Harold "Hal" Mapes Dufford, 86, of Kalkaska, passed away on Sun, Sep 11, 2011 at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center.
The harnesses are hung, the sleds put away; Michigan's oldest dog musher has gone to Heaven with his dogs. Dog sledding was Hal's passion and he loved his Siberian Huskies. He started Cherski Kennels in 1967 and was very well known for breeding champions in the sport.
Hal was born on Feb 4, 1925, in Glastonbury, CT to the late J. Clair and Ruth (Mapes) Dufford. He served his country in WWII as a Marine pilot, flying Corsairs, attaining the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He attended Yale and Iowa State, earning a BS in Agriculture.
Hal was a founding member of the Kalkaska Kiwanis Club, serving as President and Lt. Governor. He was very active as the district leader of Key Club and he loved the many years he spent with the Kiwanis kids. In 2007, Hal won the Citizen of the Year by the Kalkaska Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Mary Clare, six children: Greg (Julie) of Bloomfield, CO, Jim (Dee) Dufford of Grand Haven, Catherine (Bob) Scarbrough of Cadillac, Susan (Chip) Adams of Hobe Sound, FL, Rebecca (Rick) Marcinkus of Conklin, and Todd (Stephanie) Dufford of Wyoming, MI; his two brothers, John (Joan) and William (Susan) Dufford both of CT; two brothers in law, Kim Weeks of Kalkaska and Doug Weeks of OK; 14 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and will be dearly missed by his favorite lead dogs Rika and Sealmak. Hal was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Dufford; and grandson, Jacob Paul Meier.
Per Hal's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Hal's life will be held at 2 pm on Sat, Sep 24, 2011 at the Kalkaska Senior Center. In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to your local Kiwanis Club or Animal Rescue.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
