Richard "Dick" Wallingford

Past President of Eastern Draft Horse Association ~ 1982

BINGHAM -- Richard L. Wallingford, 80, one of the best known draft horseman in the United States, had his time in the ring run out on Sunday, Sept. 3.Dick had some of the most beautiful teams of horses that ever existed, and traveled the country competing at country fairs and community events. He and his horses still hold the world record for the largest load ever pulled by a two-horse team. He was one of the founders of the Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association. Dick was also involved for many years in the local community. He was the Master Mason of the Bingham Lodge, Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star and a member of the Kora Shrine Temple. He served for many years on the SAD 13 school board, often as chair. Dick ran a successful logging and sawmill operation in West Forks for more than 45 years, but will be remembered for his beautiful horses and his ability to handle them in such a skillful manner. He invented and marketed the first aluminum hames for draft horses, and ended up managing many pulling events during his later years. Dick also co-founded Wallingford's Inc., an international wholesale logging supply distribution company. He was the son of John and Bessie Wallingford and was raised as one of five children at Perkins Ridge in Auburn on a successful family apple orchard farm. He served in the Navy during World War II as a pilot and attended both the University of North Carolina and Yale. Dick is survived by his wife of 62 years, Winnie; four children and their families, Linda and her husband, Jim West, of Bingham, three sons, spouses and five grandchildren; Dick Jr. and his wife, Elaine Wallingford, of Rockwood, one son and two daughters, spouses and two grandchildren; Diane Wallingford of Jacksonville, Fla., and her husband, son and daughter; John Wallingford of Oakland and his two daughters, spouses and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Arlene Hawkins of Auburn and Jane Michaud of Northridge, Calif. His brothers, Eugene and Ivan, a grandson, Gabriel Wallingford, and daughter-in-law, Ann Wallingford, died previously. Visiting hours will be at Giberson Funeral Home, 18 River St., Bingham, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. A funeral service will be held at the Congregational Church, Meadow Street, Bingham, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dick's name to HealthReach Hospice, 212 Main St., Waterville, ME 04901.