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Ronald Joseph Ford

1943-2015

It is with great sadness that we announce that Ron Ford passed away on Aug. 14, 2015, at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Leslie, his two sons: Jason (from his first wife Donna) and Jared; and five grandchildren: Acaylia, Jason Jr, Justin, Cheyanne and Sydney-Rae. Ron was born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario. He has two sisters: Josie (Dennis) and Ann (Andy) and two half-brothers: Darryl (Irma) and Brad (Wendy).

Ron lived life to the fullest, with a love of family and friends, Ford trucks and Arctic Cat snowmobiles. He had a passion for outdoor activities including snowmobiling, quading, hunting, camping and fishing. He greatly enjoyed having a few Budweiser beers in his shop with friends. A mechanic by trade, there were not many things that Ron could not fix, evidenced by the amount of items friends brought to him regularly to repair.

Ron and Leslie moved to Smithers in 1999. Ron worked for Kemess Mine and BV Water Services, then retired eight years ago. Prior to moving to Smithers, Ron and Leslie lived in Tumbler Ridge for 11 years, where Ron worked for Quintette Coal. During that time Ron was an active member of the TR Ridge Rider’s Snowmobile club, helping to organize hillclimbs and snowaramas, amongst many other activities.

One of the highlights of Ron’s life was his involvement with the Alaska Challenge Snowmobile Safari ‘92, when he and a group of people from around North America snowmobiled 2575 kilometres, over the course of two and a half weeks, from Tumbler Ridge, B.C. to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1992 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway. After this event Ron participated in many annual organized snowmobile rides throughout various parts of B.C., including the Kitimat to Wells Rendezvous snowmobile ride in 2002.

The Ford family would like to thank all dear friends and family who helped through this recent difficult time. We would like to thank the doctors, home and community care support and staff at the Bulkley Lodge, who provided exceptional medical services and care for Ron. We would also like to thank the volunteers of the BV Hospice Society for their caring and heartfelt support.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ron at the Old Church, 3704 First Avenue, corner of King Street, Smithers, B.C. on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 starting at 2 p.m. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to the Bulkley Valley Hospice Society, PO Box 8, 3862D Broadway Ave, Smithers, B.C., V0J 2N0.

Condolences can be offered to www.raschraderfuneralhome.com.



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