Peter F. Ford

Peter Felix Ford passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI peacefully at the age of 80 surrounded by family. He was born October 8, 1936. He was the fifth of ten siblings to Julian and Julia (Alexis) Ford in Chicago, IL.

Peter graduated in 1955 from De La Salle Catholic High school for boys in Chicago, IL. He married Louise Llorens on June 29, 1957 at Ascension Catholic Church in Harvey, IL. They then moved to Markham, IL where they lived for 10 years before moving to Lacota, MI. Peter loved to roller skate and dance, in fact he and Louise went dancing all the time. Peter was a painter for O’Hare Painting and Decorating in Chicago, IL and for Notre Dame in South Bend, IN before retiring from Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Kalamazoo, MI in 1996. Following his retirement, Peter continued work at Sleepy Hollow Resort in South Haven, MI as well as painting private homes and businesses until 2010. Not only was painting his career, it was a hobby of his and he took great pride in his craftsmanship.  Louise always said, if the walls got dirty, instead of washing them Peter would paint them.

Peter is preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Julia Ford, and his siblings, Patricia Ware, Julian Ford, Claire Bower, Allan Ford, Craig Ford and Kathleen Moore.

Peter is lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years - Louise Ford of Lacota, MI, children- Peter Ford of Gwinnett, GA,  Theresa (Antonio) Smith of Lacota, MI, Lynda (Wallace) Baker of Kalamazoo, MI, Lisa (Brian) Cramer of Marietta, GA and Mathew Ford of Kalamazoo, MI, siblings – Janice Green of Chicago, IL, Gail Christian of Chicago, IL and Judith (Wendell) Benson of New Orleans, LA,  eight grandchildren - Erik Ford, Erica (James) Hart, Ashley (Chris) Waters, Nicole (Roman) Brown, Domnise Muldrow, Michael Robinson, Antonnette Smith and Amber Baker, nine great grandchildren - Kaden Brown, Parker Waters, Aubri Robinson, Kameron Brown, Carter Hart, Jameson Waters, Landyn Robinson, Levi Robinson and Jackson Ford, best friend and brother-in-law - Ray Llorens, brother-in-laws - Anthony and Michael Llorens,  along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Peter enjoyed camping trips and going on cruises with his family, remodeling his home and spending time working in the yard. He took great pride in making sure his yard was always in tip-top shape. He enjoyed watching western and classic movies, especially his favorite, Casablanca. He loved his animals particularly his cat Pepper who never left his side. He was a kind and gentle person who loved spending time with family and friends. His indomitable spirit encouraged family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles. The legacy of Peter’s kind heart, sense of humor, passion for hard work, love of animals and zest for life will live on through everyone he touched.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven and 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the St. Basil Catholic Church on Friday December 30, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 30, 2016 at the St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven. Peter will be laid to rest in Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. Contributions may be made in Peter’s memory to the Fresenius Kidney Care.