In the early morning of 10/29, 2013, Farrell Joy “Mike” Ford passed away suddenly as a result of an apparent brain aneurism. Farrell was 74 years old. Farrell was born in Frederick, Maryland, on 11/18/38. He was the third child of Naomi and Grayson Ford. Farrell retired from the National Weather Service. Farrell proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, and also worked for Boeing Company on installation of the Minuteman missiles.
Dad loved outdoors activities, hunting, and fishing, and was an avid collector of many things. Dad was actively interested in art, history, music, books, current events, and was well known for his extensive knowledge of Ford cars. Dad enjoyed restoring Mustangs and other classic Fords and he, Louise and Matt attended many car shows, swap meets, and races. Dad was a member of the Last Chance Mustang and Specialty Ford Club, various national auto clubs, and actively followed the NHRA. Dad was also a life member of the NRA, and held Montana Sportsman’s License #134.
Being so well rounded with so many interests kept Farrell very busy, and through his many interests made many life-long friends and touched many others’ lives. Farrell was an intensely loyal and ethical man, and dearly loved and devoted his life to taking care of his wife and family. Poppa’s children, granddaughters, and new grandchild were the light of his life. Dad left us too soon, and he will be sorely missed.
Farrell is survived by his wife of 53 years, Louise; daughter Elizabeth “Libby” Ford Goodwin; son F. Matthew Ford; granddaughter Kathryn (Katie) Joy Goodwin (Justin) McDaniel; granddaughter Amanda Goodwin (Josh) Obergfell; great-granddaughter Madalyn Joy McDaniel. Farrell is survived by sister Cheryl L. Ford (John) Favazza, aunts Arlene Unglesbee, Jeannie (Dick) Tomlinson, and Edna Sissy (Gene) Winfield, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of Maryland. Farrell is preceded in death by his parents, brother Francis Grayson Ford, and sister Margaret Ford Gentle. Farrell is survived by special friends Ed and Karyn Jenkins and children David, Kevin and god-daughter Stephanie; god-daughter Kristin Weg; Buzz Rose and family; Whit Hibbard and family; and so many special friends.
Farrell was an organ donor, and was able to be of benefit to many others. Farrell has been cremated and will be interred at Spokane Riverside Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Mike’s Life with Military Honors is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A reception will follow the service in the Social Hall of the Funeral Home. To offer condolences to the family please visit below.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
2:00 p.m.
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Tuesday November 5, 2013
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Social Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Cousin Jacqueline J Bohn says
Love and prayers from all the family here in Anacortes and all over Washington, Oregon, California, etc. Our big family holds you in our thoughts. Wonderful that we were able to visit with you all this past year. Thinking of you.
Ellen & Roman & Kristen & Zoey says
Sending our love and most sincere sympathy– you all are our thoughts and prayers constantly……your Las Vegas family
Ron & Judy Curtiss says
Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace. Ron & Judy Curtiss
Cheryl Purisch says
Every loving memory is like a warming ray of sunshine! Keep them close to your heart always. So very sorry for your loss.
All my love to Aunt Louise, Libby and Matthew!
Words just cannot express my sorrow.
Denise says
Louise, Matt and Libby,
My heart aches for you at the sudden loss of a good man. Mike was a friend to so many and he will be missed very much. Treasure the memories you have.
Val Flansaas says
I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
State Historic Preservation Office says
To the Ford family,
Everyone at the Montana State Historic Preservation Office wishes to extend their warmest sympathies and condolences. We are all very truly sorry for your loss and have you in our thoughts.
Nita Holman says
I was so sorry to hear about your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Elaine "Joy" Beares (cousin) says
It has been a long time since I have seen Farrell, but I still remember him fondly. My deepest condolences to his family, whom I never had the opportunity to meet, to all his friends, and especially to Chers. He flies with the Angels now, and I am sure God is watching over him, just as I am sure he is still watching over his family. Love and God Bless you all.
Tommy Joy says
I never knew “Par Par” that well. When he came in to the family reunion, I couldn’t believe how much he looked like Bub. We talked at length about his cars, my cars, anybody’s cars, because that’s what car guys do. God bless the whole family. You all will be in my prayers.
