Henry Ford

Henry Edwin Ford (Ed), 69, passed at his home surrounded by family on September 20, 2017. He was born in Yakima, Washington on October 20, 1947 to Paul Edwin and Caroline (Johnson) Ford. He was the oldest of 5 children. Dad was raised in Wiley City, and spent his youth running the creeks shooting things, catching things, and causing ruckus. He was a country boy who loved to fish, hunt, and had the keen ability to fix and repair anything. He graduated from West Valley High School in 1966, and promptly enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, as a communication specialist for the 25th Infantry. He met the love of his life, the woman who would own his heart as long as it beat, Kelly Sue Maddox, on March 17th 1974. They married months later, and celebrated their 43rd anniversary this past July. Together they raised two children, Casey (Lisa) and Jessica Ford. Dad’s life revolved around us kids, and later on his grandkids. He coached our sports teams, and always made time to take us hunting and fishing. Any excuse to get into the woods, and dad would have us there. His grandkids were his pride and joy in his later years. Jacob, Carley and Eli were the sparkle of their grandpa’s eye. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them, including making a sword for a four year old (Lisa wasn’t too happy about that). He was a rule breaker, a man who walked outside the lines, but all with good intention. He had a heart of gold. He was a giver, a teacher, and a hero. He taught us how to laugh, how to love, how to dance, how to play, how to be self sufficient, and most importantly how to live fiercely. Dad is survived by his wife, Kelly; children, Casey (Lisa) and Jessica; three beautiful grandchildren: Jacob, Carley and Eli; two sisters, Cheryl (Joel) Richards and Becky (Les) Meinecke; two brothers, Vern (Debra) Ford and Reggie Ford; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. We would like to thank all the hospice nurses, caregivers, and volunteers who have made this journey with us. Denise, you became apart of our family from day one, and we appreciate all you did for dad, particularly at the end. Lucy, dad adored you and we thank you for all you’ve done for our family. Gil, you were such a great friend to dad, and brought a calmness to the house that we all found comfort in. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor his life on Thursday, September 28, 2017 from 12pm-3pm at the Yakima VFW. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Henry Ford, please visit our flower store.