William Olson Ford

Born in Grand Junction, Colorado, to William and Ellen Ford, Bill grew up on the Western Slope, where he developed the strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and sense of humor that would define his life.

Bill proudly served his country in Vietnam, a chapter of his life that provided countless stories he would only begin to tell in the last few years but which never failed to entertain or strike some deeper emotion about his time there. Among his favorites were tales of pet monkeys and the friendships and hardships forged during his service.

The greatest story of Bill’s life began on a rainy day in Sydney, Australia. While on leave from Vietnam at age 19, he met a young woman named Maureen and asked if he could share her umbrella. After years of letters exchanged across an ocean, Maureen made the journey to America, and together they built a life that spanned more than five decades.

Bill and Maureen shared more than fifty years of marriage built on friendship, loyalty, adventure, and unwavering love. Anyone who spent time with them could see the bond they shared.

Bill spent much of his life building things. He worked as a cowboy alongside his father before becoming a pipeliner, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and eventually owner of Alcan Spring. He loved to work and was always looking toward the next project, opportunity, or challenge.

Outside of work, Bill loved hunting, camping, traveling, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. He visited all 50 states and traveled extensively throughout the world, creating memories and friendships wherever he went. Some of his happiest days were spent in the mountains, around a campfire, or planning the next adventure.

His children remember riding shotgun in his truck as he hauled just about everything imaginable across the country. They remember camping trips under the family’s infamous yellow tent, cold watermelon chilled in mountain creeks, hunting adventures, and neighborhood kids piled into the back of a pickup for ice cream runs. They remember a spring break trip to Lake Powell that involved the phrase “fire in the hole,” burned life jackets, wet clothes, and enough stories to last a lifetime. They also remember the day Bill did donuts in the school parking lot while dropping them off—something only he would have thought was a good idea. Looking back, Bill may have made a few questionable decisions, but there was never a shortage of fun.

Bill loved fast cars, westerns, old country music, red wine, cold beer, and a good joke. He was honest to a fault, quick to laugh, fiercely loyal, and rarely met a stranger. He loved telling stories because he had spent a lifetime collecting them.

Bill worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for his children and believed in hard work, fairness, and leaving things better than he found them.

Bill is survived by his wife, Maureen, with whom he shared more than fifty years of marriage; his children, Christina and Jason, Bridget and Billy, and William and Chelsie; his grandchildren, Chase, Coal, Evelina, Caleb, Finnick, and Ian; and his siblings, Virginia Brown, Anita Warner, Bernita Adams, Neil Ford, and Donna Hartman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ellen Ford; his brother, John Ford; and many family members and friends who undoubtedly welcomed him home.

One of Bill’s favorite sayings was, “Damned the bad luck.” For those who loved him, losing him feels exactly like that. But those who knew him also know how lucky they were. Lucky to hear the stories, share the adventures, laugh at the antics, and be loved by him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Martin Mortuary, 550 North Avenue, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Interment with Military Honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, Colorado.

Family and friends are invited to continue celebrating Bill’s life immediately following the interment at the Camp Eddy Club House, 347 Eddy Drive, Grand Junction, Colorado, where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared exactly as Bill would have wanted.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VA Western Colorado Health Care System Voluntary Services Office in support of veterans and their families.