Leonard A. Ford

Leonard A. Ford had a deep appreciation for family, friends, wildlife, and an honest day's work. Anyone who knew Leonard would agree that he was a kind-hearted, wonderful man, as well as an excellent provider for his family. Raised on a farm, Leonard learned the value of hard work at a very young age. Leonard's childhood experiences also heavily influenced his deep love of animals and the outdoors. Leonard was famous for dragging home neighborhood strays, nursing them back to health and making them a part of the family.

Leonard A. Ford was born on May 24, 1936, to proud parents Albert and Clara (Engelhart) Ford. Leonard spent the first five years of his life growing up in Longville, Minnesota, where his father owned and operated a farm. His mother worked at a hospital in Longville, and also took several other jobs over the years to make ends meet. Leonard and his mother had a very close relationship. This may have been in part because Leonard was the baby of the family, being the youngest of seven children. He followed four older brothers, Paul, Donald, Marvin and Cecil; and two older sisters, Darlene and Delores.

As a youngster Leonard loved the farm animals, especially his own pet lamb. Leonard made sure to feed the raccoons that came into the yard each day. At the age of 4 Leonard even tried to teach the chickens how to swim! By the time Leonard's father discovered what was happening, Leonard had unsuspectingly drowned a dozen of the chickens in his attempts to teach them.

The Ford family moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, when Leonard was only five years old. Father Albert moved to Ann Arbor first, and after securing a job and establishing himself, he sent back to Minnesota for the rest of the family. Leonard spent the rest of his childhood growing up in Ann Arbor. He attended school through the 12th grade, graduating from Ann Arbor High School. Leonard became active in music throughout school and played the saxophone in the high school band. Later in life he also learned to play the organ, the flute and the French horn.

After high school, Leonard enlisted in the Army; however, being the youngest of her sons,' Leonard's mother had him honorably discharged after just 3 days in the service. Leonard later joined the National Guard. Leonard decided to attend a 4-year college. While he was attending college, he took a job as a millwright in order to support his family. Leonard went on to work for Ford Motor Company, a job which he loved, for 42 years. He first began work with Ford when he was 18 and retired at the age of 60, due to health concerns.

Leonard was a devoted husband to his wife, Marlene, and the loving father of six beautiful children: Rebecca, Albert, Cynthia, Kenneth, Keith and an infant daughter, Tina, who sadly only survived for four days. Leonard bought a horse farm, where he and his family lived while the children were growing up.

Between camping trips with his family, training his dog "Lucky" to carry his beer can, and bowling on the Ford Motor Company Bowling League, Leonard never had a hard time staying active. Leonard's other hobbies included golfing and caring for stray animals. Over the years Leonard brought home toads, turtles, cats, dogs, and even an owl! Leonard's most cherished possessions were his dog, Hooch, and his pet goose. He would actually lie down in the backyard and take naps with his goose!

Following his retirement, Leonard sold the horse farm and bought another home in Michigan. After a short time he sold the new house when he and his wife decided to move to Florida in 2001. They settled in St. Cloud, Florida. Unfortunately Leonard's health deteriorated due to the progression of his Alzheimer's. Leonard was forced to spend most of his time down south in a nursing home in St. Cloud, Florida, where he passed away this past Sunday.

Leonard A. Ford, 69, of St. Cloud, FL., formerly of Ann Arbor, MI, died on Sunday, August 7, 2005 in St. Cloud, FL. Surviving Leonard are his wife, Marlene; two daughters, Rebecca Ann (Kent) Nelson, and Cynthia Lee Ford; two sons, Kenneth and Keith Ford; six grandchildren, Stephanie Lee MacDonald, Justin Leroy Ford, Sara Ann Graham, George Brenizer, and Angie and Robbie Nelson. Also surviving Leonard are two great grandchildren, Jamie and Michael MacDonald; two sisters, Darlene Curtis and Delores Curtis; as well as two brothers, Donald and Marvin Ford. He was preceded in death by one son, Albert; one daughter, Tina; and two brothers, Paul and Cecil.

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 12, 2005, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 6 - 8 p.m. at the Nie Life Story Funeral Home, 2400 Carpenter Road. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, August 13, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Saturday the family will begin visitation at 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Rev. Randy Dunning is officiating, while burial will follow the service at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Livonia, MI. To read Leonard's life story, share a memory, sign the guest book, send flowers or make a memorial contribution, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.