Robert Ford

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Dorothy Kreszyn, Ruth Buckshy and Betty Roe. Robert is also preceded by his "Gal" Donna Barbara (Wallington) Ford, the love of his life for 54 years. He is survived by his 6 children, Sandra Ripley, Mike (Marie) Ford, Dave Ford, Larry Ford, Paul (Linda) Ford and Kathy (Butch) Pixler. He is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 5 great- great grandchildren.

He attended Western Michigan then attended the Merchant Marine Academy. He proudly served our country in WW II on The John Armstrong and Inglewood Hills as a Midshipman traveling to the Panama Canal and the South Pacific.

His love of travel continued when he began his 40 year career with Trans World Airlines and he would become a world traveler. He started as a baggage handler in Michigan and began to work his way up the ladder to Sales Manager. He and his family were transferred to Framingham, Massachusetts and then to Windsor Locks, Connecticut where he assisted in bringing the first international flights to the Hartford-Bradley airport. From there, he was transferred to Athens, Greece and became the Manager of Sales for Greece and Turkey for 3 years. Then the travel continued to Denver, Colorado. Where he arranged the Denver Broncos first flight to London for the first international N.F.L. game. He would eventually retire in Colorado after 40 years of service with T.W.A. After retirement he and Donna enjoyed taking trips to many places around the world.

He treasured his time with his family. He was involved in many of their activities including Little League coaching, umpire and Boy Scout leader. He was also active with the community and volunteering with the U.S.O. And the superintendent of the American Academy when he lived in Greece. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Bob loved all sports; baseball, hockey, football etc. and enjoyed watching them on T.V. and attending sporting events.

Even after many years, his love for the water stayed in his blood. He moved to Wilmington, N.C. to be near his daughter and more of his grandchildren and loved going down to the beach, watching the tide, enjoying the fresh air and reading a good book. After 10 years he moved back to Colorado where he would spend his final days with his family by his side.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Monday November 12, 2018 with services at 11:00, Tuesday November 13, 2018, both at Olinger Crown Hill. He will be laid to rest with his wife, Donna, at Fairmount Cemetery where his service to his country will be recognized by the rendering of military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry Street, Suite 700 Denver, Colorado 80246 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Email: [email protected]. P.O. Box 1000. Dept. 142. Memphis, TN 38148-0142, in Bob's loving memory