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David Ford Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Ford
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Calvin Espy
December 4, 2023
I traveled to Milwaukee in 1971 sight unseen as an Summer Intern at Allen Bradley representing Georgia Tech. I was the only black intern of the 30 from various Universities. I was on the job for two weeks without seeing another African American. Being from Atlanta, that was very different for me. Then while walking down the hall at Allen Bradley one day I see Dave Ford dart across the hall just long enough for me to see him. I asked the person I was walking with "who is that person?" He said "That is Dave Ford". I asked "who is Dave Ford?" He said "he is Manager of Research and Development". Well Dave must have seen me to. A few days later he called me to his office, introduced me to others in the Milwaukee Black Community and that was the beginning of wonderful friendship and a strong admiration I developed for a great man who had a wonderful family. I had tried to contact Dave months before he and his wondrful wife passed but was not successful. I am greatful that I got a chance that Summer to meet a great man!
Bridget Ellen Briggs Briggs
December 3, 2023
As John Callan's daughter I have only known Mr Ford through my father. Dad has tremendous respect and affection for Mr Ford. I hope his family and friends can celebrate his life as my family and friends have been able to celebrate my father's life. Very special, very smart men who gave so much.
Calvin Leon Espy
November 30, 2022
I arrived in Milwaukee in 1971 as an Allen Bradley intern from Ga. Tech in Atlanta. It was clear that no one expected the Ga. Tech intern to be Black. I was in Milwaukee for weeks without seeing another African American. Then one day while walking down the hall, I saw Ford. I didn't think that he saw me but as the Manager of R&D he called me to his office several days later. That was the beginning of one of the greatest Summers of my life. He took me to his Pub, introduced me to African American people, including his family, in the Community and became a mentor to me as he did to mant others. I invited Dave to speak in Atlanta on several occasions and kept in touch for years. Then after losing contact with him, I started calling him months before his death leaving messages on his voice mail. Then I received a call from Ron who was just a teenager when I visited Milwaukee. He informed me of the death of Mr. & Mrs. Ford. Mrs. Ford was so so nice and Dave became a role model for me. I am so glad that I met him and his family along with the others I met in Milwaukee through Dave. He truly was larger than life!
Carl Jones
August 17, 2015
I just (8/2015) attended my fraternity's international conference. It was there I learn of the joint passing of David and his wife. While I have been away from Milwaukee for 50 years, David, was my fratenity brother and fellow engineer. He was the first A/A engineer hired by Allen-Bradley during the 1950's and I was the second, hired in the early 60's. I greatly respected him as a mentor and fraternity brother. He made a difference in my life and future. My most profound memory of him was his brilliance as an engineer and businessman. Ron Ford, and the entire Ford family, have my deepest sympathy for the loss of David and his wife. I have been married for over 50 years and cannot image my life without my bride. God is good!
Carl Hebron
January 16, 2015
Dave was a mentor and senior statesman to all the young black professionals brought in by Allen Bradley in the early 90s. I for one will always remember how he positively impacted me for the rest of my life. Rest in Peace Dave and Anna.
Ellen Briggs (nee Callan)
January 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My father John Callan, worked with David for many years at Allen-Bradley in research and developement. What a blessing to be together forever.
Ms. Burks
December 21, 2014
Love is one of God's attributes. This couple was a true example of love. They will truly be missed, but not forgotten by God. Please continue to pray to the God of comfort. He will give you the strength you need to get through this time of sorrow.
Donna Page
December 12, 2014
Please accept our prayers of consolation on the transition of such a beautiful couple. May God comfort and keep you.
paul bourgeois
December 12, 2014
How blessed these unique souls were to know the kind of love that took them into the sunset together, never knowing the sadness of the others passing. How many people long to know that kind of love. My deepest condolences to the family. God Bless.
December 7, 2014
This is a beautiful story, may they rest in peace - together.
Walter H. White, Jr
December 6, 2014
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Tanny and David. I wil cherish the memories of our families lively discussions and our deep friendship with the Ford Family. They will be missed but always appreciated for their tremendous contributions to our lives and those of so many others.
Walter H. White, Jr.
Ted Stomma
December 6, 2014
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Dave Ford at Allen-Bradley. May he rest in peace.
December 5, 2014
so sorry to learn of your loss sherwin robinson from the niehborhood
December 5, 2014
My condolences to the family. David was my golf buddy. We spent many hours discussing the intricacies of the golf swing. He will be missed. Ernie Anderson
December 5, 2014
Aunt Tanny and Uncle Dave were wonderful god parents. They were always very good to me and my family. Bennett and Olivia enjoyed spending time with Aunt Tanny and listening to Uncle Dave tell his stories. I will miss them terribly but am glad that they are together.
Josie, Ronald, Bennett, and Olivia Williamson
Darryle, Gregory and Candy Smith
December 4, 2014
Rodney and Ricky,
The Smith family sends it's condolences for your loss. Greg and I remember your uncle from when we were kids on Kenwood in Hammond. He and your parents were good friends with our parents and the Smith and House famlies.
God bless the Ford family.
Anotha & Daisy Burt
December 4, 2014
To the Ford Family:
So very sorry for the lost of your parents, I remember Mrs. Ford's lovely smile as a Girl Scout volunteer.
May the love of Christ comfort you, may you sense the Lord's loving presence today. " For he is peace..Ephesians 2;14
December 4, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr.and Mrs. Ford. They were wonderful neighbors and thier presence will be missed immensely. My prayers are with you all during this time of bereavement.
Cherita Streeter, Columbus, Ohio
David Mc Intire
December 4, 2014
As a trainee for the sales group (class of '70), I always enjoyed listening to and learning from Dave. He displayed a genuine interest our betterment. The needs more like Dave Ford.
Donald Watson
December 4, 2014
Always a gentleman. Open to listen and share. A great warm intelligent fellow worker with a Christian perspective. Rest in your eternal home with the LORD.
December 3, 2014
It was an honor to know and work with Dave for many years. His smile and positive attitude will be missed.
Ken and Nikki Hauck
December 3, 2014
We send our blessings, thoughts and prayers to the Ford family.
Willie, Hilda, Jan and Cherry Perkins
Calvin Espy
December 3, 2014
Dave was a mentor for many people including myself. Anna was very kind. They will be missed.
December 3, 2014
Jan and Ronnie, my prayers are with you. I will always remember your father and mother as great role models.
Warner Jackson
December 2, 2014
A truly wonderful couple whose wit, intellect, caring and compassion will be missed by many. RIP Fords, you have earned your places in heaven. Marilyn and Elmer Anderson.
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