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Payton Ford Obituary
Payton A. Ford
May 17, 2000 – Jan. 30, 2023
On the evening of January 30th, 2023, Payton Ford passed away at the age of 22 following a long fight with complications stemming from a severe immune deficiency.
Payton was born to parents Jim and Stefanie Ford in 2000 and lived in Corvallis his whole life. He graduated from Crescent Valley High School in 2018 and went on to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Oregon State University. While dealing with multiple medical setbacks, Payton worked diligently to complete his degree and was only two terms away at the time of his passing.
Payton will be remembered for his dry sense of humor and his uncanny ability to connect with the people he met. Armed with an expansive knowledge about seemingly everything, Payton could converse with anyone regarding nearly any topic, but his two favorite subjects were sports and food. As a fan of all forms of competition, Payton traversed the highs and lows of Beaver fandom with unfettered optimism, always believing that the next season would be the one. As for food, the only thing Payton enjoyed more than cooking was eating, and he spent many evenings referencing New York Times recipes as he whipped up a new favorite. In these many ways, Payton created lasting connections that will not be soon forgotten.
Payton is survived by his parents, Jim and Stefanie, and his brother Dylan.
A public celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on February 11, 2023, at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center on the Oregon State campus.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to BeTheMatch.org, a charity that facilitates locating donors for bone-marrow transplants to fight many diseases including the one that Payton fought his whole life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Payton Ford
4 Entries
Matthew Criscione
February 28, 2023
Hi Jim and Stephanie and Dylan, I was out of town during the service but wished to reach out and let you know that my heart was broken when I heard the news. I loved your son/brother and thought of him as one of my very very special students. I will always remember him by his sly smile and hard work ethic. Payton was one of those kids who excelled but kept all things in perspective and did it all in such a cool manner. I last saw him at the Country Store working and the two of us had a good laugh about fifth grade-I'm bad with time, but it seems like a little over a year ago. I will, of course, always remember Payton for his main role as Danny in our play. Stephanie I loved working with you as t-ball coaches and having you help out in the classroom. There is nothing I can say but to tell you my heart is with your family and I send my love to all of you. Peace and gratitude.
the Dorans, Dublin, Ireland xxxx
February 7, 2023
Hi my lovelies...
It's hard to find the words... I'm devastated for you all and we are so so sorry for this huge loss.
And people are saying such kind words - it must be some comfort. It seems Payton went on to be a special young man. For us he will always be that bright, fun boy who shared our adventures in Oregon.
That time with you all is still in our hearts as it was during those precious family years before they grow long legs and go out and about without us!! And the children remember you all as they grew up together on the road having great new experiences.
And you were such kind and welcoming neighbors, and you don't deserve this pain. I wish you all the courage and strength to face this. Peyton, sweetheart, may you rest in peace.
Julie Tucker
February 6, 2023
I was lucky to have Payton as an ASE intern in my OSU lab when he was in high school. He was a good worker and had a great attitude. I recently reconnected with him when he and his team chose to work on my senior design project this year. I was so proud to see how far he had come and was glad he was working on our team. He will be missed.
Photo from his ASE internship summer presentation.
Michele Friesen
February 4, 2023
I will forever cherish my memories of Payton and his ready smile. Rest in peace
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