Clem Lloyd Ford

Clem L Ford, quietly and peacefully passed into the hands of our Lord on Monday, February 9th.

Clem served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Prior to finishing his active duty, he married the love of his life, Betty Crawford, on April 1, 1945, in Everett, Washington. He and Betty moved to Bellingham in 1953. He was a loving husband, and father. Following his relocation to Bellingham, he worked at Mills Electric, Rathman’s Shoe Store, and Carpet City. During those years his activities included coaching, playing both baseball, and slow pitch softball. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and clam digger. In his latter years he loved to support the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks.

Clem was preceded in death by his parents, Clem E. Ford Sr., and Garnet Freese Ford, sister Yvonne F. Sheline, and brother John S. Ford.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years Betty Ford, son Cary Ford (Cecilia) of Ferndale, daughter Susan Ford Crooks (Stephen Crooks) of Bellingham, and son Steven Ford (Ron Fenton) of Kona, HI., sister Patricia Mills, and sister-in-law Sylvia Ford both of Bellingham. Six grandchildren; Carianne Ford, Trevor Ford (Jenny), Jamie Ford, Brian Crooks, Chuck Crooks, and Jeffrey Crooks (Jennie), six great grandchildren and one great, great grandson.

No services are planned. Memorial contributions may be made to Whatcom Humane Society and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Memories

From Ron Fenton

Clem was a very special and great man! I'm lucky to have had him in my life. He was always willing to help or give advise to Steve and me. We collaborated on a few major projects including building the house in Bandon, OR and their new home, next to ours, in Whatcom Fall Park, Bellingham.

I will never forget his sense of humor and sense of family, always open to all that family means.

He will always be missed and never forgotten.

 

Feb 15, 2015

From Chuck Crooks

I have so many great memories of Clem (Papa) that span my entire life.  It would be hard to pinpoint a specific memory, but my favorite times include learning what he loved best.  From being taught how to shoot a gun and fishing, to berry picking out in the county, these are the simple moments I will always hold on to.  

It is a relief to know he is finally out of pain and in a better place.  I am so grateful to have the six months living with him that I did. Even though he had dementia, he always knew I was family.

He will greatly be missed! 

Feb 23, 2015

From Brian Crooks

I can't begin to summarize a lifetime of memories and all the experiences we shared together and as a family. Papa you taught me the love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing, the Mariners and most of all the Seahawks. I didn't get to say good bye in person, but you will always be in my heart and thoughts. I know you are in the great duck blind in the sky now, and someday we will reconnect again. Love and miss you Papa. You will be missed. Your grandson, Brian

Feb 26, 2015

From Jeff Crooks

One summer while I was very young my parents took my brothers to Disneyland, and they dropped me off at the babysitters, Nana and Papa’s house. I was a bit of a crab, missing family, and undoubtedly a handful for my grandparents. The week had past and it was time for Nana and Papa to drive me back home.  After a couple of hours in the car from Bellingham to Federal Way I began to lighten up when we pulled off the highway, and even more when we turned into the driveway. The handoff went smoothly, but just before my Mom took me inside I turned around with my limited vocabulary and said, “Buh-bye Papa.”  

While I was too young to remember this story, it was one of Papa’s favorite to tell about me. It genuinely cracked him up. I can see him standing there with his crooked blue Mill’s Electric hat smiling… Just the way I want to remember him.

Buh-bye Papa. I love you. 

Mar 02, 2015

From Jeff Crooks

One summer while I was very young my parents took my brothers to Disneyland, and they dropped me off at the babysitters, Nana and Papa’s house. I was a bit of a crab, missing family, and undoubtedly a handful for my grandparents. The week had past and it was time for Nana and Papa to drive me back home.  After a couple of hours in the car from Bellingham to Federal Way I began to lighten up when we pulled off the highway, and even more when we turned into the driveway. The handoff went smoothly, but just before my Mom took me inside I turned around with my limited vocabulary and said, “Buh-bye Papa.”  

While I was too young to remember this story, it was one of Papa’s favorite to tell about me. It genuinely cracked him up. I can see him standing there with his crooked blue Mill’s Electric hat smiling… Just the way I want to remember him.

Buh-bye Papa. I love you. 

Mar 02, 2015

From Jamie Ford

The world lost a great man, probably the best. Hope the hunting and fishing is great up in heaven. We miss you already, PIB!

Mar 08, 2015

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