19 March 2009

 Joseph Ronald Ford

 Joseph leaves behind Evelyn, his wife and her daughter Joni who grew close to him.

 His children,  Pat, Joey and Tony.

 His Grandchildren: Sarah, Glenn, Josh, Vicky, Joanne, Daniel, Katy, Lucy, Mollie, Kelly, Laura and Keiran

 His great grandchildren:  Sam, Kayleigh, Charlie, Nellie, Bobby, Lily Rose and Sidonie.

 Other important people in his life were his previous wives, Mollie (the first love of his life and the mother of his children), and Inge whom he spent many happy years with until her death.

 He talked of his friends he had lost and friends he had now. John Ball was very important to him and George kept him company on a daily basis. Kim, a neighbour who has moved, was very kind to him. Barry also a neighbour was like a son to Joseph and Lindsey, a good friend of Joseph as well as Evelyn.

 Joseph loved the place where he lived; neighbours traditionally giving Christmas cards to each other like a family each year.

 He was very grateful to his specialist Ram, who, until a recent promotion, visited him regularly.

He talked about Saint Stephen’s church, how wonderful being a part of his life and Saints Mary’s church where he used to be and wanted to be there and bring him into his last journey.

 Joseph was born in the East End and his early years were spent growing up in depression. Towards the end of his life his daughter started to record his biography and he spoke of those early days as poor but people relied on their neighbours more and were generally happier. He said men whistled a lot as they rode about on their bikes.

 In his early days he joined the Air Force and the Merchant Navy and in this way he saw the world and was much travelled. He remembers well the sight, sound and warmth and the people of South America.

 He was very sad when he lost his father, who served in the Scottish Regiment and proudly wore his kilt when home. His mother died and was buried here at Saint Mary’s yard where he wants to be with today.

 He met Mollie, his first wife, in Barking and it was love at first sight. They married young and moved to Harlow in the 50’s to find fresher air and house that was not damp. But they also left the extended family behind and their company and support was missed.

 Joseph had many jobs but his favourite was when he was doing a bit of driving and talking to different people. He worked for British Rail for a long time doing this and later worked for British Telecoms where he trained, received certificates and was popular amongst his work mates.

 Joseph became very settled in Harlow and when he married Inge he started to travel again and they enjoyed holidays abroad.

 Joseph met and married Evelyn last August, was very happy and said he was a lucky man.

And he was

.His wife Evelyn describes Joseph as a very special person with special qualities; he has a heart of Gold that no one can take it away. Because of those, his memories will bring them comfort and he will be remembered till the rest of their lives. IN GOD WE TRUST. HE gives and takes away.