Robert James Ford, 84

Robert James Ford passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born Jan. 21, 1926, to Marion and Alene Ford in Kalispell. He attended school in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School.

He enlisted in the Navy during World War II and was stationed in Port Chicago, Calif., receiving an honorable discharge in 1945.

After attending the University of Montana in Missoula, he became an apprentice electrician for his father at Miller-Ford Electric in Kalispell. He would later become a managing partner with Harvey Hammer upon Marion’s retirement.

He was married to Alice Moen in 1950, and raised three sons in the valley that he truly loved and resided most of his life.

He was an avid sportsman, enjoying the beauty of the Big Sky Country whenever possible.

After his retirement in 1973, Bob and Alice enjoyed traveling, gardening, and spending time at their winter residence in Lake Havasu, Ariz.

He was a member of the IBEW for over 60 years and was also a member of Ducks Unlimited and the Elks.

He was a very straightforward man and was always concerned about giving you an honest days work for the dollar, no matter what he was doing. He was “one of a kind” once you got to know him. Bob’s dry sense of humor will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice; son, Rob and Sheila Ford, and their children, Sam and Callie, of Port Orchard, Wash.; and son, David and JoAnne Ford, and Zac of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and son Mark.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, with a reception following at the Central School Museum.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Central School Museum, 124 Second Street East, Kalispell, Montana 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Robert’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Robert’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.