Ernie Ford was born in Richmond, Indiana in the summer of 1955. Raised on a farm, he learned early in life the value of hard work and honest living. After high school, he joined the United States army, where his superiors and fellow soldiers quickly realized his outstanding physical ability, mental acuity and marksmanship skills. He subsequently became an Army Ranger, and his skills in the Special Forces community were unrivaled. Ernie rose to the highest non-commissioned officer rank of Sergeant Major and was known universally for fierce loyalty to his comrades, and unending dedication to his country and mission.
Following retirement from the Army, Ernie worked for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, providing security for nearly 20 years as a Sergeant in the harsh conditions of Alaska. He loved Alaska for its raw beauty, and he frequently sent photos to his family and friends of the scenery and wildlife that he held so closely to his heart.
Ernie was dearly loved by his family and friends, and was known for being a “man’s man.” He will be remembered for his epic handshakes and powerful hugs. His untimely death is tragic reminder to live each day well, and to spend as much time as possible with family and loved ones. Ernie is survived by Jean Sullivan, Amber and Alexis Crouch, Travis and Scarlett Ford, Sean O’Hearn and countless others who will never forget the impact that his had on their lives. He will be dearly missed.
Ernie can now be found in the best “tactical” position at Fiddlers Green, watching over his comrades and making sure that everyone has what they need.
Visitation will be held at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix from 6:00 – 8:00pm on Friday, August 15th, 2014. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00am, Saturday, August 16th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Directly following the service, a reception will be held at the Phoenix Country Club, 2901 N. 7th Street, Phoenix.
A Memorial Fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo Branch to Ernie (Ernest) Ford Memorial Fund. This fund will be used to establish a trust for his granddaughter’s college fund. You do not need the account number (6475551641) unless you are mailing a check to:
Wells Fargo Bank
34502 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85266
Attention: Ernie Ford Memorial Fund
Lynda Cooper
My heart breaks for my best friend, Jean, for Ernie’s son and daughter, Travis and Amber, and for his many friends and family. Ernie was a bright star that shared it’s light with all who knew him. He was greatly loved and will be dearly missed. My love and prayers are with you.
Go with God, Ernie and know that you will always be in our hearts,
Kelley, Steve, and Allyra
Y’all are in our thoughts during this tragic time. I’m glad I was able to meet the man that meant the most to you Amber. He loved you and was so proud of you. He will be missed. Love you.
Pam
Although I only met you once you were a man to remember. Knowing your daughter and what a wonderful, loving, strong woman that she is I know it comes from the love of parents. We are all praying for peace for all of the family, but I believe you will be guiding them always. Rest in peace.
Mike Haskett
Ernie and I were lifelong friends since the age of 10. But he was more than that, he was family. I shall miss his bear hugs and his incredible smile.
Rest easy my friend. I look forward to the day we meet at Fiddler’s Green.
May God give your family and friends peace and comfort as you smile on us from above.
I love you my friend………
Jim and Beverly Rauthe Hall
Hadn’t seen Ernie for several years, but as a classmate will remember him for his love for people and life, he will be greatly missed. Prayers to the family in this difficult time.
Allen & Tessie
Dear Ernie,
We miss you and the energy you always brought into a room. You did good, Ernie, your time on earth – you impacted many lives for the better.
Keep watching over us all.
Love,
Allen & Tessie
Carol Sikora
This is our TRIBUTE to Command Sergeant Major Ernest E, Ford, (ret), from the family of Captain James Campbell, (ret). We know you’re reminiscing, right now, with your comrades at FIDDLER’S GREEN. You’ve earned your place among them. There’s a BRIGHT NEW STAR shining in the heavens on these nights. God placed it there in your honor. Sky Six has your back, Ernie. Always has. Rest in peace, soldier. We’re better people for having known you.
Your Campbell Family
Lance Sullivan
I will never forget the first time I met Ernie it was at my little sisters high school graduation party. As I walked into my parents kitchen I saw my aunt jean accompanied by this giant man with a million dollar smile; although I had never met this man he gave me and my wife the most warm introduction followed by the most generous hug for Jaci (my wife) and a handshake that tested the strength of every bone in my hand (glad I held up!) from that moment on he was a fixture in our family. Each and every time we met we were greeted the same way, a big hug for jaci and the kids and a earth shattering handshake or a clavicle crushing shoulder squeeze for myself. I will miss the hell out of you Ernie, you were taken too soon, it’s not fair but I and my family are far richer for the time we were given with you. For that I say thank you and god bless.
Pam ingalls
God be with all your family and friends. You have left a big void in all our lives and are truly missed. I am so proud of you and I can see by all the wonderful tributes, you have impacted alot of lives. Thank you for the dedicated service you gave for our country and the friendship we had. I pray for comfort for your family as they go through each day without you here. Know that your papa is in your heart forever and watching over all of you. Ernie – your smile still makes me smile but my heart is so heavy with your loss. Love to you, my friend.
kathy casey graeve
My sympathy and prayers to my cousin, Jean Sullivan, and all of Ernie’s family and friends. Here is a tribute I have read and would like to share: “I’m Free” —-Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with a remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, AH, yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Life up your hearts and share with me, GOD WANTED ME NOW: HE SET ME FREE.
