Nicholas Heath Safford Obituary
Nicholas Heath Safford, 93, passed away peacefully, speaking words of gratitude and love, the morning of May 15, 2025, in his beloved Rockport, MA home. Nicholas is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Martha Bliss Safford. Born in Boston, MA to George Sisson Safford and Hilda Heath Safford on March 16, 1932, Nick grew up in Wellesley, MA and graduated from Amherst College in 1954 with a BA in History. Nick served as an officer in the Air Force from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed on Okinawa during the Korean War. Growing up, Nick's family spent summers in Rockport; he realized his childhood dream to make Rockport his permanent home in 1963.
Nick met Martha on a ski trip to Cannon Mountain in 1960. After what he called a "whirlwind courtship," they married in 1965. Nick would say it took several years to lure Martha away from Cambridge, which she considered "the center of the universe.". As a serious, blazer and bow-tie wearing introvert who married an outgoing, flashy sequin loving extrovert, theirs was quintessential opposites attract relationship. They aligned, however, on shared priorities of family and friends, their beloved property on Pigeon Hill, and appreciation for the outdoors with ocean and mountain adventures.
Nick was introduced to investing at an early age by his father, a keen amateur investor. After college and the Air Force, Nick joined the Trust Department at State Street in Boston. A few years later he joined David L. Babson & Co., where he found his mentor in David Babson. When David retired, Nick had the capabilities and confidence to found his own firm, starting in 1979 and ultimately incorporating in 1983. Nick loved being his own boss and not having to retire because of age. He stayed engaged in the investment business, listening to company calls and podcasts and sharing his thoughts up until his passing. In fact, he was coming to the office daily up until mid-November 2024 when back pain slowed him down. A life-long learner with a love for finding dynamic new companies, his work ethic, client-first focus and integrity are the hallmarks of his enduring legacy in the business that bears his name.
An avid sailor, Nick was a lifelong member of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club in Rockport, starting in the 1940s. He raced O-boats with his dad and brother, George, then Star boats, and later he and Martha competed together in a Firefly, winning a North American Championship together. When his son John became interested in Star boats, Nick offered to crew, and they campaigned successfully together before Nick decided gardening and jogging were better for his back and knees. Nick and his friend Verne Caviness would jog regularly together, logging 6-milers from their homes through the woods of Cape Ann, around Goose Cove Reservoir and back, with a swim in the quarry afterwards.
Nick would spend happy hours planning, planting and harvesting his large fruit and vegetable garden. Nick's blueberry, blackberry, raspberry, gooseberry, currant, jostaberry, apple and pear crops are legendary. The variety of flowers blooming in the yard throughout the spring/summer seasons have always given such delight, and he would often pick bouquets for Martha or to give to others. His friend Bruce Johnson was his wingman for much of this cultivation. Nick knew the name of every full moon, tracked rainfall and the length of days, and loved sharing his analytics with family. He was grateful to God for the beautiful land on which he and Martha lived, the bountiful produce it yielded, and his view of the ocean and sky.
Nicholas is survived by his son, John A. Safford and his wife Deborah of Hamilton, MA; his daughter, Jennie A. B. Meyer and her husband James of West Gloucester, MA; and six grandchildren, Thomas Safford, Matthew Safford and his fiancé, Emma Perry, Oliver Meyer, Delilah Meyer, Rosie Safford, and Carl Meyer, as well as numerous extended relations. He treasured all family gatherings and was incredibly generous with family and those in need. Nothing made him happier than hearing news of his grandchildren or getting a call from a loved one. He also leaves dear friends who helped provide excellent care, enabling his wish to stay in his home. In addition to Martha, Nicholas was predeceased by his brother, George Safford, Jr., sister-in-law, Susan B. Alden and her husband Peter D. Alden.
A memorial service to celebrate Nick's life will be held on Thursday June 19, at 11:00 am at his church, Christ the Redeemer, located at 188 Elliot St, Danvers MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Christ the Redeemer, or The Sandy Bay Yacht Club Sailing Program and Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 37, Rockport, MA 01966.
