MAJOR ALFRED (AL) JAMES FORD CD2 (RETIRED)

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MAJOR ALFRED (AL) JAMES FORD CD2 (RETIRED) On Thursday, April 3, 2008, Alfred James Ford passed away, after a brief illness, with his family at his side, at the Victoria General Hospital, in Winnipeg. Al leaves to mourn his loving, dedicated wife of 56 years of marriage, Lorna (Miles), and children, Mike (Maria Matthews), Steve (Audri Wilkinson), Joanne (Patrick Logan), Tony (Jennifer Flachbart), and Anne-Marie (Jeff Thiessen); grandchildren, Bryan, Paul and Michelle (Mark Boroditsky) Ford; Stephanie, Nikki and Lauren Ford; Elizabeth, Catherine and Alexandra Logan; Aundra, Jillian and Samantha Ford; and Jay, Shane, Dylan and Kyra Thiessen. Dad was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Jesse Ford (Thompson), sister Joyce (Lapointe) and brothers, Ralph and Donald. On December 1, 1929, Dad was born in Montreal. His two greatest interests at a young age were the military and hockey. In 1946 he enlisted as a Paratrooper with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. In 1949 he met his dancing partner for life in Lorna Miles and they married in 1951 in Ottawa. Dad became a Commissioned Officer in 1956 and began an illustrious military career with postings to Germany, Winnipeg (twice), Shilo, Camp Borden, Halifax and Ottawa. He was deployed to Egypt, Vietnam, Israel and Africa. Dad retired from the military with the rank of Major in 1979 with 34 years of distinguished service. After his military career, he enjoyed his civilian career working for Powell Equipment, Paramount-Kenworth Trucks, World University Service of Canada, Manitoba Department of Highways and the Red Cross. Al took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He could always be seen at their softball, football, soccer or hockey games, gymnastic events or ballet recitals. The Major was very involved in minor hockey and coached hundreds of kids over the years from Sir John Franklin and River Heights Community Clubs, Ft. Garry Twins, Winnipeg Monarchs, Assiniboine Park Rangers, and St. James Flames. Dad coached future NHLers, Stanley Cup winners and even those who would rise to the ranks of Friday Nite Oldtimers . Al cherished his lasting friendships with all his hockey buddies. He enjoyed motorcycles and wine making. His home and wallet were open to anyone in need. Dad and Mom were also foster parents to a child in the Philippines who recently graduated from university through their assistance.. Dad loved to dance with Mom and they were always the last off the dance floor. His dedication to Mom in these last few years as she battles Alzheimer's disease has been touching and bittersweet. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, April 11 at 4:30 p.m., in Blessed John XXIII Roman Catholic Church, 3390 Portage Avenue at Rouge Road, with Rev. Msgr. Maurice Comeault, P. H., presiding. Thank you to all of Dad's hospital medical staff and to all those who continue to provide Mom's care. Dad asked us to say good bye to all his many friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer's Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2008