Lifelong resident, firefighter, craftsman

Ken Harrod (Courtesy photo)

Kenneth L. Harrod, 67, died unexpectedly on May 4, 2010. He was born on June 22, 1942, the son of George Whitcomb Harrod and Esther Truesdell Harrod.

Ken was a lifelong resident of Harvard, having grown up on Depot Road in Still River. He graduated from the Bromfield School in 1960 and was employed by the Boston Gas Company for his entire 35-year career.

Ken was a member of the Harvard Fire Department for 45 years, where he served as lieutenant, captain, alarm inspector, and truck driver. He was the Town Hall custodian for many years and a member of the Harvard Water Department and Harvard Sewer Commission.

Ken was an avid woodworker, like his uncle, Walter Harrod, and enjoyed toiling away the hours in his shop, where he created masterpieces from wood. He was a member of the Harvard Lions Club and spent his life helping others.

In 1984 the Harrod family built their home in Danville, Vt., where they spent many vacations participating in Ken’s favorite activities—fishing and snowmobiling. In addition, Ken enjoyed tending to his garden and the Christmas trees growing in Vermont.

Ken is survived by his wife of 46 years, Priscilla Varney Harrod; his daughter Karen Rege of Wilmington, Del.; his son Gregory and his wife Linda and son Christopher of Shirley; a brother, Warren, of Still River; a sister, Nancy Alexander and her husband, Bob, of Marietta, Ga.; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends.

Calling hours will be held at Badger Funeral Home, 347 King St., Littleton on Friday, May 7, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m., and a celebration of Ken’s life will be held Saturday, May 8, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the Harvard fire station, 13 Elm St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harvard Firefighters, 13 Elm St., Harvard, MA 01451.