Robert Francis Ford

ROBERT FRANCIS FORD Robert Francis Ford, 78, of Rio Verde, AZ died on November 2, 2013. A former Santa Fe (NM) resident Bob was born and grew up in Weymouth, Massachusetts. Fresh out of high school he joined the Navy and served in the Korean Conflict as an electronics technician (Petty Officer First Class) on the USS Lake Champlain and was decorated with various citations and commendations for bravery and valor. He returned to Boston and completed his undergraduate, Master's and Doctorate degrees in Electrical Engineering at Northeastern University. While there he excelled in football and ice hockey, being inducted into the early Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements. He also played the 1960 season for the Baltimore Colts professional football team. After a stint at Sylvania he joined the team which had started Data General, a pioneer in the mini computer world. In 1973 he ventured west and took a position as Project Engineer at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (NM) retiring in 1993. He also taught computer science at the UNM/Los Alamos branch campus eventually becoming its chair. During his lifetime he enjoyed many athletic pursuits in particular skiing at Wildcat Mountain (NH) and Pajarito Mountain in Los Alamos and participated in numerous senior downhill ski races in NM and CO. He loved golf as well and was a former member of the Las Campanas Golf Club (Santa Fe) as well as current member of Rio Verde CC (AZ) and Torreon Golf Club (Show Low, AZ). In his retirement he worked as a Rules Official for tournaments run by the USGA, AZ Golf Association and NCAA as well as serving as a volunteer at the Mayo Clinic for the past ten years. Bob is survived by Denise Andre Ford, his wife of 32 years; his brother, George M Ford, of Hingham, MA; and numerous nephews, nieces and grand nephews and nieces. Bob dearly loved his adopted Southwest, his wife, many friends and especially his felines: Gracie, Mr. Wilson and Molly. He will be profoundly missed. In accordance with Bob's wishes, no services will be held. A special thank you to Hospice of the Valley and its Eckstein Center and their very caring, loving and compassionate staff. Arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.