Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
David Ford Obituary
Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, Husky fan, patriot and lover of Jesus - died October 8 surrounded by his loving family, after a short battle with lung cancer. He was 63.
David was born November 7, 1949 in Seattle Washington. His childhood was spent in White Center having fun with his 2 older brothers, baby sister and many cousins. Dave graduated from Evergreen High School in 1968.
After graduating from high school Dave enlisted in the United States Army and served for 11 years. His service included deployment to Vietnam and stations in Panama, Texas, California, Virginia, Germany and Korea.
August 26, 1971, David married Sally Jo Reitan. They spent their first 3 years in Panama as newlyweds. Their 42 years of marriage included many adventures, camping with family and travel. They loved to explore different areas of the U.S. and had a life changing visit to Kenya in 2005. Dave was passionate about his family heritage and had a great time on the east coast in 2011 meeting descendants of his ancestry.
In 1985 David began a long successful career at Boeing as an aircraft mechanic. He worked in several locations and retired as a Supervisor on the flight line in December 2012 after 28 years. He greatly enjoyed his coworkers and loved retaliating for a work place prank.
Dave is survived by his wife, Sally Jo Reitan and their children, Amy Jo Ford and Jason Ira Ford. He is also survived by two older brothers, Vern Ford and Jeff Ford and a younger sister, Lori Zafft. He was beloved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, 3 sister-in-laws, 3 brother-in-laws, and his mother-in-law, Gladys Reitan. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bible Chapel in Auburn on Tuesday, October 15th at 2pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Ford
October 8, 2014
You have my deepest sympathy May the God of loyal love comfort the family during your time of sorrow. Psalm. 119:76
Margi Taylor
October 18, 2013
Dave was our friend for almost 30 years. WE loved him very much and will miss him. He is with God now and there is comfort for us all
knowing that. Peace be with you friend.
Our heartfelt condolences to Sally Jo and the entire family.
Lealon and Margi
Janine Brown
October 17, 2013
To Dave's Family & Friends, I only knew Dave for about the last 13 years. I met him on the Flightline in Renton. We soon became fast friends and partners in "crime".. We shared a wonderful warped sense of humor and many, especially Tom & the Superintendents, felt the tickles we provided.. My sincerest prayers for your comfort and peace. You will miss him so share the memories and he will smile in your hearts. and you will feel his light.
Sincerly in God's Love,
Janine Brown
October 16, 2013
Dave,
We will never forget you. The memories we shared are very precious and will live forever! You have received your reward and are with our Savior now.
Al & Kathy Kiser
Loyd Elms
October 15, 2013
Dave we shared 24 years of our lives together as co-workers we laughed to gather . The best memory I have with you is when we assisted in hosing down the guys in the paint hangar Washing the 757. Man we laughed so hard. I will miss you my friend. It's time for you to go watch the Huskies with God now..save me a seat my friend.
Robert Johnson
October 14, 2013
Your time on Earth was too short Dave. You will be missed greatly. My deepest sympathies to Sally Amy and Jeremy at this time. You are all in my thoughts.
Jodi Schulz
October 14, 2013
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. I am so glad we could do the family reunion. It meant the world to Mom. Now he is spending time with her and is at peace. I loved the talks with David about our saviour, our only hope. Love you guys. Jodi and Kevin
Mike Jenkins
October 14, 2013
I will miss you Dave.
Patsy Grimsley
October 14, 2013
We are thinking of you all during this time. Dave was one of a kind! We are so thankful of the time we spent with you all during the family reunion. Wonderful memories were made during that time. Love Always, Kyle, Patsy, Kyler & Hadleigh Grimsley and Joe Hughes
Judi Dunham
October 14, 2013
The next time we have a bright, sunny day, I know it will be Dave smiling down on us. Prayers and peace to Sally and his entire family. ??
Dianne Jones
October 14, 2013
Your were a wonderful man. So glad you and Sally came to Texas. Rest in peace and give my mom a hug.
Greg Jaeckel
October 14, 2013
Not the end for Dave but just the beginning, Praying for peace and healing for Sally Jo and kids, Not a goodbye but merely a "see you later old friend"
Debbie Linse
October 13, 2013
Dave, What a wonderful brother in Christ you were. Praying for me when I needed it and didn't know it. Such a wonderful example of grace and faith as you fought your last battle. You didn't lose the battle. You won....cause you are in the arms of Jesus. Oct 8th became the first day of your life with Jesus. Joy unspeakable. Love you brother,
Richard Kalning
October 13, 2013
David I knew you as my Bible Chapel brother in God's Holy name, as a neighbor, and as a dear friend. I will always remember that smile and wave I got whenever I passed you house. I know I will see you again.
Roberta Diamond
October 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Sally Jo and family. Dave will be greatly missed by his Bible Chapel family. He truly was a great witness to the love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Robert Webb
October 13, 2013
You are now dancing with the Angel's David, you will be greatly missed!
Chrissy Schafer
October 13, 2013
Dave was more than my friend's dad...he was my pops! I will never forget him and will love him always! XOXO
Rebecca Waddell
October 13, 2013
Dave was a great man, father and friend, he will truly be missed.
Jim and Carol Larson
October 13, 2013
Rest in Peace,David....
Jean Hughes/eyers
October 13, 2013
Sending my love . Just wanted you'll to know thinking of you all during this time
October 13, 2013
Our very deepest Sympathy goes out to you Sally and the whole Ford family.
Our thoughts and Prayers are certainly with all of you.....Jim and Carol Larson
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in David Ford's name
Memorial Events
for David Ford
How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor David Ford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
