Arthur Alford Obituary

Dr. Arthur Randall "Randy" Alford, 55, of Madison, Miss., and Orono, Maine, lost his battle with complications related to multiple sclerosis at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Miss., on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009. Family members will receive friends in the chapel of Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland on Friday, Feb. 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 1 p.m. until services at 2 p.m. Burial will be in adjoining Parkway Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Butch Simmons officiating. Dr. Alford was born in Baton Rouge on Oct. 31, 1953, to Arthur Travis Alford and Hilda Simmons Alford. His academic accomplishments began in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, where he graduated from high school, later receiving his bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi followed by his master's and doctoral degrees from LSU. After a one-year appointment as research entomologist in the chemistry department at the New Brunswick Research and Productivity Council in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada, he became an assistant professor of entomology at the University of Maine in Orono in 1982. His research focused on the chemical ecology of insects and on insect attractants and pheromones. He investigated plant chemicals associated with insect feeding stimulation and deterrence and, later in his career, combined these interests in the development of a strategy for the successful management of the Colorado potato beetle. During his 26-year career at the University of Maine, Dr. Alford served as chairman of the department of entomology from 1992 to 1994, and served as chairman of the applied entomology and environmental sciences department from 1994 to 1997. He was instrumental in establishing the Sustainable Agriculture Program at the University of Maine in 1986 and the Potato Ecosystem Project, a longterm research program, in 1992, which continues to this day. He was also a member of the Entomological Society of America and of the International Chemosensory Workshop on Insects. Throughout his career, Dr. Alford inspired and mentored many students, formally in the classroom teaching "Insect Morphology, Physiology and Behavior," "Pesticides and the Environment," "Plant Pest Interactions," and honors tutorials and, as significantly, informally in the many conversations and discussions with students and colleagues in his office, hallways and committee meetings. Students revered him as much for his thought-provoking questions and philosophical perspectives on life as they did for his expertise in insect physiology and behavior. Serving as a major adviser for seven graduate students, he also served on many graduate and honors advisory committees. For five years he served on the university honors council and he was a dedicated faculty mentor in the Maine Upward Bound Program, assisting underprivileged students to improve their skills in high school and prepare to enter and succeed in college. Many of Maine's Upward Bound graduates speak of Dr. Alford as their favorite and most fondly remembered professor and mentor because of his unique ability to both inspire curiosity and foster achievement. But Dr. Alford's first academic love was entomology. He worked from 1996 to 2007 to preserve the legacy of Maine's most renowned entomologist, Dr. Edith Patch, through the development of her home, Braeside, into the Edith Marion Patch Center for Entomology, the Environment and Education. Instrumental in placing Braeside on "Maine's Most Endangered Buildings" list, he steered Braeside onto the National Register of Historic Places in 2001, was a founding member of the Friends of Dr. Edith Marion Patch and spearheaded the project to preserve Dr. Patch's home and gardens on the edge of the University of Maine campus. He served as co-chairman of the University/Town Relations Committee from October 2002 to May 2003. Dr. Alford was professor of entomology in the School of Biology and Ecology at the time of his departure from the University of Maine in 2007 due to illness. His love of good friends, good food and his fondness for music led him and his wife to found the Southern Supper Club in Orono in 1997. Throughout his declining years, his whole-hearted joy in hosting frequent Southern Supper Club dinners and many charity events and tours in his beloved home, the Squire John Bennoch House overlooking the Stillwater River, remained a steadfast source of enjoyment for him. His love of family was always apparent in the enjoyable times he spent over the years with his wife and children traveling, hiking, camping and skiing. He never let his illness interfere with his devotion to his children or his joy in attending their academic and sporting events and cheering their accomplishments. He will long be fondly remembered by his family, colleagues, students and friends as a true Southern gentleman, a welcoming host, a delightful and entertaining storyteller and a collector of friends. The world is a better place for those who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jo Carol Alford, of Madison; devoted mother, Hilda Alford, of Denham Springs; sons, Travis Alford, of Atlanta and Elliot Alford, of Portland, Ore.; daughter, Olivia Alford, of Boston; stepdaughter, Leah and husband Brian Harris of Clinton, Miss.; brother, Rick Alford, of Denham Springs; niece, Monica Alford, of Denham Springs; grandsons, Cade and Chandler Harrris, both of Clinton, Miss.; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carroll and Peggy Rosamond, of Madison. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Travis Alford. Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Boren, Donnie Mashon, Collier Beasley, John Cooper Fore, Barry Starnes and Ralph Underwood. Honorary pallbearers are Bryan Green, Richard Rula, John Jemison, David Kimler, Wayne Honeycutt, Abner Hammond, Don Rosamond, Todd Rosamond, Johnny Hill, Wellie Harris, Joe Labruzzo, Barry Hannula and Jack Burton Hannula. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the Friends of Dr. Edith Marion Patch by mailing donations to Dr. Nancy MacKnight, 52 Penobscot St., Orono, ME 04473. Donations may be made payable to the University of Maine Foundation with Friends of Patch/Dr. Alford in the memo line. Dr. Alford's family wishes to express its deep gratitude to Dr. Ruth Fredericks, Dr. Michael Winkelmann, Dr. Indira Veerisetty, Dr. Anne Whitehurst, Dr. Adam Lewis, Dr. Dale Walker and the staff of Hospice Ministries, St. Dominic Hospital, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Mississippi Home Care and Trinity Mission Rehabilitation for the kind, loving care he received. Special thanks and recognition to Dr. Alford's favorites, Sherry Ingle, Alvin Thigpen and Jessica Keyes.

