Eric Ford

In his 78th year, Eric passed away peacefully, with dignity and family at his side, after a lengthy illness. He leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend Eleanor (Ashforth), the love of his life. He was a loving father to Brian (Cynthia), David and Gail. He was the much loved step father “Chuck” to Nancy Boxer whose loyalty, trust, support and friendship were so cherished by both Eric and Eleanor. He was a loving stepfather to Jane (Steve) Ramsey and Barbara (Peter) McWhirter. He will be fondly remembered as “Poppa” by his grandchildren Ryan, Kyle and Meagan Ford, Saxon and Hailey Guptill, Jennifer, Ian and Drew Ramsay, and Matt and Katie McWhirter. He is also survived by his brothers Alan (Nancy) of Pickering, Ron (Faye) of Saskatoon, and his sister Lynn Berdekles of Boston and by his sisters-in-law Marilyn Anderson (John) of Millgrove and Roberta Wright of Bradford.

Eric graduated from the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) and Trinity College (University of Toronto) and enjoyed a long and successful career as a Chartered Accountant with Clarkson Gordon (now Ernst & Young) and later in his career, with the Sherwood Group (Foster Advertising). For his distinguished service to the profession, Eric was recognized by the institute of Charted Accountants of Ontario as an FCA.

Eric found much comfort from his faith and church, and will be remembered for his service as a member of the choir and warden at St. Clements Church together with his service to the Treasury Board of the Diocese of Toronto. A lover of music and the arts throughout his life, he was an accomplished amateur pianist, sang in the choirs and other ensembles from his Trinity days on, and enjoyed many years in the cast of the spring review of the Arts & Letters Club. Eric also had strong commitments to community service and served as Chairman and sat on many boards including Delcrest Children’s Centre, Crescent School, the Children Services Review Board, the Canadian Music Centre as well as participating in fundraising efforts for many charities. Eric also served as Chancellor of Thornloe College in Sudbury. Eric had a keen sense of the political landscape in Canada and served many years in various advisory roles with the Progressive Conservative Parties of Canada and Ontario, most notably as a personal advisor to Robert Stanfield. He was also a member of the Granite Club and the Albany Club, for which he served the board as member and president over many years. In retirement, he became involved with Living and Learning in Retirement at Glendon College (York University).

For him, perhaps best of all were the summers spent on Rankin Island in Muskoka, where he and Eleanor shared their time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.

Many thanks to the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto General, Toronto Western, St, Michaels Hospital and especially the staff at Bridgepoint Hospital for all of the excellent care provided and the efforts made to enhance the quality of his life.

Friends may call at the TRULL “NORTH TORONTO” FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 2704 Yonge St. (5 blocks south of Lawrence) on Friday from 3-6 pm. The Celebration of Eric’s life will be held at ST. CLEMENTS ANGLICAN CHURCH (Duplex & Briar Hill Ave) on Saturday, January 24th at 1:00 o’clock. If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to St. Clements Choir Fund or to the charity of your choice.