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John Kennedy Ford
It is with heavy hearts that we say Ken went to the Hospital for an emergency gall bladder attack on December 8, 2021, and didn't return home. After battling a series of complications and setbacks, Ken passed away at Memorial Central of Colorado Springs on January 10, 2022, with his wife and daughters by his side.
Ken was born in Borger, Texas on October 25, 1943 to Frances Alden Ford and Mary Kathleen (Kay) Ford. He was the oldest of three children and is survived by his sister Janey Longacre, her husband Dan, their daughter Lisa, their daughter Kay and her family; and his brother Charles Ford, his wife Joani, and their daughter Genna.
In 1973 Ken married Mary "Kay" Boom. Kay was named after Ken's mother, as Ken and Kay's mothers had been dear friends and college roommates. On his wedding day Ken's mother gave him a photo album including a picture of Ken at age 5, and Kay & Janey at age 3, lined up together with the caption "I met my wife in 1948." When Ken married Kay he instantly gained Kristin as a 3 year old daughter. Ken adopted Kristin and never spent a day being anything less than the most supportive Dad anyone could wish for. Ken's love for Kristin extended to her Paternal Grandmother Honey and Aunt Donna as well as Donna's family, thus making Ken "Uncle Not-Not". In 1976 Ken and Kay joyfully welcomed Keri into the family. Keri was Ken's mini-me from the start. Keri could read her father like no one else, and many times Kay relied on that insight.
Ken's driving motivation was to build a financial foundation for his family and their future generations. As a young man Ken volunteered for the Air Force National Guard where his training in radar technology paved the way for his dedicated, lifetime career with IBM. IBM provided Ken the opportunity to realize his goals. He loved IBM and the lasting relationships he built there. IBM made Ken a world traveller and he included his family in his adventures as often as possible.
As hard as Ken worked, he remarkably prioritized time with the family and friends, making holidays and reunions no-miss affairs. Ken's delight in visiting family and friends seamlessly blended with his love of riding motorcycles . Ken and Kay spent many of their retirement years traveling the country on their Harleys visiting anyone willing to let the bikes roar into their driveways. After Ken and Kay parked the Harleys for good, they developed golf fever. They continued traveling to see friends and family, but now with an eye for new golf experiences. Friends recently introduced Ken to pickle ball and he played it with a passion right up to the week before he went to the hospital.
Above all else, Ken's unwavering love for and devotion to his grandchildren shined through. Ken lived to be Papa.
Along his journey through life Ken kept close contact with the many people that touched him. Ken always spoke lovingly of his family. Ken refused to have enemies and was a compassionate friend. Ken was a soft touch guided by a huge heart, and we are all enriched by the time we shared with him.
Ken is survived by his wife Kay, and their two daughters Kristin Leigh Wheeler, her husband Rob, and their children Caden and Bodi; and Keri Diane Winters, her husband Josh, and their children Esa, Kenna, and Ronin.
Remembrance of Ken
Please join us to celebrate and reminisce on the time we shared with Ken. His favorite foods and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. The gathering will be held at the Woodmoor Barn Community Center, 1691 Woodmoor Drive, on Sunday January 23, from 2:30-3:30.
A further remembrance and scattering of Ken's ashes will be planned for June, in Indiana. More information to follow as plans progress.
In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider a memorial gift in Ken's name to First Tee - Southern Colorado. (see information below)
"First tee is a [golf oriented] youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges"
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John "Ken" Kennedy Ford, please visit our floral store.
First Tee - Southern Colorado
525 N. Academy Blvd, Colorado Springs CO 80909
Tel: 1-719-597-1932
Web: http://www.firstteesoco.org