Pop was one of the greatest people that I ever knew.  My pop never liked to be the center of attention.  In fact if he were still here with us, he would want us to take the focus away from him and put it on us.  I have so many fond memories of him.  I can remember when I would stay over at my nanny and pop’s and pop would get up at 5:30am to get to the golf course.  We knew the first tee time wasn’t until 7:03, but he had to be the first person there to make sure that he got the first tee time of the day that following week.   Another funny golf story that I can remember was when it would be pouring rain at home, but he would still get ready as per usual and trot off to the course.  I would say, but pop, why are you going?  It is raining...his response...It doesn’t rain on the golf course.  Have fun with nanny, and I’ll see you when I am finished.  I always thought it was pretty cool that it didn’t rain over a golf course...well at least according to him.  
Pop cared for everyone who was close to him and expressed it his own special way.  As long as I can remember, I was always his “little girl”.  Even when I was a teenager, and thought that I was too cool for things, I always loved hearing when I would call their house, “hello little girl”.  To this day, every card that I ever received from him was always addressed to his “little girl”.  
My pop was never one to pass up a good drink. When he would come for dinner at either my parents’ house or our house, he would walk in the door and if you didn’t ask him within the first minute if he wanted a drink, his response was always “I thought you’d never ask.” Who ever made his Scotch and water had to make sure that it was the right shade of yellow and had lots of ice.  If it was too clear, he would ask, did you put anything in it?  It always made me laugh.  He was his happiest when he could sit outside, with a drink in hand hanging out with the family.
He had a special grandfather bond not only with his grandchildren, but also with his great granddaughter, Rachael.  If you asked Rachael where her Poppy Ernie was, she would say...in the big house.  She loved to go and visit her Poppy Ernie at the big house.  She would get off the elevator and run down the hallway saying hi to all of the residents and caregivers and finally arrive at Poppy Ernie’s room yelling...Hi Poppy Ernie.  From pub nights to going to pick him up for breakfast on Friday mornings to sitting with him in the sun room to visiting him in his room, she was the second “little girl” in his life.  
I’ve talked about those special grandfather bonds that he held with his grandchildren/great grandchild, but perhaps one of the most special bonds he had was with my brother Doug.  Doug and his pop were very close.  Not a day went by when Doug wasn’t on the phone talking to pop when he got home from work telling him about his day, or telling him his bowling score on a Saturday mornings or asking pop what he had done during his day.  They spent many weekend afternoons together watching sports and talking.  No one knew what was said during those special moments, but pop always knew the right things to say and how to say them.  Doug always came home happy and always talked about how special his pop was to him.  This special bond will always link Doug and Pop together and although they may not talk in person anymore, their conversations will live on forever.
Pop, I know that you are in a better place now and I hope you are enjoying your time with Nanny.  I love you and will miss you lots.  You will never be forgotten.

More than anything else, he was my Dad.  
  
So much goes into that simple statement.  

My Dad, Ernest Ward Ford, was my hero.  He was the example that I looked up to.  He was  my mentor,  my protector but  mostly my friend. Dad showed me what life was all about.    I didn't really fathom the enormous impact he  had on  me until I sat down to prepare this eulogy. Upon reflection, I  now realize I never made a decision or even acted spontaneously without consciously asking myself,  "what would Dad do or think of me if I did this...." 

My grandparents, along with My Dad's quasi surrogate parents, Uncle Tommy and Aunt Mamie Boyd obviously  impressed upon him the seriousness of life and of supporting oneself, and finally the importance of providing for the family.  The early 50's were  difficult times for a young family and there was no time or money for the finer things in life in those early years.  I remember seeing him come home tired from a long day at Joy Manufacturing, quickly eating supper with us and then watching him go off to paint houses during the evening and weekends to help make ends meet. He and my Mom both worked hard and made sure we had what we needed to get by. There was never any talk that we were poor...

I am not sure why, but my very first memory of my Dad is being with him in the basement watching him skin and hang rabbits that he shot for us to eat! 

I remember spending many Saturdays with my Dad at my Uncle Tommy's, which by the way was conveniently located on Ainslie Street between the Overland Hotel, also known locally as the Pigs Ear and the Royal Canadian Legion! Uncle Tommy and Aunt Mamie were the very first people we knew who had a color television.....so it was a great place to visit . It was also memorable because  as Laurie recently reminded me, Dad use to give us hush money to spend at Bills Variety while he  slid into the Pigs Ear for a pint or two while Mom was working.......something that would be frowned upon today.....but part of life then. They were safer, simpler times , and yet still time with my Dad that I deeply cherish. 

