BINGHAM – Richard L. Wallingford, 80, one of the best-known draft horseman in the United States, had his time in the ring run out on Sunday, Sept. 3.

Dick had some of the most beautiful teams of horses that ever existed, and traveled the country competing at country fairs and community events. He and his horses still hold the worlds record for the largest load ever pulled by a two-horse team. He was one of the founders of the Maine Draft Horse and Ox Association.

He was also involved for many years in the local community. He was the master Mason of the Bingham Lodge, Worthy Patron of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Kora Shrine Temple. He served for many years on the SAD 13 school board, often as chair.

He ran a successful logging and sawmill operation in West Forks for more than 45 years, but will long be remembered for his large beautiful horses and his ability to handle them in such a skillful manner.

He invented and marketed the first aluminum hames for draft horses, and ended up managing many pulling events during his later years. He also co-founded Wallingford’s Inc., an international wholesale logging supply distribution company.

He was raised, as one of five children, at Perkins Ridge in Auburn, son of John and Bessie Wallingford, on a successful family apple orchard farm. He served in the Navy during World War II as a pilot and attended both the University of North Carolina and Yale.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Winnie. They raised four children, who now have fine families of their own, Linda and her husband, Jim West, of Bingham; three sons, spouses and five grandchildren, Dick Jr. and his wife, Elaine Wallingford, of Rockwood; one son and two daughters, spouses and two grandchildren, Diane Wallingford of Jacksonville, Fla. and her son, daughter and her husband, John Wallingford of Oakland and his two daughters, spouses and five grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Gabriel Wallingford; his daughter-in-law, Ann Wallingford; his two sisters, Arlene Hawkins of Auburn and Jane Michaud of Northridge, California; and his brothers, Eugene and Ivan.