December 2, 1940 - July 16, 2024
Ronald Nelson Ford, aged 83, passed away on July 16, 2024, in New Westminster, B.C. Born on December 2, 1940, in Victoria, B.C., Ron's journey began in a loving family with his parents Joe and Evelyn Ford, who predeceased him.
Ron's career was more than just a series of jobs; it was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of determination, resilience, and a zest for life. Starting at Canada Dry in Victoria, he soon moved to Nanaimo to work with Gray Beverage, where he poured his heart into every task. By 1979, he shifted gears, quite literally, to the auto industry, beginning as a salesperson in White Rock. Over the next six years, Ron ascended through various management roles, each step fueled by his unwavering commitment and infectious enthusiasm. In 1987, destiny handed him the keys to a Ford dealership—a role he embraced with pride, humorously musing that perhaps he was a distant relative of the legendary Henry Ford himself.
But Ron wasn't just about business; he was about passion. His love for automobiles transcended mere transactions; it was a symphony of chrome, horsepower, and memories. He reveled in attending car shows, where he'd run his fingers over polished fenders, sharing stories with fellow enthusiasts. Hotrods weren't just machines; they were living legends, and Ron was their devoted bard.
Beyond the showroom and the gleaming chrome, Ron's legacy was etched in the hearts of those he loved. His wife, Donna Ford, stood by his side, their love a beacon through life's twists and turns. Ron's children—Rick, Ken, and Sandi—grew up surrounded by the hum of engines and the warmth of Ron's laughter. Grandchildren Nicola, Gary, Johnny, Tony, and Michael reveled in his tales of roaring engines and open roads. Great-grandchildren Andee and Dallas, wide-eyed and curious, listened as he spun yarns of bygone eras.
Ron's family extended beyond bloodlines. Stepdaughter Nicole and her five step-grandchildren found solace in his presence, and his brother Gary and sister Lynda shared memories that spanned decades. Nieces and nephews, like constellations in his sky, twinkled with affection.
On September 6th, at 1:00 pm, we will host a private gathering—a celebration of Ron's life. Friends and family will gather, their tears and laughter interwoven, as they honor a man who left tire tracks on their hearts. And on September 14th from 8:30am -to 4:00pm at Ocean Park Ford, a public celebration of life will be held at the Ocean Park Ford Car Show, engines will rev in tribute, chrome glinting under the sun, as Ron's spirit rides shotgun in every hotrod.
Service Details
8:30 AM