I remember going to Lincoln park with my Mom and sister and watching my Dad play fastball. I remember how proud I was to have people tell me that he was one of the best pitchers in town. I remember when I was 6 years old, him giving me his glove and how much I valued it. His enthusiasm for sports was infectious and from my earliest involvement in minor ball and hockey, my Dad did not send me to the arena or park but took me there and got involved. Through him, I met and became life long friends with the likes of Bruce Davey, Tubby Collins, Jimmy Schoenfeld and many others who have had a dramatic impact on my life. Even when I had advanced to another level, Dad often remained behind to Convene leagues, manage, and coach youth teams in both minor hockey and ball....some of which were quite successful....Included in that list was the 1965 Canadian National Babe Ruth Championship Baseball Team which he managed and who represented Canada in  Frederick, Maryland. His  unselfish giving of time, energy and dedication to the youth of Galt/Cambridge was well known in this city and likely by all of you who are here today. 

Dad was intuitive.  He somehow knew what to say and what to do, even in those times when you had not spoken.  And though he knew what to say, in so many ways, he was a man of few words. Throughout my entire childhood and despite getting in my fair share of mischief, I cannot recall one time where he raised his hand or voice with any of us. I recall being chased around the house or up the street by my Mom with a yardstick or a flyswatter in hand, but never by my Dad. You could always count on one important thing, whatever he said, though the words were not expansive,  they were always the right words. 
  
So many of you who knew my Dad knew him as a strong and proud man.  Quiet and reserved as well. You’d probably be surprised to know that he was also a very funny man, with a wonderful sense of humour. This was not a side of him that I remember during my early years, but one I have come to know and appreciate since moving back to Cambridge  4 years ago.  One example of the things he use to say has now unfortunately come true.....in that each and every time we passed this funeral home enroute  somewhere else, he routinely would say......"stay away from that place!"

I believe the warm and compassionate staff at St. Andrews Terrace who cared for  Dad over the past 3 1/2 years can also attest to his good natured quips. Right up to his final lucid moments last Saturday, he continued to tease the nurses and support workers. Those of us who were by his side during his final days also shared a few good laughs with him too.
  
Dad was born right in this city on August 28th, 1924 at the Old Galt hospital. Except for a few relatively short work related moves to Western Canada with the Military during the War and North Carolina as a consultant with Joy Mfg in the 80's prior to retiring, ,  he pretty much lived  his life in Galt.  Coincidentally, with St. Andrews Terrace being built on the exact same site as old Hospital, I use to tease him that his life cycle was the same as a salmon........despite 85 1/2 eventful years of life, he was destined to be born and to die within a few feet of one another!!

Dad was not only a wonderful husband and father, but a caring and thoughtful grandfather and great grandfather too. He took pride in their accomplishments, showed concern and compassion during their difficult times, yet loved them all equally. While he is adored and will be missed by Cathy, Ben and Great grand daughter Rachael, Dad and Dougie had a special bond that will never be replaced.
  
Over the past 4 years I had the privilege of being able to be with and do things with my Dad almost daily. I got to tell him often how much he meant to me and how much I loved him. On Saturday, he told Laurie and I he was ready to go and asked us to look after each other. He shook my hand and told me I was the greatest son a father could have....and that kind of remark from my Dad meant the world to me.

I would like to acknowledge and thank both my Sister Laurie and brother in law Bill for taking such good care of my Parents during the 34 years that I lived away. They are truly unsung heroes  and I will never forget all that they have done for our family.

There is so much more  to say about Dad, but a lot of my memories are also your memories and don't need to be repeated right now.   Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult things we can go through. No words can express what I am feeling right now and I’m sure only time can help me accept the fact.

Given that we lost my Mom in 1996 at the young age of 69, I am grateful to have had Dad around well into his 86th year. Unfortunately it doesn't make the loss any easier!

In closing,  I just want to tell the world how proud I am that  Ernie Ford was my  Dad.

Forever in my Heart
Doug

Dad was a family man,not just a man who had a family.He had a wonderful sense of humor, never spoke ill of anyone and although not a gushy person..he was able to say he loved you. Another part of my heart has broken off and I shall miss him.

OBITUARY

Mr. Ernest Ward Ford

28 August, 1924 – 9 March, 2010

Coutts Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services