Donald N. Ford's Obituary
Donald Niles “Don” Ford, born in Tacoma, WA on March 22, 1923 to Morris E. and May (Niles) Ford. Passed away February 24, 2017 at the age of 93. He spent much of his life in Spanaway Lake and Parkland and eventually the North End Proctor area.
While attending Lincoln High School, Don was a state swimming champion and worked for the Foss Maritime tugboat company during the summers. Soon after graduation, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for three years. He was assigned to Air Group Twenty Torpedo Squadron as his aircraft’s turret gunner aboard the USS Enterprise and later aboard the USS Lexington, where he was involved in a number of key battles in the Pacific, including the renowned Battle of Leyte Gulf. For his valor and bravery, Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, two Gold and one Silver Stars along with many other commendations. He was a very proud WWII Veteran and was inducted into the Enlisted Men’s Hall of Fame in Charleston Harbor, SC.
After serving his country in WWII, Don enjoyed a successful 40 year career as a salesman for the Standard Paper Company in Tacoma. Don considered all of his customers and clients as friends.
Don took pride in always having the “best yard on the block.” He was an avid golfer, playing countless rounds at the PLU Golf Course where he began playing in the 6th grade. Some of the highlights of his retirement years were his daily lunch outings with his wife, Barbara. Having coffee with the “Garfield Geezers” each morning at the Northern Pacific Coffee Shop, meeting with friends at the Tacoma Mall, Westgate McDonald’s and Highlands Golf Course swapping stories. Don had an infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor that drew people to him wherever he happened to be.
Don was preceded in death by his pride and joy and only son, Marc. Also, by his parents; sister Alice and brother Morris “Bud” Ford. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 70 years, Barbara; daughter-in-law Rebecca “Becky” (Purchase) Ford; special niece Wendy (Scott) Heiser, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Law and Dr. Frank Kim for their wonderful care, kindness and friendship.
In lieu of flowers, please do a kind deed for a senior, in memory of Don.
A graveside service for Don will be held 2:30PM, Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Mountain View Funeral Home and Memorial Park.
Please share your memories of Don and condolences to the family by visiting the tribute wall.
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