Gordon Arford died last Thursday after a yearlong struggle with kidney failure following heart bypass surgery. He was 77.
Arford was born Sept. 10, 1930 in Fort Wayne, Ind. He came to California early in his childhood, and graduated from North Hollywood High School, where he played center on the football team.
Arford was passionate about surfing and spent much of his leisure time in Laguna Beach at Treasure Island, where he met his wife, Barbara Davidson.
Arford served in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War.
Arford and his wife married July 1, 1953. They lived in Pacific Palisades until they moved to Malibu in 1959 with their three children, Nancy, Larry and Linda.
Arford participated in many community events and organizations in Malibu. Recently, he served as the president of the Malibu Navy League and arranged group visits aboard the Destroyer John Paul Jones and the Carrier Ronald Reagan.
He retired from E. R. Squibb and Sons and worked independently in the pharmaceutical field. Later, he worked at Zuma General Store.
A memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Feb. 16 at Calvary Church, located at 701 Palisades Dr. in Pacific Palisades.