Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Walter Ford Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Walter Ford
George Albany
August 10, 2025
Great guy, gone too soon.
Nino deProphetis
March 27, 2025
Students coming into my classroom regularly had stories about Wally's class He was a truly inspired teacher
Carolyn Barton
January 7, 2021
So sorry to know that. He was very well liked and respected. Very fondly remembered by his high school students at NPHS/ Strathhaven HS. Wonderful man, smart and did a lot of interesting things outside of teaching too. BYe continues to be missed by his former students. We still,post about him on the NPHS FACEBOOK PAGE MANY YEARS LATER.
Kevin Benenhaley
August 11, 2020
Mr Ford was the best teacher and friend a student could have.He loved his students and they loved him!
M.B. Davila-Aponte
July 13, 2014
Returning to Sanibel for our annual vacation, I was so sad to learn about Walter! I met him years ago at "Beachview Cottages" when he would walk the beach. I looked forward to visiting and talking to him for many summers. I've been reading the comments here...what a special legacy! We need more teachers to emulate him! I will look for him in the beautiful shells, birds, and nature that surrounded him. And the "Twinkle" of the water gleaming from the sun just like the twinkle in his eyes. It was a little treasure to know him briefly as he always had a smile, kind words and funny stories. My family and I will miss him!
caroline barton
November 23, 2013
I am so sorry to realize he passed away. He was a wonderful, mentoring man. I so wish I got to know him personally as an adult. I love the fact he cared about the environment as much as his students (A lot!). Such a shame he passed away so young, but he obviously touched many lives.
Jess Otte
August 31, 2013
I knew Coach Ford from cross country team and from microbiology class in high school; he set me on my path for life. My entire career hinges on that one class, it was wonderful. He was a delight.
Mary McCoy
August 29, 2013
Mr. Ford was one of the teachers that make it all right. He was a talented, good soul. My condolences to his family.
Jennifer Erickson
August 26, 2013
I was always jealous of all my classmates who had Mr.Ford. I wasn't ever in his class but he still knew my name and was so kind and postive to me as he passed me in the hallway. I am now a school social worker and on Thursday I need to present to the staff on the importance of teachers building relationships with students. I plan to use some of the wonderful comments shared in this guest book. I will pay tribute to Mr. Ford in my talk. What a wonderful human being who made a difference for thousands of kids!
Mark Tabak
August 24, 2013
Mr. Ford was was of my earliest mentor as a coach on my cross country team in high school. Always encouraging, smiling, happy, he helped me grow from a boy to a man... a fine and perfect example of what a teacher should be.
Kimberly Dennis Griffin
August 22, 2013
Mr. Ford was my track coach and friend. Through his training and endless encouragement I became a high school state champion. I exceeded my own expectations, but not his.
Mr. Ford you will be missed and always remembered.
August 20, 2013
You will be missed many good times my prayers are with your brother George
Nino deProphetis
August 20, 2013
Wally inspired his fellow teachers as well as students through his positive exuberance, energy, and good nature. I will always miss him.
Jennifer Justice
August 20, 2013
I'm deeply saddened with the news of Mr Ford's passing. He was not only the best homeroom teacher and biology teacher but a great man. He will be greatly missed.
Paula Clement
August 20, 2013
I loved Mr. Ford! He brought bug collecting to life for me! I was in the class of '73. He will be missed.
Anne Mixer
August 19, 2013
Mr. Ford knew I loved Labrador retrievers and he invited me out to his house when his dog had a litter of puppies - I was in heaven! So sorry to hear of his passing.
Mary K. Miluski
August 19, 2013
Mr. Ford was my teacher and track coach. He was wonderful, inspiring, funny, caring, and a part of many of my favorite high school memories.
Tracey Wright McHugh
August 19, 2013
I will never look at a clam without thinking of Mr Ford, and always talk about dissecting them in class, when someone asks why I dont wan't to eat any!!! Mr Ford talked me into dissecting with his funny way, and twinkle in his eye.
He also was my track coach, and he talked me into running the 880. It is a short/long race, and is very hard, but he convinced me I could do it! When I got a medal for 3rd at a big meet, he said, 'see, I knew you could do it!!'
What a sweet man, and a gifted teacher.
His memory will always be with me, my condolences to his family, especially his daughter.
Evie Triozzi
August 19, 2013
Evie,
We have no words of comfort, no magic phrase that will make his loss any easier to bear. But know that everyone he touched in life is remembering everything that was most wonderful about him. His energy, his humor, his honesty and the smile you both share that lights up any room. Sending you and your family the softest prayers for serenity and peace to carry you through this difficult time.
Ann Marie & Dennis Banta
August 19, 2013
We are so sorry for this tremendous loss. We had the pleasure of spending time with Walt this past winter in Sanibel. He will be greatly missed.
