John Ford

John Ford, of Flatbush Road, Town of Ulster died Friday, October 7, 2011 at Kingston Hospital. He was born in South Carolina on April 1, 1933. We knew his mother’s name to be Annie Ford. I can only image that John Ford’s life, growing up in the South during those years was difficult at best. It may have been, however, the reason why Mr. Ford was said to be strong-willed and independent. It sounds like this proud man went through a long life being private and proud. Every one of us has a “story.” It sounds to me like Mr. Ford had a lot of stories! Now, as I would rarely refer to someone as “Mister” or “Misses” in a eulogy, it came to my attention that only a VERY select few could ever refer to Mr. John Ford as “John!” To everyone he was “Mr. Ford” (thank you very much.) When someone has the self esteem to conduct themselves as a distinguished country gentleman, what more needs to be said! I was told that in Mr. Ford’s younger years, he boarded a plane to go on a trip to Mexico! So I guess Mr. Ford was a traveler… and throughout his life’s journey, met many interesting people who helped him on his way. Now just because he preferred to be called “Mister Ford,” didn’t mean he just sat at home. I hear that he loved dice and cards, liked baseball and most important, was quite the ladies man! Mr. Ford had a preference also as to the size and complexion of his ladies… none of which I am going to talk about today! Mr. Ford owned a Cadillac, drank his coffee black and loved John Wayne movies. With those attributes he could probably have run for President next year! Mr. Ford showed us his heart by his being a lover of jazz and blues. A cool cat who loved dancing, sunglasses and stylish hats! This is the kinda guy that EVERY woman would love! Mr. Ford was funny, spunky, cracked jokes, and had a great laugh. He could also be the life of the party WHEN he wanted! Give Mr. Ford his deck of Uno cards (that he has with him!), a small garden patch to tend, his black-n-mild and cigar pipe and some quiet time… and all was good. I gather that Mr. Ford presumed he was living at Palmer “by mistake.” Paying his rent and just passing through. But what Mr. Ford was given, in the final years of his long life, was a caring, devoted family who made it their business to get to know him. Mr. Ford wanted respect and was respectful as well… an attribute many of us fall short on! Although Mr. Ford was independent and never cared about what others thought of him, he was able to share his days with a remarkable staff and new-found friends. I heard of the consistent care that Mr. Ford was given by our staff at Palmer, over the past 2 months of illness. And the gentle “watch” toward his end. Mr. Ford walked tall in this life. He left his mark. May his reward of eternal life now be seen, as he reunites with his beloved mother and other family that he may never have know in this life. Mr. Ford, go over the rainbow into the eternal promise. Dance, sing and have complete joy! Go where God is great. Go home to your Redeemer. And every time we show respect to others… we’ll pray you home!