Charles Kiplinger
Rest in Peace Brother. You will be missed by all who knew you and that warm, infectious smile. You embodied all that is great about this country, a true, gentle, warrior. Until we meet again. I know you are guarding the gates of heaven.
Ken and Gail Lehman
Our original meeting with Ernie was a few years ago during a visit to Pump Station 5. Ernie was in on playing a big joke on us inspired by a fellow worker we knew and stopped in to visit. Following an intense unbelievable interrogation by this strong, serious, professional man we learned it was for a joke on us. How Ernie laughed and gave hugs!
On subsequent visits we became more acquainted with this dear friend who was always so considerate, loving and kind. He would share photos taken of northern lights, landscape, and Alaskan wildlife with us during the year. This 12 th of August we are heading once again to Pump Station 5 and beyond. There will be a huge void with Ernie not there to offer his warm welcome to his beloved Alaska. To his family and friends may you be blessed by his love and the memories you have to cherish. You are in our prayers as we all have heavy hearts with our loss. god Bless. His Michigan friends, , ken and Gail Lehman
E Bruce Sheasley
I loved Ernie for the joy and love he brought to my BFF from college, Jean. Instantly he opened his heart and friendship. If someone was important in Jean’s life, that someone (me) instantly became important in Ernie’s life. God I love him and miss him. I’ll always think of him as the man whose heart was way too big for his body and just spilled love and laughter all over us.
Ronald Cutcher
You will be missed. BlackHorse!
John E. McDevitt
Was glad to have you serve with me, rest in peace brother this world will not be the same. You have a special place in Fiddlers Green and you will continue to look over the troopers under your watch. God Bless you will be missed.
!st Sergeant Retired (Allons)
Sarah Strunk
There are few more genuine people you will meet in your life than Ernie Ford. He was always truly joyful, polite and loving to everyone he met, and he brought that joy into the lives of everyone he met. When he became engaged to Jean, we all thought we could not imagine two more perfectly matched people. We always looked forward to “dancing at your wedding”, but it was not to be. He will be missed by everyone.
Carol Sikora
EB..You and I have discussed, many,many times, the Hallowed Grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. Those courageous souls who are rest there will welcome you among their ranks, CSM. Ford. You’ve served your country well, and my Dad and I, Captain James Campbell, (RET), at rest, as well, always admired your love of country and patriotism. You’ve honored us, EB, with your courage, and your ability to live each day as it came, no matter what difficulty life placed in your way. I make you this promise, Ernie. I will visit your resting place at Arlington and honor you as the fine man who never forgot the “Greatest Generation”, and helped me survive the painful passing of my beloved father. Rest well, my friend. Know that your passing has left deep, deep sorrow, but as left also the knowledge that we will meet again, I pray that I helped you along life’s confusing way.
C W
Leonard Hisamoto
My condolences to Ernie’s family and loved ones.
Almost 20 years ago, Ernie and I shared a passion for refereeing – the only way I knew Ernie. Once, we shared a ride from Fairbanks, AK to Tri-Valley School (to officiate) in Healy, AK and allowed us to get better acquainted. His carrying himself professionally is what stood out the most, but what a dedicated and loving person I discovered underneath his commanding presence. An unforgettable abeit short road-trip, it allowed for a few hours of bonding that lasted many years after.
Gone too soon, Ernie, rest in peace my friend.
Carol Sikora
EB…On this special VETERANS DAY we want to send you all our LOVE and RESPECT for your HONOR to GOD, COUNTRY, and FAMILY.. Thank you, Dearest GOD for allowing Ernie to touch our lives and see us through the passing of our father, a member of the GREATEST GENERATION. Ernie’s strength has served us well. We hope, in turn, that we’ve helped him grow closer to his loved ones as well. GOD BLESS you, Ernest Edgar. You’ve earned your resting place among your comrades in Arlington, and they will welcome you, with pride, among their ranks. We will visit your resting place, soon, and pay our respects. Signing off, now, but please, SKY SIX, assure Ernie that he continues to live in our hearts…and he always will. CW..(your Campbell Family).
Andy Thory
Ernie. What can I say except you were a huge part of my army life. You took us brits under your wing and treated us like your own. When you invited us to the train with the American army it was an honour for us. We all became very good friends and I was honoured to visit you on several occasions. Very sad news. R.I.P our friend. From all the lads in the 1st Royal Tank regiment. British army.
Michael Quiros
To a great man father and soldier. RIP and know you are missed and loved by so many and it was such a pleasure to have known ya and we are so much hurt by the loss.
Miss you my brother