FORD
Jkl Albert George
Albert George Ford passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2012 in the Victoria General Hospital in his 90th year while his niece held his hand. He was born Dec. 10, 1922 in Chilliwack, B.C.
Al is survived by niece Brenda (Lorraine) Janzen, two nephews, Terry Ford and Donald Daines, two grand nieces Lexa (Brad Day) Janzen and Heidi (Wes) Cromwell, two grand nephews, Ross (Nancy) Janzen and Scott Schellenberg and their families. He is also survived by his long time friend and companion Fred McLeod, his two caregivers and special friends, Dan Klein and Will Langlois and the Smith-Arseneau family, Norm (Richard), Marg, Donald, Barb (Danny) and Lorraine, who adopted him many years ago.
Al was predeceased by his parents George and Mary Ford, two brothers Allan and Harry, two sisters Pat Moran and Rose Daines and his niece Gail (nee Danies) Schellenberg.
Al was raised in Chilliwack where his family had settled in the Atchelitz area in 1889.
In 1942, at the age of 20, Al followed his two older brothers and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed on various bases across Canada. Both his brothers were Air Gunners with the RAF stationed in England when Harry was killed in June of 1942 in a bombing raid over Germany.
When Al was released from service in 1946 he returned to Chilliwack and worked as an accountant until 1952. He then obtained the position of Cost Accounting Clerk at CFB Chilliwack. In 1953 he became the Base Civilian Personnel Officer at CFB Comox. In 1979 he became the Executive Assistant to the Regional Director of Civilian Personnel, Pacific Region in Esquimalt until his retirement.
Al enjoyed traveling, shopping, having dinner parties, more shopping and working on the family genealogy. Although he loved Victoria and lived here for some 30+ years, he never lost his connection to his hometown of Chilliwack. He was a 65 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 Chilliwack and kept up with many of his old school chums there.
Over the years, his body started to fail him. After a number of falls he ended up residing at the Lodge at Broadmead in Victoria where he was well looked after. He looked forward to his Saturday outings with Dan or Will when they would take him out for lunch after which they would buy his weekly lottery tickets and do his favourite pastime, shopping.
Al adjusted to the changes in his life with resignation mixed in with some moments of impatience and irritation. His telephone had become a vital link to the “outside” world and his social connection. Overall, his spirits were good and he could still laugh at himself.
On the back all his business cards was printed “Carpe Diem” - and he did.
At Al’s request a party will be held on March 24, 2012 @ 1:00 pm at Samuels by the Park restaurant on 655 Douglas Street, Victoria. You are welcome to make a donation to The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 Chilliwack in Al’s name.
First Memorial Funeral Service, Victoria in charge of arrangements.