe any wound with his gentle assurance. He exchanged ‘blonde’ jokes and played cribbage with grandchildren and was proud of the accomplishments of all of his family members. In his final days, he received many love letters from his grandchildren, who thanked him for his wisdom, guidance, and unwavering love and support. He made a pact with himself to watch over all his brood and keep them safe from harm. He kept that promise to the end. He was a critical thinker with a life-long love of learning, and constantly sought out new educational opportunities, devouring books and lectures on concepts as varied as comparative religion, nutrition, and string theory – anything that challenged him fascinated him. He was a respected member of the United Universalist congregation in Naples FL, and spent his Sundays in community there, participating in the organization’s forum and lecture series. He considered travel one of the best modes of education, and he and Sue relished their travel adventures with Rick’s brother Nick and sister-in-law Pat – together, they explored the world. Some favorite memories include renting an ancient stone villa overlooking the olive groves in Italy, riding motorbikes to the top of an active volcano on the island of Nisyros, and toasting Nick & Pat’s 50th wedding anniversary with a melted chunk of the Jokulsarlon Glacier in Iceland. He was valedictorian of his graduating class at Sturgis High School, President of his fraternity at Dartmouth College, and distinguished at the University of Michigan Law School. He was a member of the Michigan and Florida Bar Associations, and the Bar of the United States Supreme Court. After law school, Rick served in the Air Force JAG in Panama City FL while his young family was growing. His was a life of dedicated service – he served on many boards, including St. Vincent Home for Children (Lansing MI), the Portland School Board (Portland MI), and Rotary International (Lansing MI). In his service with Rotary, he appeared at the annual Christmas party for 25 years as the man in the red suit, and his interactions with the children were deeply meaningful to him and brought him great joy. He was a founding member of Peninsula Writers (MI). He loved photography, sought the perfect shot in evening’s graceful light. He was a true wordsmith - writer, satirist, poet, speaker. He brought flowers, music, and laughter into the home. In his Michigan orchard, he watched for deer, turkeys, and racoons. He never thought he was sharing his home with them – rather they with him. In Florida he photographed birds, flowers, butterflies, and sunset waves. When he photographed people, he preferred candid shots, believing these brought out the person’s true beauty. In addition to the aforementioned family, he also leaves his brother Noel and sister-in-law Patricia, sister Vicki Doe. We are full of grief at the loss of Rick - the constant, the anchor in our lives. He was in introspective, thoughtful man, who did not act on impulse. He was the heart of our family, and he kept us grounded. There will be no immediate services. Memorial services will be held in Michigan and in Florida as the world allows. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

Richard A. Guilford

March 12, 1938 - July 25, 2020