Harold Radford

With a journey that spanned times of war and peace, plenty and want, Harold Radford kept his gaze fixed on what mattered most through it all: his faith and his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than holding his loved ones close, and his solid work ethic allowed him to go above and beyond to serve all those around him. Deeply cherished, Harold will be forever loved and missed.

The 1930s have gone down in history as a tumultuous decade for those living in the United States of America. The Great Depression cast a dark shadow over the nation, and families around the country pulled together to find a way to thrive during such a time of need. During these difficult years, however, there was much to celebrate in the household of Harold and Rose (Mieczkowski) Radford, a couple living in Detroit, Michigan. They were so happy to announce the arrival of their son, Harold Nelson, on August 27 of 1935.

When Harold was just an infant, his mother passed away. Both Harold and his sister, Ilene, were placed in foster care. But this didn’t stop him from enjoying a childhood filled with many wonderful moments. From a young age, Harold found great fulfillment in working hard. He first started working small jobs as a boy and into his teenage years. Harold’s first few jobs included setting bowling pins, sweeping and emptying trash at a local jewelry store, and filling jelly donuts at a nearby bakery. He would often sneak some of the sweet donut filling home as a treat for Ilene. Almost everything Harold earned went to help with the family’s living expenses. He attended local schools, and he discovered a love for playing tennis. Harold graduated from Trenton High School, eager to see what the future held.

Exciting changes were on the horizon for Harold as he met the wonderful young woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Jean Crutcher, and their paths first crossed at a church youth activity. There was an instant spark between Harold and Jean. Over the next two years of dating, their relationship blossomed, and they continued to fall deeper and deeper in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Harold and Jean were married on July 2, 1955, in the brand-new Bethel Baptist Church building. Theirs was the first wedding there, but in the years to come, four generations of their family would go on to be married in that church. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon picnicking at Lake Michigan, taking in the beauty of nature. Throughout their many years together, Jean was Harold’s beloved “Jeanie Beanie.”

It wasn’t long before Harold’s family began to grow. He and Jean were overjoyed to welcome their firstborn son, Ron, into their hearts and home in 1956. Just a few years later in 1960, their daughter, Diane, was born, completing their family. That same year, the family settled down into their longtime home in Southgate. Harold thrived in his role as a father, and his kids were his pride and joy. He loved being able to take family vacations every year. Their road trips with packed meals were never fancy, but they were the backdrop for countless family memories. Harold took meticulous care of his car and his home, and his lawn was always the best-looking in the neighborhood with absolutely no dandelions allowed.

There was nothing more important to Harold than providing for those who depended on him. He was a warehouse manager at Wyandotte Electric during the day, and he also worked for an electrical contractor at night. Harold was always willing to go above and beyond to make sure his family lacked nothing. Thanks to his two jobs and his unwavering work ethic, the Radfords were the first to have a colored TV and a swimming pool. Harold looked forward to taking a quick dip in the pool to cool off from the stifling warehouse on his lunch breaks. At night, the family enjoyed “quiet swims” so as to not bother the neighbors.

Later in life, Harold and Jean spent their time traveling with friends. They were able to visit Florida and Alabama, and they went on plenty of adventures together. In 2004, Harold and Jean moved to live in an in-laws’ suite in Grand Rapids with their daughter and her family. Having loved ones so close was such a help to Harold, especially as Jean’s health declined. Over the years, Harold was thrilled to become a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather. Affectionately known as “Grandpa Cookie", he was famous for sneaking cookies to the kids all the time. Harold loved cracking jokes, teasing, and making up all kinds of funny rhymes, tongue-twisters, songs, and poems—anything to get the children giggling. He considered himself deeply blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Always ready to jump in and lend a hand, Harold helped build the new church building for Bethel Baptist Church. He became a longtime member of his church home, Faith United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids. Harold was very active in the church but preferred to serve behind the scenes. He would walk to the building at night to check that the doors had been locked. Harold found great joy and peace in reading his Bible, and he loved hearing his granddaughter read Scripture to him in his last days. As he often said, he firmly believed that, “this is not our home, we are just passing through.”

As family and friends gather to reflect on the life of Harold Radford, it is easy to celebrate someone filled with such generosity, compassion, and grit. He exemplified what it meant to follow faithfully after the Lord, and as a devoted family man, his love for those who shared his life was limitless. Although our days will never be the same without Harold here, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Harold Nelson Radford, age 90, entered his heavenly home February 16, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Harold was born August 27, 1935 in Detroit, to the late Harold E Radford and Rose (Mieczkowski) Radford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Ann Radford; his sister, Ilene Wickham and brother-in-law Robert Wickham. Harold is survived by his children, Ronald (Liz) Radford and Diane (David) Dusendang; grandchildren, Barbara Rochowiak, Beth Radford, Ronnie Radford, Meredith (Jacob) Vasquez, Lauren (Kevin) Charbonneau, Tricia Dusendang, Amy Dusendang; great grandchildren, Makenzy (Hunter) Smith, Reed Radford, Aaron Radford, Ciara Dusendang-Stout, Alyssa (Robert) Johnson, Brenden Dusendang, Alexia Plaza, Brianne Whitney, Penelope Charbonneau, Sylvester Charbonneau; and great great grandchildren, Jaklyn, Alistair, Aida, and Arthur. He is also survived by his nephew, David (Vicki) Kostaroff; and great nephew, Conner Kostaroff; and great niece, Katie Kostaroff; sister-in-law, Sharon Crutcher and nieces Julie Tuinstra and Jill (Dan) Beesley. According to his wishes, cremation will take place and a private family gathering will be held. Memorials are suggested to Michigan Elk’s Association Major Project Commission; PO Box 141605, Grand Rapids, MI 49514. To read more of Harold’s Life Story, leave a memory or sign the guestbook, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com