Richard Walter Ford

If you can play golf in heaven, surrounded by old friends, with a stop at the 19th hole afterwards, we'll know where to find Dad. Richard Walter Ford was born on March 10, 1926, and left us on December 19, 2013. He was a delightful man, husband and father, and brought a warm heart, rapier wit and good will to every situation. Born in Madison WI, he grew up in Des Moines, IA, and proudly played football for U of Iowa. He enlisted in the US Army during WWII, and was stationed in Saipan. Typically his war stories were more about stealing the beer truck than witnessing "action." He often said in later years there is no pacifist like a deployed soldier and was enormously proud of the efforts his generation made to preserve our freedom. In 1950, he married beautiful Ann Piekenbrock of Dubuque, IA. Throughout his life he declared there was no man luckier. Devout Catholics, they had five children in fairly quick succession; Mary, John, Thomas, Michael, and Steven. As the years unfolded, he became a beloved father-in-law and treasured grandpa of eight. In 1973, Richard purchased The Wharf restaurant and marina in St. Michaels. It was a family-run complex, with boat docking and repair, plus a 300 seat restaurant. The restaurant was known throughout the area for its .99 spaghetti feeds. On those nights, spaghetti lovers lined up out the door and across the parking lot. He loved that crowd, and enjoyed a laugh with every diner. His enjoyment of food, cooking and sharing a good meal was both his creative outlet and gift to others. In Dad's heaven, the Packers will win the Super Bowl every year. He had an open door policy for young people, welcoming their ideas, fearlessness, and humor and greatly enjoyed telling jokes and stories. A dream come true was visiting Ireland with his four sons in 2003. Together they toured the family cottage in County Mayo, meeting aunts and uncles while raising a glass to family present and remembered. He will be missed every day. He was the cornerstone of his family and will remain in their hearts forever. His tenacity, humor, loyalty, and integrity live on. Richard is survived by his lovely wife Ann; daughter, Mary of Easton, (daughter Sara and son Matthew); son, John of Easton (wife Peggy, son Ben, wife Kate Livie), son, Michael of Easton (wife Patricia, daughters Alison and Whitney), son Thom of Trappe, (wife Leslie Passano, daughter Molly); and son, Steven of Trappe (wife Donna and daughters Carter and Emily). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

Richard Walter Ford

March 10, 1926 - December 19, 2013