Hal Childs, editor, writer, merchant

Harold L. “Hal” Childs of Tucson, Ariz., a former Ridgefielder who had been a journalist, writer and village businessman, died Tuesday, Jan. 28, in Tucson. He was 81 years old and the husband of Verna Childs.
Mr. Childs was born on May 13, 1921 in Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated from Temple University. During World War II, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1946.
His first job was as a reporter with the Atlantic City Journal where he later became editor. His next pursuit was as the director of public relations for the March of Dimes in New York.
Mr. Childs then started his own public relations firm, specializing in providing services for various medical related companies. He wrote many articles for the Journal of the New England Institute for Medical Research, which was located in Ridgefield during the 1960s and early 1970s.
In 1975, after years in public relations, he and his wife purchased “The Yardage Shop” on Main Street where they sold fine fabrics and sewing machines. They also serviced sewing machines.
“He was very good with his hands in so far as building things and repairing items,” his family said. “He was an electronics buff who enjoyed his cameras, video equipment and countless TVs. He loved to watch all sports on television and followed them thoroughly.”
Mr. Childs came to Ridgefield around 1959 and had lived on Country Club Road. He was active in the Ridgefield Lions Club for many years.
He and his wife retired in March 1993 and moved to Tucson.
Besides his wife of 42 years, Mr. Childs is survived by three sons, Kevin Childs of Portland, Ore., Craig Childs of Elk Grove, Calif., and Scott Childs of Eastford; two daughters, Jody Gagne of Lucas, Texas, and Tracy Childs of Ridgefield; two sisters, Helen Fein and Sylvia Novak, both of Pennsylvania; a former daughter-in-law, Kathy Childs of Las Vegas, Nev.; six grandchildren, Jennifer, Dwight, Cameron, Kali, Brody and Hailey; and by several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation 30 East 33rd St., Suite 1100, New York, NY 10016 or American Heart Association of Southwestern Connecticut, 5 Brookside Drive Wallingford, CT, 06492.