Robert Lyle Ford

Robert Lyle Ford, FCA
August 29, 1932 – February 17, 2013

Robert Lyle (Bob) Ford passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife by his side, on Sunday, February 17, 2013 after a courageous fifteen year battle with cancer. Lifelong best friend, inspiration, soul mate and loving husband of Virginia Anne (Scott), with whom he shared more than a 58 year marriage. Dear father of Craig (Ann) of Oakville, Scott (Maurice Poon) of Toronto, Mike (Sherri) of Edmonton and Dave (Karn) Ford of Haymarket, VA. Dad – you are the best example of a father that anyone could ever hope for, an incredible role model of a loving and constant presence in our lives and you will be sorely missed. Devoted Grandpa to Amanda (Nate), Josh, Rhiannon, Haeden, Madison, Aslyn and great-grandpa to Lily. Grandpa, we love you and will miss you. Beloved brother of Richard (Dick) and Isabelle Ford of Sarnia and sister-in-law Audrey Saltzman of Toronto. Predeceased by brother Alan Ford. Also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bob was a lifelong London resident, having graduated from Wortley Road Public School and London South Secondary School. Bob was also a lifetime member of Wesley-Knox United Church, where he married his high school sweetheart, Virginia, in 1954 and was active in church life. Bob was Church Treasurer for 34 years, a long-time member of the Trustee Board, life member of the Official Board and was an enthusiastic member of the senior choir. Singing with his sweetheart in the choir was a true love of Bob’s and he was an active bass and tenor until late 2012 when his illness prevented him from participating any longer. Bob and Virginia were adult leaders of the Wesley-Knox Youth Group, building it into a vibrant organization that had an important impact on the lives of many young people, their sons included. The youth group canoe trips were special highlights of their time as leaders. Bob started working with the local accounting firm of Foote and Rafuse in 1950 and became a partner in Foote, Rafuse and Ford at the age of 23 in 1955, upon graduating with a CPA from Queen’s University. Bob stayed with the same firm his entire working life and together with his partners built Ford Keast LLP into one of the premiere independent accounting firms in London. He served for ten years on the Ontario Public Accountants Council, including a term as its President, and was honoured with the designation Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (FCA) in 1982. Bob retired from Ford Keast in 1995 after a 45 year professional career. Bob loved the family cottage at Three Legged Lake, originally purchased in 1961 with older brother Dick. He and Virginia spent many, many happy times together there with family and dear friends like the Hearn’s and the Young’s. The cottage is the family touchstone and there were countless joyous times fishing, canoeing, swimming, waterskiing, sitting around the campfire. and cross-country skiing. Bob and Virginia together instilled a deep love of the outdoors and cottage life in their four sons and grandchildren – these will stand as everlasting testaments to Bob’s life. The staff at the London Regional Cancer Clinic were incredibly supportive of Bob during his treatment. In particular, the outstanding, caring support of Drs. Mary MacKenzie and Joseph Chin and the countless doctors, nurses (especially Paul and Fiona) and staff, as well as CCAC and ParaMed was most appreciated. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to Prostate Cancer Canada, 2 Lombard Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON, M5C 1M1, Wesley-Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 or the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends for visitation from 2 – 4pm and 7 – 9pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London, ON N6C 3X1. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at Wesley-Knox United Church, 91 Askin Street, London, ON N6C 1E7 on Thursday, February 21, 2013 at 11:00am. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. On line condolences, memories and photographs can be shared at www.amgfh.com