Richard Franklin Ford

The Rose Beyond The Wall

A rose once grew where all could see,
Sheltered beside a garden wall,
And, as the days passed swiftly by,
It spread its branches, straight and tall.

One day, a beam of light shone through
A crevice that had opened wide-
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
Then passed beyond to the other side.

Now, you who deeply feel its loss,
Be comforted - the rose blooms there-
It's beauty even greater now,
Nurtured by God's own...

I regret to say that I only knew Richard Ford (or Matthew's Pepaw, as I always knew him) for a short amount of time. Yet even in a couple short years, he made a wonderful and immense impression upon me. The first time we met he welcomed me with a warm hug and made me feel totally at home. At dinners, he'd relay stories to me and share his deep insights. Thank you for allowing me to join your family during yesterday's processions and welcoming me, just as always did and would have. I'm sorry...

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time and in the days ahead. May your memories bring you much comfort.

We are very sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your sweet family.

Dick Ford was a Straight Talker before John McCain made the term fashionable; some of us treasure bruises from getting in the way of the Dick Ford version of the Straight Talk Express. He was a steadfast friend, a conscientious Father and a devoted husband. We will all miss him, and mourn with Julie, who will miss him most of all.

Our sympanthy and thoughts are with the family during this sad time.
Lewis Minshew Sunset 1950
Yvonne Minshew Sunset 1952

With sympathy to the family, Robert, Lisa, & Rachel Wade

Rich and Tucker and Family,

Know that we are holding you in our hearts at this sad time.