Obituary of John A. Ford
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John Albert Ford of Waterloo passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at the age of 86.
Predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years Patricia Goldring in 2012. John is survived by his children Kelly (Martin), Chris (Patti), Cam (Tracey), Adam, Quinn (Wendy), and sister Gwen Graff of Florida. Proud grandfather to Justin, Sara, Alyssa, Kate, Shannon, Jessica (Andrew), Chelsea (Shawn), Brett (Chelsea) and Elizabeth. Proud great grandfather to Chase, Jaden, Jace, Kohen, Karter and Adalyn. Proud uncle to Larry, John and Lynn Graff, and Susan Kranenburg. John is predeceased by his father Albert Alvin, mother Lorna Katherine Musselman, brother Robert Gordon, daughter-in-law Nancy and grandson Adam.
Private Funeral Services will be held. Relatives and friends are invited to join in the Livestream of the Funeral Service on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11am by registering at www.erbgood.com. Condolences to family and memorial donations in lieu of flowers to St. Mary’s Hospital and World of Gifts-PWRDF can be arranged through Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street S. Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.
John, a true native to Waterloo, was the 3rd generation born on Dorset St. in 1934. A graduate of KCI, he excelled in many high school sports such as football, track and baseball. Hockey was a life long passion, playing for such teams as Jr B Siskins, Jr A Hurricanes, Woodstock Jr B and Kitchener Jr A Greenshirts (now the Rangers). John played his last year in the International Semi Pro League for the Toledo Mercurys. As an adult, John was head instructor for Don Hayes Hockey School, coached Major Midget All Star and Waterloo Siskins in 1974, and continued playing old-timer hockey into his 50’s. All throughout, taking his young family to all their hockey and sports activities. As a player and coach he achieved many final and championship Provincial titles. John also enjoyed bowling and was one pin away from a perfect score. His love for bowling and the fate of a rainy day in Southampton lead John to the local bowling alley where he finally found the perfect score when he met his lovely Pat.
John’s entire career of 56 years was in general insurance. While a branch manager of an international broker, John also dedicated time as a member of the Insurance Institute of Canada. He was president of K/W Agents & Brokers Association and chaired committees that provided insurance advice for the City of Waterloo.
John loved his golf and was a member of Westmount Golf & Country Club for over 50 years. His lowest handicap was five and his best score was five under, as seen on his license plate long after. John had three hole-in-ones; one of which was a par 4. He had the privilege of playing in the 1969 Canadian Amateur Open. Always giving back, John served as past director and greens chairman at Westmount GCC.
John’s faith was an important part of his life. His took his children to Saint Columbia Church, Waterloo and later attended The Church of the Holy Saviour, Waterloo. John served as people’s warden, rector’s warden, lay delegate for the Anglican Church of Canada and was a member of the Bishops Men/People. John also served as a member and secretary of the Waterloo Lions Club.
Of all the amazing things John accomplished in his life, he was most proud of his loving family and his beautiful wife Pat, whom he always gave credit for the lion share of raising their five children. The family all have great memories of years of camping, raising all sorts of pets (including a monkey), and many a “party at the Ford’s!”. John was blessed with countless wonderful friends and he shared some of the best of times and trips with them. Everyone was always welcomed at Pat & John’s.
The family would like to extend our heart-felt gratitude for the exemplary care our father received at St. Mary’s Hospital and Local Health Integrated Network especially in this time of a international health crisis. Thank you to the staff, which he considered friends, at Chartwell Terrace on the Square for creating a place he could call home.