L. Franklin Heald

L. Franklin Heald, 86, well respected and longtime resident of Durham, died Saturday, August 30, 2003 at Langdon Place of Dover.He was born February 10, 1917 in Littleton, NH the son of Walter N. and Fannie (Billings) Heald. Frank was raised and educated in Littleton, graduating from Littleton High School in 1935. While attending the University of New Hampshire, Mr. Heald was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. A graduate of UNH, Class of 39, Mr. Heald served during WWII as a Lt. Cmdr. In the US Naval Reserve. Mr. Heald was civic minded and generous with his time and talents. He worked at the University of New Hampshire News Bureau from 1948 until 1993. He was a volunteer call fireman for several years and later Fire Commissioner for a six -year term. He was instrumental in the development of the Durham Ambulance Corps. Frank became the official volunteer Durham Police photographer for 30 years. Frank was chairman of the Durham Red Cross, Durham Historic District Commission and served as a State Representative in the Legislature for one term. He was also Assistant Town Moderator for 25 years, Moderator for three years and served as Assistant Town Treasurer.Mr. Heald will be remembered for his many loaves of homemade bread for the many different church groups and other fund raising events. He was known around the UNH campus for his talent on the carillon - an instrument controlled by a piano keyboard that is used to ring the bells of Thompson Hall. He and his first wife of 48 years, Helen (Cheney) Heald served many UNH students with food and friendship, particularly the foreign students. She predeceased him in 1996.Survivors include his wife, Glenys (Shepard) of Durham; a son: James C. Heald of Seminole, FL; a daughter: Mary (Mrs. Douglas) Menzies of Littleton, NH; a brother: James L. Heald of Springvale, ME a cousin: Frances M. Heald of Littleton, NH, several grandchildren and five stepchildren: Debra Davis of Intervale, NH; Glenys Taylor of Nashua, NH; John Davis and Dani Clark both of Somersworth, NH and Carl Davis of Durham, NH. A Memorial Service will be held October 25, 2003 at 1 PM at the Community Church of Durham with the Rev. Mary E. Westfall, officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Langdon Place Activities Fund, 60 Middle Road, Dover NH 03820.