Obituary for John Robert "Jack" Ford
Born in Regina 1932, Jack made his home in Vancouver at 7-years-old. He loved his city and was known to show it off to visitors. He told many stories of growing up downtown. Jack was the youngest of 5 children, predeceased by his beloved Mother Clara, brothers Bert and Bill and sisters Aileen and Wanda.
Jack was a proud alumnus of King George High School where he met a life-long friend, John Barton. John was by his side in all parts of his journey. They were very proud of the 75th Anniversary reunion that they helped put on. It was a fun event for all participants in BC Place with Dal Richards playing. Jack told his story of growing up in Vancouver to the Vancouver Public Library Archive to preserve the memories he had. Following his family into service, Jack enlisted in the Airforce as a navigator. After that he became a mechanic working in logging camps.
On a blind date Jack met Molly in the 60’s and they were married for 52 years and had three children together. They shared their travels and friends in laughter and love. In the 80’s Jack warmly welcomed his first three children into his life. Molly passed from cancer in 2015.
Jack was an avid rugby player with the Meralomas, Twilighters and the Evergreens. He toured Japan with the “over 40” teams many times through the 1970’s and 80’s. Molly joined him in his adventures around the world.
A dealer in the automotive repair business, Jack owned the Esso at 16th and Arbutus,12th and Granville, among other locations. He was respected by his industry peers and customers. Often dressing up for Halloween and touring the neighbourhood as Santa for the holidays.
In 1965, Jack became an active member of his fellowship, 12-step program. He served as a delegate and elected a Western Canada Regional Trustee, and as a Trustee Director on the A.A. World Service Board in New York. His message promoting acts of service was important to him. For many years he advocated to bring the International Convention to Vancouver. He was so joyful when it was announced that it will be held here in 2025.
After retirement, Jack joined Molly in building her business. A key factor in Molly and Me’s success selling fun crafts at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and on the Christmas craft show circuit was their effervescent personalities.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his family, his children Wanda (Tom), Scott, Kelly (Joan), Dan, Andy, Laurie (Will); grandchildren Adam, Ryan (Lisa), Eric, Kayla (Corson), Tyler (Amy), Ashley, Holly; and great-grandchildren Anabel and Cayde.
Jack passed away peacefully in George Derby Centre on November 7, 2020 after a “long and wonderful life” as he would say often. We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care he received there. He never lost the twinkle in his eye and his gesture of joy to see you.
There will be no service at this time, we plan a celebration of his life at a later date due to current conditions.
Jack’s family would request that you consider a donation in Jack’s memory to these charities close to his heart, Turning Point Recovery Society, Avalon Recovery Society and to complete an act of service in his name.
Jack was a proud alumnus of King George High School where he met a life-long friend, John Barton. John was by his side in all parts of his journey. They were very proud of the 75th Anniversary reunion that they helped put on. It was a fun event for all participants in BC Place with Dal Richards playing. Jack told his story of growing up in Vancouver to the Vancouver Public Library Archive to preserve the memories he had. Following his family into service, Jack enlisted in the Airforce as a navigator. After that he became a mechanic working in logging camps.
On a blind date Jack met Molly in the 60’s and they were married for 52 years and had three children together. They shared their travels and friends in laughter and love. In the 80’s Jack warmly welcomed his first three children into his life. Molly passed from cancer in 2015.
Jack was an avid rugby player with the Meralomas, Twilighters and the Evergreens. He toured Japan with the “over 40” teams many times through the 1970’s and 80’s. Molly joined him in his adventures around the world.
A dealer in the automotive repair business, Jack owned the Esso at 16th and Arbutus,12th and Granville, among other locations. He was respected by his industry peers and customers. Often dressing up for Halloween and touring the neighbourhood as Santa for the holidays.
In 1965, Jack became an active member of his fellowship, 12-step program. He served as a delegate and elected a Western Canada Regional Trustee, and as a Trustee Director on the A.A. World Service Board in New York. His message promoting acts of service was important to him. For many years he advocated to bring the International Convention to Vancouver. He was so joyful when it was announced that it will be held here in 2025.
After retirement, Jack joined Molly in building her business. A key factor in Molly and Me’s success selling fun crafts at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and on the Christmas craft show circuit was their effervescent personalities.
Jack is lovingly remembered by his family, his children Wanda (Tom), Scott, Kelly (Joan), Dan, Andy, Laurie (Will); grandchildren Adam, Ryan (Lisa), Eric, Kayla (Corson), Tyler (Amy), Ashley, Holly; and great-grandchildren Anabel and Cayde.
Jack passed away peacefully in George Derby Centre on November 7, 2020 after a “long and wonderful life” as he would say often. We’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate care he received there. He never lost the twinkle in his eye and his gesture of joy to see you.
There will be no service at this time, we plan a celebration of his life at a later date due to current conditions.
Jack’s family would request that you consider a donation in Jack’s memory to these charities close to his heart, Turning Point Recovery Society, Avalon Recovery Society and to complete an act of service in his name.