Henry L. Guard, 88, passed away on July 15 in Boothbay Harbor, surrounded by his family.
He was born in 1919, and grew up in Pelham, N.Y.
At an early age, Henry developed wonderful skills with his hands, building his first boat at age 19. His mechanical abilities allowed him to maintain the family home and autos without formal training.
He met his wife, Barbara, while in high school and they married in 1942 thus beginning a loving and durable marriage of 64 years.
Henry loved to work. Unable to fight, he worked 80 hours a week during WWII, building weapons in Bridgeport, Conn.
In 1950, Henry moved his family to Riverside, Conn. He always had “to-do” lists and his work ethic was passed on to his family. He was incredibly honest and fair, and dependable and constant. A taciturn man, he nevertheless had a wonderful sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew him.
An avid sailor, he was a member of the Greenwich Cove Racing Association and raced most weekends. He restored the salvaged hull of a wooden Rhodes 18, which he purchased for $100 and went on to win the national championship in 1966. Henry’s love of boats brought the entire family to salt water. All the Guards learned to sail and there were many family adventures.
He also enjoyed restoring antique cars. He totally rebuilt a 1950 Willys Jeepster Phaeton, which is still on the road and driven regularly by his son.
Henry spent most of his career at Pitney Bowes in Stamford, Conn., working as a model maker. He worked on the first postage meter design, as well as many other business machines. In 1982, he retired after 25 years.
He moved to Maine in 2002 after spending 52 years in Riverside, Conn., working and raising his family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; sisters, Virginia and Jane; and many of his closest friends.
He is survived by his son, James L. Guard and wife Mary of San Juan Island, Wash.; daughters, Barbara G. Hamilton and husband Edward of Edgecomb, and Judith A. Guard and partner Philip Parda of Killingworth, Conn.; grandchildren, Lisa Clifford, William Clifford and Kate Hamilton of Maine, and Julia Blandori, Paul Blandori, Jr. and Rachel Blandori of Connecticut; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be private at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Friends of Greenwich Point, P.O. Box 711, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.
