Ford, Bryan Michael

FORD – Bryan Michael Ford ~ September 16, 1955 – October 21, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bryan Ford. Bryan was the youngest of six children raised on the Ford family farm north of Maple Creek.
He was predeceased by his parents Ethel and Hilton Ford, brothers Gordon and Kenneth, nephew Glenn Ford, and niece Gayle Stanko.
He is survived by siblings Darlene (Bill) Fletcher, Gary (Peggy) Ford, and Sharon (Lloyd) Ritchie as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bryan loved sports and excelled at football, basketball, and track and field when he attended Maple Creek Composite High School. His basketball team, coached by Allan Bloomfield, won the provincial championship in 1970; the bond of team friendship continues to this day. He was presented the George J. Tomlinson student of the year and the Maple Creek Canadian Legion grade 12 boys sports awards in 1973, his graduating year.
Bryan convocated from the University of Sask. with a BSc in Physical Education in 1980, a BSc in Physical Therapy in 1984 and a diploma in Athletic Therapy shortly thereafter. He subsequently worked at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, ran a private practice at different times in Calgary and Vancouver and volunteered his therapy services at the 1988 Winter Olympics. His most rewarding endeavour was joining the staff at the University of British Columbia and travelling Europe with the Canadian Speed Skating Team and the UBC wrestling team as a therapist. Bryan was also a certified scuba diving instructor.
As he became more disabled with schizophrenia, Bryan became a resident of the Western Senior Citizens’ Home in Leader Sask, where he was given special considerate care. The repect shown to Bryan (sometimes called “Tiny”) by the staff helped him maintain his sense of dignity. The staff became his family and the institution his home. The family cannot thank the staff enough.
A memorial service and internment took place on October 26, 2017. Bryan was escorted to his final resting place by loyal friends; Art Unsworth, John McDougald and Angus McDougald and nephews; Jason Ford, Bill Fletcher, and Clinton Ritchie.
Those who so desire may make memorial tributes to the Schizophrenia Society of Sask, Box 305, Station Main, Regina SK – S4P 3A1

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