On the afternoon of November 16, 2024, Robert Morgan Ford passed away after a long battle with Alzheimers Disease at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive, MT. He was 83 years old.
Robert (Bob) Ford was born in Melvin, Kentucky on December 19, 1940. He was the third of four children, and third son, of Gertrude and William Ford of Dayton, Ohio.
At a very early age he expressed an interest in fishing and quite often would grab his fishing pole, board a bus, and go to his favorite fishing hole. It’s unknown if he caught any fish, but that never stopped him from trying. As you know, this interest never left him.
Bob attended high school in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating he pursued a career in Zoology at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. This is where he met Carole Woll, his future wife, and it was love at first sight for the both of them. Bob proposed to Carole after two weeks, albeit in his usual comical manner. Despite this, she eventually said “yes.”
In the fall of 1961, Bob enlisted in the Army. His commanding officer told him now is not the time to get married, and Bob retorted, “yes, it is.” They were married on July 14, 1962, as planned. The couple honeymooned on the upper peninsula of Michigan at a fishing resort, no less.
After marriage, they transferred to Fall Church, VA and then to Des Moines, IA. After three months in Iowa, Bob was ordered to spend one year in Korea as an Intel Officer. When his time was over, he was home again.
Bob’s enlistment had ended, and he sought out his game warden dreams. He spent the next few years as a game warden in Ohio before being hired as a warden in Washington State. His first station was Sedro-Woolley, then Ellensburg Republic, and finally Bellingham, WA. Bob retired from Bellingham after 23 years.
Bob and Carole moved to Miles City, MT where Bob enjoyed his retirement years. He purchased a fishing boat and returned to his love of fishing. His only other satisfying hobby was to find diamond willow branches from which he would spend his time carving the diamond willow into walking sticks. He presented them to family, friends, and any friend who may have needed one. He did this for his enjoyment and would never sell them.
During this time, he worked part time for the Department of Defense doing background investigations. This ultimately led to him joining the Coast Guard reserves as a Special Agent and from which he fully retired.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; both of his brothers; and his sister.
Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Carole; sons Christopher and Matthew; grandsons C.J., Anthony, and Daniel; as well as great grandsons Jason and Benjamin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s name to the Alzheimers Association- Billings.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will take place with Full Military Honors at Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Miles City.
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Mass
Tuesday December 3, 2024
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Miles City, MT 59301
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Bobbi and Gary Askin says
To the Ford family – Bob was a wonderful man and Gary and I always enjoyed his company. Many blessings to all of you.
George and Maggie Holom says
To the family of Bob Ford—Our thoughts and prayer for your Peace and Comfort in your loss; and may he Rest in Peace.
Jim Bishop says
Great Friend – Teller of experiences as a game warden and master craftsman of diamond willow canes
wes d malenovsky says
sorry for your loss rip robert god bless magic
Deb Landrum says
Bob was a good man, a caring and compassionate person. A lover of outdoors and of dogs…Those two alone make for a good man. Deepest sympathies Carole, to you and your boys. May God give you the comfort that exists in remembering all of the good things and may His holy angels wrap your family in the healing light of His love.
doug swanson says
Good friend and fellow game warden…….from years ago. Our prays and thoughts are with you and family….
Wayne Roberts says
RIP Bob, many great memories with you. We were in that same cadet class of 1967. To your family sorry for your loss.
Rick Peterson says
Bob spent a great part of his life protecting our natural resources, serving as a State Wildlife Enforcement Officer. He was also a true patriot serving in the Army and as a investigator with the Coast Guard. Bob always had jokes to tell and a smile to share. Rest in peace my friend, thanks for the great memories and many laughs. Our condolences to Carole, Chris and Matt. From a fellow Fish and Wildlife Officer and longtime friend.
Chris says
So sorry for your loss, Carol.
Marilyn Green says
When I first met Mr. Ford his mind and body had already been devastated by the awful disease that eventually took his life. He was a resident of the Eastern Montana Veterans Home, where I am one of the providers of a weekly church service. He always looked so dignified, handsome and important I had trouble calling him by his first name.
I remember how he enjoyed his meals and was most attentive during that time, even attempting to communicate with me when I invited him to come to church. He was there often and enjoyed the singing though he often dozed off during the message. I truly miss him and was fascinated reading the obituary. I wish I had known him before but was enriched in knowing him even in the difficult years.
May God comfort his family in their loss.
Pat and Ronnie Rowland says
Thinking of Carole and family on Bob’s upcoming birthday. May it be of comfort to know how many people truly care. We enjoyed his humor (most of the time) and cherish wonderful memories from Washington, Oregon, Florida and retirement in Montana! He always got a kick out of scaring Pat while yelling out, “We’re going to crash and burn!” and grabbing the dashboard while he was driving, especially in Miami, lol I also treasure my willow walking stick he made for me. Missed but not forgotten
Ron Peregrin says
I first met Bob in July 1967 as our cadet class of 12 Game Wardens and 1 Wildlife Control Officer formed in Olympia for our cadet training. We were joined one week later by 5 Dept. Of Fisheries Officers. After we graduated and assumed our stations we often bumped into one another during the 1960’s fishing wars and major events. Bob’s wit and humor was always appreciated especially during tense events, or extremely boring training sessions. Bob eventually joined me in the U.S. Coast Guard Investigations Service as a Special Agent during which we had many fond memories of operations vastly different than our day to day Fish and Wildlife work. Bob brightened any room he entered and turned dull days brighter. I am sorry for the loss to his family and friends, but I can see him entering the Pearly Gates greeting St. Peter. Instead of a casual “hello” or “here I am”, I am inclined to think his first words were “Did I ever tell you about the time……” I know St. Peter has been waiting for him and I am thankful that I had some of his time in my life.