Richard P. Arlander, Commander (retired) United States Coast Guard, passed away suddenly in his home Sunday morning, September 20, 2009 after enjoying a wonderful breakfast with his loving wife, Jean Nichois Arlander. Born in the Swedish Hospital, Seattle, WA, on January 8, 1922, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Helen (Anderson) Arlander.

After Growing up in Seattle, Richard traveled east to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1942. While a cadet at the Academy, he visited the Coast Guard Air Station at Winter Island and met jean Colby Nichols of Salem. In November 1944, soon after Richard's graduation, they were married at the First Church in Salem and spent the next 65 years together.

During WW II, Arlander served aboard Coast Guard Cutters protecting Atlantic Convoys from enemy submarines. He also served on Ice Breaker patrol in Greenland and escorted troop transport vessels in the Pacific Theater. At the end of the war, he was transferred to Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. to work in the Engineering Department. While at Headquarters, he had the honor of serving on President Dwight Eisenhower's Inaugural Committee.

The highlight of Commander Arlander's career was during the Cold War, serving aboard the USCG Cutter Courier, stationed in Rhodes, Greece as Chief Engineering Officer from 1957-1960. The Courier, a high powered radio ship, broadcast the "Voice of America" message behind the Iron Curtain and to the nearby Middle East.

From Greece, he was transferred to Alameda, CA. Richard's last duty station was as Executive Officer aboard the USCG Cutter Cook Inlet in Portland, Maine. While stationed in Maine, the Arlander family fell in love with its Downeast lifestyle. Because of this, he decided to retire and pursue a teaching career in Marine Engineering and Mathematics at the Southern Maine Technical Institute in South Portland, ME.

In his Leisure time, Richard enjoyed tinkering with anything mechanical. He also enjoyed riding his bicycle around Salem to keep an eye on all the development in the city. He was an avid Red Sox and Patriot's fan and especially enjoyed watching Patriot's football on Sunday afternoons with his grandson, Benjamin.

In addition to his wife, Commander Arlander is survived by a son Lance C. Arlander and his wife Katherine of Danvers, a daughter in law Connie Arlander of Salem; three daughters Christine Arlander of Falmouth, ME, Jane C. Arlander of Salem and Sarah A Czysk and her husband Mike of New Port Richie, FL; 10 grandchildren Nathaniel, Benjamin, Henry and Becky Arlander, Teddy, Colby, and Sarah Jane Bennett, Amanda, Alexander and Andrew Czysk.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. in the First Church in Salem Unitarian, 316 Essex St., Salem, MA 01970. At the family's request there are no visiting hours. Interment will be private. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the United States Coast Guard Academy Foundation, Attn Ellie Roy, 394 Taugwank Rd, Stonington, CT 06378. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.