Edward James “Ed” Ford, beloved husband of Mabel Ford, passed away on Thursday, March 28th, one day before his 89th birthday. Ed leaves to cherish his memory his sons, Dale Ford, Douglas Ford and Lloyd Ford; daughter Myra Lightheart (Lyle Caldwell); grandchildren Andrea (Jason) Munro, Derek Schween, Nathan Ford and Alyssa Ford; great-grandchildren London, Davis, Alleya, and Deacon Munro and Lauren Schween; as well as nieces and nephews. Edward was predeceased by his parents Reginald and Elizabeth Ford.
Ed was the only child of Reginald and Elizabeth and always spoke highly of his parents and upbringing. He was only a teenager when his father died, but even at that young age, he stepped up and became the man of the family, looking out for both his mom and his widowed Aunt Clara.
Ed met Mabel, the love of his life and married her in 1952. For 67 years they were always “there for each other”. They enjoyed life with friends and family through holiday celebrations, family holidays and camping trips, late nights playing cards, square dancing, and helping out neighbours when there was a need. Mabel and Ed worked side by side transforming their houses into homes which were a haven for each other and their children.
Ed loved his family and enthusiastically supported the endeavours of each of his children. Even when “the kids” grew up and had their own homes, Ed was always ready to pick up a hammer and get to work to help with renovations. Ed could fix anything.
Ed loved trains and people loved to see Ed’s trains. He was a perfectionist and carefully made each tree, building, mountain, bridge and water feature. In the early years his basement housed an elaborate HO model railroad train. Over time Ed transformed his backyard into a G-scale model railroad wonderland which was a delight for all.
Tracing his family tree filled many hours as Ed compiled binders of ancestry documents and information.
Ed was a true “Hatter” as he was born, raised and lived his entire life in Medicine Hat. He was one of the original hires at Northwest Nitro-Chemicals Ltd. and worked there until it closed. When he retired, he kept busy with building projects around the house and for others. If Ed built it, it was solid.
Ed lived the last year of his life at Masterpiece Retirement Home in assisted living. The family would like to thank all who invested into Dad’s life. He spoke highly of you, the facility and the care he received.
The family would like to invite those who knew and appreciated Ed to an informal memorial at Masterpiece Chapel at 4401 Southlands Drive SE on Thursday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. A light lunch will follow.
Memorial gifts in Ed’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A. medhatspca.ca/donate (because he LOVED dogs, to name a few: Patsy, Annie, Ruby and Keri) or to the Alzheimer’s Society. alzheimer.ca/en/ab/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate
To send flowers to the family of Edward Ford (Ford), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edward Ford March 28th 2019..
Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel and Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Medicine-Hat, Province: Alberta