Robert "Bob" J. Ford
(1935 - 2025)
The world became a little less bright with the passing of Bob on December 1, 2025.
Bob was born on August 11, 1935, in Windsor, Ontario, to the late John (Jack) and Edith Ford, and had two siblings — his late brother Jim (Liz) and his late sister Kathleen. He was the father of three children: the late Terry (Lori); Tammy; and Anthony (Carol), as well as grandfather to Jordan, Hailey, Leighann, Frank, Robbie and Amanda.
Bob studied Electric Design in Detroit, Michigan, and Business Administration at the University of Windsor, before he joined IBM in 1955. His career with IBM would span 35 years, both in Canada and the United States, after which he was a co-founder of the Devon Group Ltd. (an IT consulting company, that, among other things, specialized in Systems and Network Architecture - Bob's area of expertise). He was also the owner, with his son Anthony, of the Ritz Restaurant on Elgin Street from over a decade, starting in 2000.
In his spare time, he found pleasure in skiing, golfing, hiking, cycling, playing bridge, travelling and entertaining. A gifted pianist from a young age, Bob was a lover of a wide variety of music, and, those who knew him well, will remember how moved to tears he could be by a live performance by a favourite musician or band, or even simply talking about a favourite artist and a performance or song. He was also a lover of movies, and was not afraid to admit that he loved a good rom-com! Last, but especially not least, was his love of good food, and enjoying a meal with good company, while sharing a nice bottle of wine and lively and engaging conversation.
Despite facing incredible challenges following a devastating stroke in 2011, Bob never wavered in his commitment to living life fully, with his trademark determination, positivity, and resilience.
Bob's zest for life, unending humour, kindness, and generosity of spirit, brought joy to everyone who met him and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will take place at Cole Funeral Services on a date to be determined in the new year.
If you wish, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Bob, would be appreciated.
(1935 - 2025)
The world became a little less bright with the passing of Bob on December 1, 2025.
Bob was born on August 11, 1935, in Windsor, Ontario, to the late John (Jack) and Edith Ford, and had two siblings — his late brother Jim (Liz) and his late sister Kathleen. He was the father of three children: the late Terry (Lori); Tammy; and Anthony (Carol), as well as grandfather to Jordan, Hailey, Leighann, Frank, Robbie and Amanda.
Bob studied Electric Design in Detroit, Michigan, and Business Administration at the University of Windsor, before he joined IBM in 1955. His career with IBM would span 35 years, both in Canada and the United States, after which he was a co-founder of the Devon Group Ltd. (an IT consulting company, that, among other things, specialized in Systems and Network Architecture - Bob's area of expertise). He was also the owner, with his son Anthony, of the Ritz Restaurant on Elgin Street from over a decade, starting in 2000.
In his spare time, he found pleasure in skiing, golfing, hiking, cycling, playing bridge, travelling and entertaining. A gifted pianist from a young age, Bob was a lover of a wide variety of music, and, those who knew him well, will remember how moved to tears he could be by a live performance by a favourite musician or band, or even simply talking about a favourite artist and a performance or song. He was also a lover of movies, and was not afraid to admit that he loved a good rom-com! Last, but especially not least, was his love of good food, and enjoying a meal with good company, while sharing a nice bottle of wine and lively and engaging conversation.
Despite facing incredible challenges following a devastating stroke in 2011, Bob never wavered in his commitment to living life fully, with his trademark determination, positivity, and resilience.
Bob's zest for life, unending humour, kindness, and generosity of spirit, brought joy to everyone who met him and will never be forgotten.
A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will take place at Cole Funeral Services on a date to be determined in the new year.
If you wish, a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Bob, would be appreciated.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert “Bob” J. Ford, please visit our flower store.
Robert “Bob” J. Ford's Guestbook
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