MINOT — Clement V. Hartford, 81, died on Feb. 21, 2012 with his loving family by his side.

Clem was born Nov. 3, 1930, in Hiram, the son of Herbert and Lora (Marston) Hartford. He grew up on Tearcap Mountain in Hiram. He told many stories about life on the mountain and the adventures he shared with his siblings, Owen, Slick and Elaine. After Clem graduated from Fryeburg Academy, he joined the Air Force, traveling extensively during his four years of service. Two of his favorite areas were northern Africa and Alaska.

As his Air Force years were ending, he was stationed in the Washington, D.C. area. It was there that he met the love of his life, Faith Nelson. She so loved his stories about life in Maine, they moved here and were married on Dec. 31, 1955. Clem went to work as a lineman for the telephone company and they bought a home in Minot, where they raised their four children. Clem was a hard working man. He tended to large gardens, a small orchard, was actively involved in his children’s sports and was instrumental in the development of the Minot Hebron Athletic Association. He taught his children to be hard working, independent and fair.

Clem loved the outdoors. He taught his children to respect nature. He was an avid hunter and a Maine Guide for a period of time. He greatly enjoyed his time in the woods with his brother, Owen.

Clem retired in 1982, and then moved to Florida in 1984 with his wife and son, Matthew. Despite health issues that forced his retirement, he continued to putter — working around the house and on his beautiful gardens. It was during their time in Florida, that they became Christians. In 2002, they moved to Ohio to be near one of their sons, Matt, who was serving as minister in the Church of Christ and their faith became the centerpiece of their lives.

The biggest change in Clem’s life came in 2008, when his wife of 52 years suddenly passed away. During this devastating loss, he turned to his faith and family and found the courage and peace that he demonstrated for the rest of his life.

In April 2011, Clem returned to Maine to live with his daughter and her family in the home he bought 50 years earlier. He spent his summer doing the things he liked best — being with his family and working outside with his boys on his John Deere tractor. In his own words, “I had a ball!”

He leaves behind his children, Sharon Petrie of Minot, Tom Hartford of Minot, Eric Hartford of Rockledge, Fla. and Matt Hartford of Merritt Island, Fla.; his seven grandchildren; his three great-grandchildren; his brother, Owen Hartford; and sister, Elaine Sanborn.

He was predeceased by his wife, Faith; and brother, Herbert (Slick).

Family and friends are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Clement’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A memorial service was celebrated on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Committal will be held at a later date.

Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to the Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston ME 04240.