BLANDFORD – A private graveside burial service was held out of town recently for Peter L. Milford, 76, of Blandford. He died unexpectedly, yet peacefully while sleeping, some months earlier. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Eugene and Ruth (Miller) Milford. He graduated from Trinity-Pawling School and from Trinity College in Connecticut with a degree in English. He was a member of Theta Xi fraternity.
After briefly working in publishing, Peter had a long career as a carpenter and builder with his own one-man business. His specialty was restoration of older houses and barns. In the 1980s, he was a town water commissioner and was on the Conservation Commission. As an original member of the Historical Commission, he served over twenty years to preserve and protect historic structures and landscapes in Blandford, as charged by the state. Peter worked tirelessly at historic Watson Park on the two barns, the gazebo, the plantings, and the trees, often as a volunteer. He saw the value of saving and honoring the early history and culture of the town through those efforts.
An avid reader, Peter was particularly interested in thought, history, wildlife, forestry, sawmilling, and maintaining orchards. He was growing organic vegetables before it became popular. He chose a life in the country while continuing to follow current events. After retirement from his business, Peter kept doing his lumber work and farming vegetables, fruits, and flowers while appreciating his outdoor environment. He and his wife built a cottage off the grid next to a quiet pond in the Adirondacks where they spent time whenever possible.
Peter was committed to being a good steward of the earth. He cleared, managed, and cared for the land on the family tree farm and was happiest when he was enjoying the gifts of nature. Peter is survived by his wife of almost 40 years, Katherine. He also leaves his bother-in-law, David (Barbara), other friends, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his older brother, John, and by his other brother-in-law, Jack.
