Harold Mulford

Harold Edward Mulford 96, of Sunnyside went to be with the Lord on July 22nd 2017 surrounded by family. He was born in Hays Center, Nebraska on May 25th 1921 to Henry and Nellie Mulford. He moved to Washington State when he was 16, later settling in Sunnyside at the age of 29. He is survived by his wife Louise, one brother Arwin “Vern”, two daughters Sheri (Rod) and Rhonda, three sons Paul (Laura), Marty, and Kevin, grandchildren Rodney, Cassie, Kayla, Ryan, Lori, Jim, Mike, Karen, Nicky, James, Brandi, Tiffany, Gena, April, Justin and many great and great great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, two children Mark and Marilyn as well as Brothers Kenneth, Leonard, Henry “Bruce”, and Albert “Jack”, and sisters Dorothy, Mable, Margaret, and Virgie. Harold was a man of many talents being offered a professional baseball contract by the Brooklyn Dodgers, a professional boxing contract, and had several opportunities to go pro in rodeo. Instead Harold chose to follow his true passion of Farming and Ranching. Other passions included bird hunting, clay pigeon shooting tournaments, watching sports, camping, going to rodeos, and spending time with family during our Monday night dinners and our annual Mulford family reunion. Harold never knew a stranger and wherever he went he would quickly brighten up the room with his smile and charismatic aura. No matter how he might have been feeling even in his final days he would always crack a wise joke and try to have the most upbeat and positive attitude so he could brighten up someone else’s day. Whenever someone would need help whether it was with finances, needing somewhere to live, needing a handyman, or something as simple as just being there to talk to he wouldn’t hesitate helping even if he couldn’t afford it, they didn’t deserve it, or if he needed help himself. Harold married his first wife Dorothy when he was just 19 years old. They had their three children Marilyn, Mark, and Paul. They were married for 22 years. In 1963 he married Louise and with loving arms welcomed daughter Rhonda into the family. They then went on to have three children of their own Marty, Kevin, and Sheri. They were happily married for his last 54 years and have inspired many on how to create a long lasting marriage. Working well into his 70’s Harold held many jobs, mainly in farming and ranching. During WWII he enlisted in the Navy where he was quarantined to his farm as the Navy thought owning and operating the farm would serve the country better than him going into war. Later in life Harold got a technical certification from J.M. Perry in Small Engine Repair where he used those talents fixing lawnmowers for friends and family into his 80’s. For those who would like to honor Harold and his family there will be a viewing from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, August 2, 2017 at Valley Hills Funeral home in Sunnyside. Funeral services will be Held 10:00 am August 3, 2017 at Valley Hills funeral followed by graveside service at Outlook Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to www.valleyhillsfh.com. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in care of all arrangements. “The story is just beginning…” To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Mulford, please visit our flower store.