| David K. Bamford
DOVER - David K. Bamford, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, 75, of Dover passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
The son of George and Beatrice (Ray) Bamford, he was born September 17, 1946 in Exeter but was raised in Durham. He thoroughly enjoyed his school-aged years, which provided countless fond memories with his older brother, Steve, and younger brother, Paul. His parents influenced him greatly, instilling in him a sense of “goodness” and great humor. Dave graduated from Oyster River High School in June 1964. He entered the University of New Hampshire that September and graduated with honors in January,1969. He was named a Distinguished Military Graduate upon graduation.
Dave began his time in the United States Army stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, later serving in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He also worked as an assistant warden in a military prison at Fort Riley, Kansas. He left active service in 1971 and enrolled at Suffolk University Law School, where he graduated in 1975. He worked as an Executive Officer and later as Commander of the Artillery Battery in Dover, NH. He also began to invest in real estate, which he continued throughout his adult life. Dave established his own law practice – Bamford, Dedopoulos & Regan – in Durham and Dover.
In March, 1976 Dave and then wife, Kathy (Hannon), lovingly welcomed daughter, Kristen. In 1996, Dave married Deb (Basford) who, he felt incredibly fortunate to spend his life with. He welcomed her children Josh, Mattie, Dynn, Beka, and Bobby into his life and loved them as his own. A longtime resident of Dover, he cared deeply about his community. He continued to grow his real estate business and engaged in a wide variety of community initiatives, particularly related to education. He was named the Citizen of the Year by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce in 2016.
A true fighter, but never a complainer, Dave lived with an aggressive lung disease for over 12 years. In 2014 he was blessed with the ultimate gift of a donor lung which extended his life by over seven meaningful years.
A deeply loving man, Dave was beloved by his family and friends. He will be remembered for his integrity, wisdom, wit, humor, and friendliness.
Members of Dave’s family include his wife of 26 years, Deborah Bamford of Dover; five children: Kristen Sebastian and her husband, Scott, of Durham; Joshua Cote and his wife, Kyle of Dover; Deborah-Lynn Cote of Dover; Rebekah Krieger and her husband, Ross, of Dover; and Robert Cote, Jr. and his wife, Jill, of Dover; 11 grandchildren: Lexie, Addy, Asher, Aidan, Cameryn, Mayer, Quinn, Ella, Ryann, Leven, and Eliot; two brothers Stephen Bamford and his wife, Donna, of North Port, Florida and Paul Bamford and his wife, Mary, of Stratham; and many dear nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and his son, Matthew Cote.
Visiting hours will be Sunday July 24, 2022 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home, 621 Central Avenue, Dover.
Dave was a man who believed wholeheartedly in equality, education, and helping others. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be made to: The Children’s Home of Dover, The American Lung Association, UNICEF Children’s Fund, or PBS of NH.
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