Steve Petro
August 19, 2013
I will never forget Wally's smile and true affection for all!! God bless
Kevin Benenhaley
August 19, 2013
Mr Ford was our senior class advisor and was the greatest teacher and friend a student could have-He always had many kind words to say-never heard him say a bad thing about anybody-RIP,Walter-you were loved and admired by all of us in the NPHS class of 1979-you will be sorely missed,good sir-
Mark Mantyla
August 19, 2013
Mr. Ford was my 9th grade science teacher but he was much more that. As a young teen Mr. Ford & Mr. Knudsen were my mentors and set the groundwork for my successful adult life. He regularly included me in his hunting and trapping expeditions and I spent many night sleeping on his living room couch in preparation for hunting or trapping the next day. I often think of him and have a picture in my office of him standing in the doorway of an old outhouse on top of Maple Mountain in Temagami. Please accept my sincere condolences to his family, Walt was a great man who touched many peoples lives in a positive way.
John Saccomandi
August 19, 2013
Although I new Mr. Ford he was never my tacher. I did come to know him well when I was managing the First Union/Wachovia Branch in Aston. He was always in a great mood and inspired me to do my best. I will miss him dearly. He loved his business and the outdoors. RIP Mr. Ford. May God bless you and your family.
Rick Cassel
August 19, 2013
While I never had Mr Ford as a teacher, I came to know him very well as a fellow outdoors-man. He was always such a good guy to be around. My sincere condolences to his family.
Carol Curry
August 19, 2013
Rest in Peace Wally Ford. You were a fantastic teacher who taught with passion and excitement. There was never a dull day in your science class.
August 19, 2013
Wally thank you for being one of the best teachers ever. You made learning fun and exciting. You will be missed so much. Rest In Peace Mr. Ford.
Rae
August 19, 2013
Wow very upsetting to hear of Mr Ford's passing. He was and always will be my favorite teacher.I always say if more teachers taught like him, we'd all be geniuses! He actually made me want to come to school!
Cindy Hunt O'Neill
August 19, 2013
I remember Mr. Ford from my NPHS days. He always had a smile on his face and calm demeanor, even when working with teenagers! He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family
Donna Shumoski-Gaskill
August 19, 2013
To Friends and Family of Mr. Ford: I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the pleasure of being a student in 2 of Mr. Ford's classes. In every young person's academic career, there are always a few teachers that touch us intellectually and emotionally. Mr. Ford was one of those teachers for me. Because of his great presentation and public speaking skills (along with a tremendous sense of humor), Science became a theatrical art form. His passion and his enthusiasm heavily influenced me in choosing a career in Science. He is and will always be remembered with a smile.
Kevin Stranen
August 19, 2013
Walt was a giant among men. He became my mentor in high school and in life. He started as my teacher and then we worked together for many years at Dutchman. I became a scientist because of Walt's guidance. For years he inspired me to always dream bigger and to do greater things in life. I am honored to have called him my friend for the last 16 years. He will be deeply missed.
Meg Werkiser-Annan
August 19, 2013
While I loved Mr. Ford's science class, it was as my track coach that he truly impacted my life. HE inspired in me the absolute joy of running! True to his nature he brought such a sense of fun and playfulness to the team. Because of that, running has been a lifelong joy, solace, and challenge. I will never forget him. My sincere condolences to his family. May he be in lasting peace.
Cynthia Pollock Bushinski
August 19, 2013
I am so sorry for your lost. I loved having Mr. Ford for Biology at NPHS. Class of '75. I studied more for his class than any other. He made it all so interesting. May God help heal the pain and sorrow you have.
Keith
August 19, 2013
Best teacher I ever had hands down, and I had a lot of good teachers in my life. Great guy, great teacher, great inspiration.
Cindy Painter-Carney
August 19, 2013
Mr Ford was a great man, I think of him often when I see the track team begin practice in the fall. And an amazing teacher with great energy. My prayers are with his family and I will remember him fondly.
Elisa Clark
August 18, 2013
Wally worked at SHHS and that's how I knew him. He was a good friend who always made me laugh. He had a million stories, a lot about the practical jokes he'd pull on students and friends. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I'll always remember him smiling with that twinkle in his eye! He will be missed.
John Paul Gagliardi
August 18, 2013
I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Ford's passing. He was a phenomenal teacher. His Biotechnology course was legendary. His life was a gift to many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
Debby Lyons-Nichols
August 18, 2013
Mr. Ford was the first science teacher to inspire me. I learned 'how' to study due to his microbiology class. I remember him sweeping his hand across his desk throwing everything on the floor to become a theatrical piece of DNA so we could understand better. I also remember he cared enough to show up at our five year reunion in 1989. I am so sorry for your loss.
Steven Stambaugh
August 18, 2013
Mr. Ford was an awesome teacher. Full of passion and energy. Loved his class, and always lost the opening day trout fishing pool that he would run for the students who caught the biggest trout. And I'll never forget the day he tricked me into taking what he had out of the pressure cooker in the back room. Thanks for the Memories Wally!