Tommy Joy
Rita tenneson says
Dani told me the sad news. It is with deep sorrow I send this message. I am in Florida at the present and cannot be with there you, Libby, and give you a comforting hug. May all the happy and fun memories of your father bring comfort in the days ahead. My love to your Mom and all your family. Until I see you again, God bless. Much Love. Rita Tenneson
Phil & Terry Lamping says
Louise, Matt and Libby, we are so, so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of Mike and his love of cars. We will be out of town and unable to attend the service, but will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Leon and Marsha Belville says
Louise, Matt and Libby-
We are saddened to learn of Farrell’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are in Yuma for the winter and unable to be there for service. God Bless ! Take care
Leon and Marsha
Chuck Holland says
So long friend, we never got to go fishing together,
maybe Matt would want to sub for you.
Chuck Holland
Bridget Holland
Pamela (Unglesbee) Semies says
Dear Louise and Matt, It saddened me greatly when I heard the unexpected new’s of Farrel’s passing. It was wonderful of all of you to stop and visit with my mother and me in your last visit to Baltimore. Also thank you for the many beautiful and thoughtful get-well cards you have sent Mom at Lorian where she now resides. She will be 97 on Dec. 30. Who would have ever thought that Farrell would be leaving us before Mom He looked so healthy.
Each Christmas I look for your card and am delighted to see your family, your animals where you have been and up to Please keep in touch. With much Love , Pam!
have been and what you have been up to this year
Pamela (Unglesbee) Semies says
I came across some words of the popular poet; Helen Steiner Rice, I thought it was fitting to
send to you. I hope in reading it you will find some condolation. Love Pam
It is called:
I Do Not Go Alone
If death should beckon me with outstretched hand
And whisper softly of “an unknown land”… (continued)
Pamela (Unglesbee) Semies says
I shall not be afraid to go, for though the path I do not know…
I take Death’s hand without fear. For He who safely brought me here…
Will lalso take me safely back, And though in many things I lack…
He will not let me go alone, into the “valley that’s unknown”…
So I reach out and take Death’s hand, And journey to “the Promised Land”!
May Our Lord be with you and strenghten you and your dear family at
this difficult time.
Russ and Teresa Penner says
Louise, Matt, – We are so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. We enjoyed saying “Hi” at the Internationals. We wish you all-the-best in the coming days.
Russ and Teresa, AMAC, Calgary.
Jim & Jan Fox says
Louse, Matt, Jan & I were so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. We always enjoyed visiting & sharing Ford “stuff” with him at the various International meets & other shows, as well as at the Spokane swap meet. He was always a wealth of information & I gained a lot of knowledge from those visits. He will be sorely missed! We will be keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Marlene Conner says
Dear Libby and family: Am so sorry to read about the passing of your Dad. It’s never easy to lose one of our loved ones, no matter the time or age. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Still remember the days we were co-workers at SCECU. God bless! Marlene
Larry Ferguson says
So shocked, and very very sorry to hear about your loss. A good man gone way to early.
Inez and Wally says
Our heartfelt condolences to you Louise Matt and Libby. Prayers to you at this difficult time. Will miss seeing him and his cars at the shows. Take care.
Dixie Farsht Morgan says
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Farrell’s passing. My brother, Paul, and I have many memories of growing up with Farrell. I never pass the (former) Ford home in Harmony that I don’t remember the family. I will never forget one time Farrell invited Paul and me (perhaps Ruby, too — can’t recall) to do a wine tasting (homemade brew!) in the basement at the house when his parents weren’t home. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family, Louise.
Paul and Denise Christofferson says
Libby,
Denise and my prayers are with both you, your family, and your brother. To hear of his sudden passing was quite a shock. As both a father and a grandfather he will be sorely missed.
On a lighter note – Although your dad had a great love for Ford Mustangs, I remember him telling me about one of first cars, a 1966 Olds 442 (with a Tripower). Since it was almost a GTO, I personally think it was really the best he ever had! One last little joke on him!
Take care and again, may God be with, and guide you and your family in this time of loss.
Paul
Norm Courchesne says
I worked with Farrell “Mike ” as we called him in 1975 in greatfalls Isaw him get promoted to Helena.
He was a good man an great technician. I’m sorry I never contacted him later. Now I’m retired in Hamilton.
Anyway he was a fine fellow excellent technician.