Richard M. Aylward

Portland- Richard Martin Aylward, 90, of Portland, Maine, passed from his earthly life to his eternal home on May 6, 2014. He was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, son of Willard and Mabel Louise (Martin) Aylward. Richard was a graduate of Salem High School and Boston University. He was a member of Lamba Chi Alpha fraternity and Naumkeag Chapter, Order of DeMolay. He served as a lieutenant, junior grade, with the Navy in World War II in both Atlantic and Pacific areas. Richard began his career with the Boston and Maine Railroad and the Maine Central Railroad, where he met and married his sweetheart, Nathalie Marguerite (Smith) Aylward in 1951.

Richard was a faithful and loyal member of Williston-West United Church of Christ in Portland, where he was Head Usher for over 40 years. He and Nat were very active in Church activities and committees including Couples Club, monthly bean suppers and their children's activities. Williston-West, now Williston Immanuel Christian Church, was where they worshipped and shared their faith with their children Stephen and Deborah. Richard enjoyed square dancing with his wife. They were members of Sunset Squares, co-chairing regional conferences in the Portland area.

Richard was a train enthusiast, travelling weekly with his young family from Union Station in Portland to Salem. They would always take the Fall Foliage tours from Portland to Crawford Notch, thoroughly enjoying the beauty of the season in the mountains. In later years he would enjoy trips to Boston on the Down Easter with his daughter.

After his retirement, Richard spent many hours volunteering at the Narrow Gauge Railroad in Portland and at Maine Medical Center, where he worked at the information desk and delivered mail.

Richard was a true dog lover, and taught his children and grandchildren to be the same. The family always had at least one dog and for quite a while were honored to have three Golden Retrievers; Sir Garrison of Alden, Lady Susan and Misty Morn.

Richard cherished his role as GrandDad and spent as much time as he possibly could with Shaun and Erin. The children loved their GrandDad as much as he loved them and carry traits of their GrandDad to this day.

Richard is predeceased by his parents, his brother, Robert Drake Aylward; his wife Nathalie, and his son, Stephen Richard Aylward.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Deborah, and his grandchildren Shaun Matthew Aylward and Erin Leigh Aylward. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law, Helen Aylward and grandchildren Stephanie, Joshua and Justin as well as great-grandchildren Troy, Kevin, Dylan, Hailey, Shelby and Brielle.

Richard's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of the Barron Center in Portland who cared for him during the year and a half he was at the Center. Everyone who came in contact with Richard and family was loving, caring, respectful, helpful and professional. You couldn't have done any better. Words cannot express our gratitude to you. We will never forget.

A graveside service will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 20, 2014 at Brooklawn Memorial Park, 2002 Congress Street, Portland.

A celebration of Richard's life will be held 10 AM on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at Williston-Immanuel Christian Church, 156 High Street, Portland.

Arrangements are by Jones Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, Portland.

Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Mr. Aylward’s online guest book.