Published by The Advocate on Feb. 12, 2009.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jo Carol, my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. I know that Randy was your heart and you will miss him terribly but please try to find comfort that he is with the Lord now and you will see him again someday. Our time here is but a drop in the bucket. I sure do miss your beautiful smile up here in Maine and at my gym. Stay sweet

Sheila Wentworth

March 1, 2009

I am very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Ashley Smyth

February 25, 2009

I will always remember Randy for his honesty and forthrightness both as a faculty member and chair at the University of Maine. He was one of my favorite Chairs!

Randy had a great deal of pride in his children and my late husband and I enjoyed the stories he shared with us at Patch gatherings.

Randy demonstrated great courage in his difficult struggle with M.S. I greatly admired him for his strength in dealing with such a terrible disease.

May hope and peace by yours today and always. With deepest sympathy.

Judith Round

February 25, 2009

It seems I have known Randy forever, but it was only a few years. My deepest sympathies to all. He will be deeply missed by us all for a long time.

Dusty Dowse

February 24, 2009

Randy was the most intelligent, kindest man we have ever met. He seemed to love everyone and didn't hesitate to show it. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Our love and condolences to the family of a great man.

James & Lynda Cagle

February 24, 2009

Dear Family

I am so sorry for your loss and wish to send my condolences to the family.

Susan Tuholski

February 18, 2009

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Alvord at this time of great loss. He was an amazing educator and one of my favorite professors during my time at UMaine. His passion for life, morality, and philosophy through understanding the biological sciences is still something I strive towards today. I will be forever grateful for his teaching and support for me in my future career. UMaine has lost a great champion.

Dr. Ryan R. Joyce

February 17, 2009

My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow, I went to high school with Randy, I remember he always had a smile on his face. Did not see him very much after high school, but will always remember him

Keith Pickett

February 16, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Randy's passing. I had no idea he was sick. My heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with his family.

Jill Agee

February 15, 2009

I received the sad news of Randy's death from a family member only today. We attended high school and had some time together at LSU. He was always encouraging me to take an "insect" course and his enthusiasm was evident. I am saddened by the news.

John Agee

February 15, 2009

I am very sad of Randy's passing. Meanwhile, I am glad that I saw him in Jackson. Randy is living in our hearts.

Yuhong (Digou) Pang

February 14, 2009

Some people vastly enrich the lives of others they know. Randy was one of them.

Jennifer Welborn

February 14, 2009

Jo Carol,
We're saddened to learn of Randy's passing. May he bring as much joy in heaven as he did on earth.

Stuart Cohen

February 13, 2009

Randy was a year behind me in school and we were good friends. I ran into him in DS a few years ago and caught up. I did not know he was sick. My prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow. May God bless all of you.

Stephen Bond

February 13, 2009

Jo Carol, Mrs. Hilda, and Family,

My heart is deeply saddened by the loss of my classmate and good friend. Randy's wit and sweet disposition were always so special. Our days in high school were much more memorable because of him. In more recent years, it was always so good to be able to visit and catch up when he was in D.S. I was unable to see him during the past 2 years because of illness in my own family, but I know in my heart that he understood the situation. I will always consider him one of the most courageous people I know, facing his condition with so much strength and dignity. I am so proud to have called him my friend. My sympathy goes out to you all. Much love, Juanita Allen Zachary

Juanita Zachary

February 12, 2009

Jo Carol and family,

Our sincere sympathy and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

Glynda Chaney Fulce

February 12, 2009

Jo Carol and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Randy. He was such a nice man. My thoughts are with you.

Whitney Sapiel

February 12, 2009

PEACE

Jim Ledford

February 12, 2009

although i have not talked to randy in years i had promised myself to look him up someday to talk about our childhood. i have fond memories of going with the alfords to their grandparents place for weekends to mississippi. my first horseback ride was there. randy and i were close through elem. until they all moved to denham springs. my heart goes out to the family.

mark devall

February 12, 2009

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Andrew and Darlene Smyth

February 12, 2009

I am a former classmate in high school with Randy , and always thought the world of him. His unique attitude and love of life should give inspiration to all of us as to how to live our life with a positive and uplifting strength . He faced his illness with courage and dignity and anyone who has ever known him would say that any other way would be unthinkable to him . Though I didnt see hm as much as I should have the last several years , I will always remember his friendship and influence on me . The beauty of a good life lasts forever .

Jerry Underwood

February 12, 2009

Jo Carol and Family,

Our prayers and heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family. We will miss our friend Randy.

Van and Iris Foster

February 12, 2009

Jo Carol I was saddened to read this news today. I think of you and Randy and your blended family often especially when I am in Natchez or drive by the Magnolia exit.Our meeting and friendship is such a unique one. My prayers are with you and your family at this time. Cherish all those wonderful memories,especially your beautiful wedding day.

Theresa White

February 12, 2009

Marsha and I would like to express our deep condolences for your loss. We know how much love you, Jo Carol, and Peggy and Carroll showed Randy during his long illness. We admire how you have stayed the course. God's love to you all.
Gene and Marsha Baker

Gene Baker

February 12, 2009

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home-Parkway Memorial Cemetery

February 12, 2009

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