Johnny Wayne Ford, 59, of Darrington, Wash., passed away at home, in the arms of his wife on Jan. 15, 2007, of an undiagnosed Dementia.
He was born in Helena, Ark., on Nov. 28, 1947, to Jewell and Fanella Ford. They then moved to Tulare, Calif., when Johnny was age two. He then moved to Darrington at age 21 where he spent the rest of his life.
Johnny married his best friend, soul mate and loving wife, Edie Fowler, on Jan. 14, 1972.
They began their family with the birth of their son, Mark Ford, in 1972 and in 1976 was the birth of their daughter, Brandi Ford.
Johnny had worked in the timber industry and home construction all of his working years. He took pride in all of the beautiful homes he built.
John is survived by his loving wife, Edie; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Julie Ford; his daughter and son-in-law, Brandi Ford and Owen Johnson, all of Darrington. He also leaves his beautiful grandchildren, Railynn Nichole Ford, Lexsy Raine Ford, Preston Owen Johnson, and Jorjah Lin Johnson, all of Darrington. He is also survived by three sisters, two brothers and many other relatives.
His father, Jewell; mother, Fanella; and older brother, Robert, preceded him in death.
Prior to Johnnys illness he loved family get togethers, family and friend trips, barbecues, his grandchildren, hiking, motorcycle riding, dancing and just being along for the ride. Johnnys life was all about family.
Johnny and his family would like to thank so many special people during his ten year extended illness. They were always there for him.
A thank you to Bill Johnson, his childhood friend, from Tulare; his very best friends and extended family, Tom and JoAnn Brown; other special friends in his life, Barbara Phillips, Mike Cabe, Ned Sanders, Joby Fink, Larry Green, Clint Brown and Laurie Marsh; special family members, Bill and Sandra Stitsell, Frances Fowler, Shorty and Peggy Fowler, Wolfgang and Petra Karpstein; and many nieces and nephews. We couldnt have made it this far without them.
A special thank you to Hospice of Snohomish County, Cascade Vally Hospital and staff for all of their support, caring and understanding and also, a big thank you to Dr. Gary Schillhammer and Darrington Clinic employees.
A memorial service for Johnny was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, in the Darrington Community Center kitchen. This was a celebration of Johnnys life to express condolences and share memories. Cremation arrangements were made with the Barton Family Funeral Services.
Johnny was such a very special husband, father, Papa and friend.
When we come to the edge of all the light we know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen, there will be something solid to stand on or we will learn how to fly.