Bill (Alexander) Ford, eldest son of the late Alexander and Eliza Ford, was born December 3, 1931 in Yakima, Washington. Bill’s father emigrated from Scotland in the early 20th century, and Bill was proud of his Scottish ancestry and their connection to farming and the land. Bill served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1961. He married Dorothy Loese Dunn on September 28, 1956 and they raised three sons.
Bill was a devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. He also generously shared his skill as a carpenter and craftsman with the people in his life. In addition to memories of his strength, humility, generosity, and sense of humor, Bill’s family and friends are surrounded by hundreds of completed home improvement projects that speak to his skill and selfless labor on behalf of those he loved.
Bill loved a short stack from IHOP and thought nothing of driving to Ellensburg for that simple pleasure. He loved dogs and horses, enjoyed country western music, spending time with family, cruise control, and trading in his Chevy or GMC pickup truck every few years for the latest model. His favorite vacations were camping with his family and he had particularly fond memories of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
His favorite song was “Till I’m Too Old to Die Young” by Moe Bandy as he loved the chorus, “Let me watch my children grow to see what they become,” which brought out the famous Bill Ford smile; he was very happy to have been able to do just that.
For many years, he was a superintendent for a construction company, and if you’re reading this in the PNW or Montana, you’ve likely been in a building that he built. He was particularly proud of the Yakama Nation Cultural Center in Toppenish, WA.
His life will forever be cherished by his wife Dorothy of Yakima, WA, and his children: Glenn (Tammy) of Ridgefield, WA; Don (Jacque) of Kihei, HI; and Gary (Chris) of Mazama, WA; his four grandchildren: Amber, Jenny, Travis and Jared; three great-grandchildren: Ethan, Lili and Luana; his siblings Dorothy Gee, Joan Riggs (Melvin), Eleanor Espinoza (Paul) and Tom Ford; and many other loving family members.
At his heart, Bill was a builder. With a few tools, a big heart and a belief that hard work pays off, he built a family; he built homes; he built businesses and he built a platform of success that his family, friends and community will benefit from for years to come. He will be missed.
Honoring Bill’s wishes, there will be a service for immediate family in Coeur d’Alene.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s honor may be made to Cottage in The Meadow, c/o Memorial Foundation, 2701 Tieton Drive, Yakima, WA 98902.
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
The family thanks the caring staff of Cottage in the Meadow for their empathy and skill in keeping Bill comfortable in his final days and the staff of Landmark Care Center, especially Doreen, Joyce, Kelsey, Laveitra, Lucy, Malee, Nate, Norma, Renee, and Wilda.
The Ford Family
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