BGen (Retired) Christopher Kevin Ford CD

Chris and I met at a local Toastmasters club anniversary in St. Albert, Alberta. Later he responded to my request to do the forewords for my Legacy of Leadership and In the Company of Leaders books.... he was an excellent choice for this role due to his roles as a leader in our Canadian Military as well as Toastmasters.... he will be sorely missed. We are in the midst of updating Legacy and it will now be dedicated in his memory. Thanks Chris.

I met Chris through the RCMP Pipes & Drums. He was always good natured, quick witted, and we shared many fond memories together. A decade ago, Chris offered to help me get our regimental colours on a new set of drums. We spent one summer afternoon together in his garage and put his engineering expertise to good use! When I was going through a particularly difficult time, Chris was there to offer words of encouragement. His wisdom and insights were invaluable. Life lessons I have kept and remembered to this day. Thank you Chris for showing me what it means to be a leader and a gentleman. Rest In Peace.

Chris and I met serveral years agao -Joining Toastmasters at approx the same time. Our path have crossed amny times and on sevral occasions was able to steal some one on one time with him. A true genuine human being who always seem to make you want to hear one more story -message. I wont be able to attend his service on the 29th and it breaks my heart - My family will be celebrating the Union of our youngest son to his Fiancé - But know He, and his family, will be in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless

Dear Carole and families,
Our sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was a kind, good hearted man, who loved and cherished his time with family, friends and his special and dear Carole. RIP. Will never forget him.

Chris was a great leader who inspired thousands of people.
CHIMO Sapper.

I would like to share the speech I delivered for Chris Ford at his Manotick Toastmaster Club where we became friends for 12 years and where he was the best mentor anybody could have: Sept 25, 2023

Hello fellow toastmasters and distinguished guests,
I am here to honour our friend, teammate, leader and fellow remarkable toastmaster Chris Ford. He made the Manotick Toastmaster Club feel like home to many of us over the years and inspired us to be the best we could.

Chris passed away on Wed Sept 13th, 2023 from ALS otherwise known as Lou Gehrig disease. Interesting fact, the famous baseball player Lou Gehrig developed symptoms of the condition in the 1930s, and that’s why it’s known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In our eyes, Chris was famous to us, even if he didn’t make a famous baseball income.
Chris was the Co-Founder of our Manotick Toastmasters club 27 years ago. He also held the prestigious position of Toastmasters International President in 2007-2008. Chris was recognized by Toastmasters and International Dignitaries as one of their Inspirational Leaders in 2021 for his integrity, inspiration, respect, service, and excellence. Like a famous baseball player Chris went to bat for our club and for us many times over. He was relentless in his pursuit in mentoring and assisting the club to be a fun learning environment and successful with many awards over the years. He played all the bases at our club and within the whole organization from secretary to president and almost always took on a role each week to help the meeting run efficiently. He mastered every role and always helped us succeed in the roles as well. We were a winning team with Chris as our Head Coach.

Chris was a mentor to many people in Toastmasters and I benefited from his wisdom for 12 years at the Manotick Club. He guided me in my last role as Area Director in 2021. We jointly served and volunteered in every Executive role of the club. Chris was known for his dedication, tireless commitment and steadfastness even well after he was diagnosed. Chris was highly intelligent, influential and inspirational. I was in awe of his speaking ability and how he made me feel when he evaluated my speeches. He had a way of making one feel good while learning our areas for improvement. I give Chris credit in my upcoming book “Reflecting on Life; Growing Through Grief” from the impact he had on me as a mentor and friend. He has left a legacy that he and his family can be proud of.

Chris and I had an instant bond having both served proudly in the Army. He retired as a Brigadier General and we often shared military humour and memories. A little known fact is that Chris was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1995. Chris was humble and never boasted about his accomplishments. The Order of Military Merit is a military honour for merit that is the second highest order administered by the governor in Council on behalf of the Canadian monarch. The award recognizes “conspicuous merit and exceptional service by active members of the Canadian Armed Forces”. In April 2022, Chris was awarded the Canadian Military Engineers Commendation in recognition of over 50 years of service to the Canadian Military Engineers, including service in the Regular Force, as an Honorary Colonel, and for his support of the work of the Military Engineering Institute of Canada and the Canadian Military Engineers Association. Chris was a loyal person that is for certain and the highest achiever in everything he took on that I knew of.

In addition, outside of toastmasters and the military, Chris was an excellent drummer in a military band, a sailor in civilian life, a father, step father, grandfather, leader, high profile speaker, and a volunteer on a number of boards.

I last saw Chris in person at our 25th club anniversary at a BBQ at a fellow members home in 2021. It was a lovely time and Chris was still able to drive at that point, he was in the early stages of ALS. He continued to have such a positive and brave attitude. He was one of the easiest people to talk to and the kindest gentleman I’ve ever met. I will greatly miss him and fondly remember him.

If I knew Chris, I know he would want us to be valiant and continue on playing the best game we can and continue scoring home runs for our team and our toastmaster family. Thank you Chris for all you imparted onto us.

To my fellow toastmasters-Keep the bases loaded for Chris!
Rest in Excellence, Chris

Chris was a truly special individual; I was so fortunate have known him. Not many people can command respect but instead choose to inspire respect. Chris chose to inspire.

Chris, you were a true friend and an outstanding mentor. I have very fond memories of our crossing paths throughout our long careers as Sapper officers. My life has been enriched through knowing you. RIP Sapper.

A great engineer and remarkable gentleman. He will be missed. God bless, Chris.

On behalf of the RMC Alumni Association, Ottawa Branch, sincere condolences to family, classmates, friends and all whose lives were touch by Chris. We are richer for the time spent with him.
"They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
We will remember them.
Mission accomplished. Rest in peace.