Brooke Riley
August 18, 2013
Mr. Ford was my science teacher my senior year at Strath Haven. He was an amazing teacher. His charisma in the classroom was what made his class so much fun. You learned from him and you always left his class laughing. I will always remember his smile, he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family,
Beth Yarnall Pietrzak
August 18, 2013
Mr. Ford was a great teacher and friend. I am shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. I have very fond memories of him and my times at NPHS. God bless you, Mr Ford. Rest in peace
Stacey Bachetti
August 17, 2013
When I look back on my high school years, Mr. Ford absolutely comes to mind. He was more than just an amazing teacher ~ He was a mentor, a positive influence and someone who cared deeply about his students. His laughter, charisma and sense of humor will be greatly missed. My thoughts & prayers are with his family. RIP Mr. Ford.
Michael Shaw
August 17, 2013
I believe our class (1972) was his first at NP. I enjoyed Bio so this was destined to be one of my better courses but Walt Ford had a gift for teaching and he oh so casually, delivered one of the best learning experiences we had. 66 is so young, and be was always very fit, do you know if he was ill? Mr. Ford, we salute you.
Drew Crawford
August 17, 2013
Mr. Ford was a tremendous influence on the the person I have become. He was my biology teacher at Strath Haven, but truly he was much more than that. Prior to meeting Mr. Ford, I was an average student at best. After leaving Strath Haven, I had a great education, but Mr. Ford imparted a love and understanding of science that carried on through college and then through medical school. I believe it was Mr. Ford who started me on the path toward being a physician and I cannot thank him enough. God Bless Mr. Ford.
Linda Rzeczkowski-Hatcher
August 17, 2013
Mr. Ford was an unforgettable teacher. Loved his microbiology class...funny, engaging, and made the curriculum relevant. I remember him telling the class about the time he got thrush after taking his dog's antibiotic instead of going to the doctor to get his own. Hard to believe he was far younger than I am now when I had him for a teacher at NPHS. Lasting impact. What more could a teacher of his career? Sadly, gone too soon. Sincere condolences to the family.
Herolin Simmons
August 17, 2013
Mr. Ford was a major positive member of the Strath Haven experience. I enjoyed Mr. Ford's teaching and shared some of my experiences from his class to my present students. He will be missed..
Iris Burton
August 17, 2013
One of my favorite people I met in my life! A significant effect in my years in school as a teacher.There is nothing I can say to express the worth of such an outstanding person! My heart hurts badly.
Sophia Kirifides Maddesi
August 17, 2013
Mr. Ford was the best teacher ever, a good friend, and a wonderful mentor. I reached out at Christmas to write him and I was just re-reading my letter to him about 10 minutes ago. How horrible. Perhaps God was telling me something....a terrible loss. I will miss you as I've missed you since I graduated in 1983 from NPHS. God Bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
Jeannie Bardone-pechart
August 17, 2013
Mr. Ford was my teacher, and I can honestly say he was the best teacher I have ever had! He was so supportive of me during some rough times and encouraged me to pursue my career that I am in now. He will be sadly missed . My thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
Paul Lambert
August 17, 2013
Walt, or Wes as I called him, was my step-dad for almost 10 years when I was a kid. Even though that connection legally ended 25+ years ago now, I always still considered him and his family as my own family. I have many good memories of many fun times with him playing with his dogs, fishing, helping out with all his various constant projects around the house, "working" with him during the summers for WSSD, then later working for him for real at Dutchman Fountains. He had a great taste in cars, a greatly varied taste in music, always had a smile on his face, and had MANY friends. He loved his daughter Eve very much. He also cared deeply for his students in his classes and those he coached in track and cross-country, and they loved him back. I could go on and on, but to summarize, I will greatly miss him.
Katherine Kinder
August 17, 2013
I had Mr. Ford as a teacher at Strath Haven....He was a very good teacher. Rest in Peace Mr. Ford.
My Wedding Day
Jack Huber
August 17, 2013
Evie,
I'm so sorry to hear the news of your dad's death. In this time of loss, I hold you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Many memories of Wes remain with me, a man who was a joy to be around. He was an usher in my wedding, a brother in-law to me, always a gracious host, and a fiend, who many, many times left me in belly aching laughter. We share in your loss and wish you comfort and peace.
Jack (Nancy's brother) and Joyce Huber
August 16, 2013
Walt you will be remembered for your wonderful sense of humor, your friendship, your outgoing personality, and your zest for adventure.
-Lance Bogash
william sommerville
August 16, 2013
Evie;
So sorry to hear about your father... we were best of friends for many years. I only wish we could turn back the clock and re-live the good times. We had many adventures and good times together. Our heart goes out to you and the kids... you always were his world and love! e-mail me if you wish @ [email protected]. Our best to your mother!
William & Priscilla Sommerville
Gouldsboro, Maine
Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results
Make a Donation
in Walter Ford's name
Memorial Events
for Walter Ford
How to support Walter's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Walter 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
