Michael Lord

Forestville: Michael Lord- Visionary Craftsman, Conservationist and Beloved Family Man. A man of vision, heart and skilled hands, passed away peacefully, Thursday, May 15th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy as enduring and finely crafted as the wood he shaped and the lives he touched. He was born in Buffalo on February 20, 1944 to the late Ralph J. & Dorothy (Rutter) Lord.
Michael's life was defined by creativity, perseverance, deep love for nature, and devotion to his family. Michael's lifelong dedication to craftsmanship began in childhood under the guidance of his grandfather, Ralph Lord, Sr., an Industrial Art Teacher in Buffalo. While attending Canisius College, he worked as an apprentice pattern maker for Chevy in North Tonawanda and later relocated his young family to Leon, NY. There he co-founded, along with Martin Goldman of Dunkirk, North Country Faire Precision, specializing in custom craft items and fine furniture. A few years later, he co-founded Cherry Creek Woodcraft in 1976 in Cherry Creek, acquiring and expanding a local business formerly known as Skill Craft, that was previously owned by Charlotte Kozlowski and family. In 1991, the growing operation moved to South Dayton, where a modern manufacturing facility was built and is successful to this day. With automation techniques that helped transform Cherry Creek Woodcraft into the largest trophy and awards manufacturing company in the world, a distinction it held for over 30 years and continues to hold nationally.
Michael's love for the land was just as strong as his love for wood. A passionate conservationist and steward of nature, he managed woodlands and farmland with care and high standards. Alongside his wife Shaun, he raised and trained Percheron draft horses of distinguished lineage, earning top honors with his draft horses in hitch classes at Eastern and Midwestern state fairs and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto throughout the 1990's. He was also an accomplished horseback rider, riding through the woods and fields at home and for two months out of the year he rode the trails at Ocala National Park in Florida. Together with Shaun, they raised Irish Dexter cattle and Tamworth hogs on their farm, affectionately named "Someday Maybe Farms" in Forestville. Their work in organic practices and sustainable agriculture reflected Michael's deep respect for nature and innovation.
Michael could often be found in his home woodshop, crafting fine furniture and wooden gifts for his family. He cherished his childhood memories of summers spent on Lake Erie at his grandparent's cottage in Fort Erie, and later as an adult, he took pride in his cabin cruiser, "Ripple", docked at Chadwick Bay Marina in Dunkirk. Music was a central joy in Michael's life. He shared his love of music with his children and grandchildren, celebrating their talents and always encouraging their artistic pursuits. Making memories was his mantra, and he ensured that every gathering was filled with laughter, learning and harmony.
Above all, Michael was a man of wisdom, humor, and kindness. Know for his philosophical perspective, his quick wit and his generosity, he brought warmth to every room and left an impression on all who knew him- whether in the workshop, on the farm, or at the dinner table.
Survivors include his beloved wife Sharon Ann "Shaun" (Meredith) Lord, whom he married on September 30, 1989 in the Town of Hanover, his children Shayne (Lawrence) Guidry, Michael P. (Wendy) Lord, and Andrew (May) Lord. He was also loving stepfather to Quinn (JJ) Kaye ad Jason (Kelly Westfall) Eddy. Michael was a devoted grandfather to Indigo Guidry, Nicholas (Janelle) Lord, Melissa Guidry Daniil, Dakota (Kayla) Lord, Max Guidry, Dalton Lord and Cameron Lord and proud step-grandfather to Jordan Miller, Jazmin (Johnathan) Accardo, and Colin Eddy. He cherished his great grandchildren: Schea and Killian Frost, Lucy and Spencer Accardo and infant Liam Michael Lord. Also surviving are his siblings: Nancy (Peter) Lord and Ralph (Nieva) Lord. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his grandparents, sister Kathleen and her husband Larry Chapman and his first wife Sharon Kean. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cherished in-laws, including Mike, Steve, Casey and Tom Meredith and Connie Staley, with whom he shared deep friendships, fond memories and misdeeds. He will be sadly missed by his companion last dogs, Bassi and Maddie.
Per Michael's request, he was laid to rest in one of his favorite spots among the mature hardwood trees on the family farm in the Town of Hanover. A fitting resting place for a man so deeply connected to the land.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Chautauqua Hospice & Palliative Care and the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehab, along with the nurses and aides who cared for Michael with compassion and dignity in his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 13th at the family home in Forestville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made the Forestville Fire Department, Inc. PO Box 299, Forestville, NY 14062.
Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.