Kenneth L. Ford August 17, 1944 – March 12, 2018

Kenneth J. Ford passed away March 12, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Gig Harbor, from complications of Parkinson’s Plus M.S.A.  He was surrounded by his family at his death and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother.  Ken was born August 17, 1944 in Tacoma to Joseph A. and Bettye Ford.  Joe was stationed overseas (World War II) at the time, and the time, and the two didn’t “meet” each other until Ken was almost two.  His parents and brother Robert A. proceeded him in death.

Ken graduated from Eatonville High School and worked at a variety of locations as a pipefitter until he began a career at Puget Sound Navel Shipyards in Bremerton.  He moved to the nuclear program at PSNS and continued working for the Department of Defense until his retirement.  In 1965 he married Rita Crohn in Kalispell, Montana.  The two moved to Gig Harbor in 1977 where many of Ken’s relatives lived.  Their two children, Jessica and Aaron, were added to the household and celebrated with Ken and Rita the many holiday family gatherings held each year.

Following Ken’s retirement, he and Rita began planning a cabin they wanted to have built in Eastern Washington.  He knew it would be the perfect place to enjoy time with family and friends.  Ken’s health began to suffer soon after the cabin was completed, and he wasn’t able to spend very much time at “The Hawk.”

Ken leaves behind his wife Rita, daughter Jessica Takehara (Randy), son Aaron (Jennifer), sister Vicki Young (Bob), and four wonderful grandchildren; David Takehara, Grayson Ford, Randall (Junior) Takehara, and Camille Ford.

A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at Fox Island United Church of Christ on April 28th at 2:00 p.m.  Remembraces may be made to Pierce County Fire District No. 5.  They answered our many calls and assisted Ken with kind consideration and professionalism.