Arch C. Tilford 97, died Friday, March 23,in Salisbury. He was born November 4, 1909 in Buckwheat Hollow (East Lawrence),PA, the son of Charles Leon and Harriet (Hudson) Tilford. He graduated from Practical Bible College in Binghamton, NY and from 1929-1932 was Assistant Pastor at the First Methodist Church in Geneva, NY. He graduated from Middlebury College in 1936. In 1939 he married the late Alice Emma Flagg. During World War II he worked in production control for Sun Ship Building in Philadelphia. In 1948 he moved to Vermont, where he worked as a salesman. From 1952 to 1983 he and his wife owned and operated the Green Mountain Tackle Co., located first in East Middlebury, then in Salisbury. From 1971 to 1974 he was a Selectman for the Town of Salisbury. When he retired in 1983 he moved to Middlebury. Mr. Tilford was known for his enjoyment of sports, especially fishing and hunting. He was a loyal fan of Middlebury Union High School sports, especially basketball. Survivors include his daughter, Louise Cunha of Stuart, FL; two sons, Charles of Portola Valley, CA and Hudson of Middlebury; one sister Leone Welch of Pine City, NY; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Alice Tilford; his sisters Constance, Ann, Bernice, and Mary Louise; and his brother Hudson. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 30 at 1:00 PM at the Congregational Church in Middlebury with Rev. Marthinus J. Riekert officiating. Calling hours are at Sanderson's Funeral Home in Middlebury on Thursday, March 29 from 5-7 PM. Contributions may be made to the Addison County Community Action Group, PO Box 165, Middlebury, VT 05753.