Obituary for Michael C. Ford at The Neptune Society (2024)

Michael C. Ford

12/29/1937 – 11/09/2023

A widely recognized community builder, educator and fundraiser, Michael Clement Ford passed away peacefully with his family at his side on November 9, 2023 at the Hinds Hospice Home. He was 85 years old.

Michael was the oldest of seven children of Clement Michael Ford and Mildred Burk Ford, born on December 29, 1937 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. The Ford Family relocated to Moorhead, Minn., when Michael was young.

Always proud of his Catholic faith and Irish heritage, Michael’s early educational pursuits were rooted in service and faith, traits he carried until his passing. He attended St. John’s Preparatory School and entered the seminary, intent on becoming a priest. While in college, he served America in the United States Air Force Reserve as an Airman 3rd Class.

In his early 20’s, he met two of the most influential people in his life, the love of his life and future wife, Lori Wehage, and Father Bill Mehrkins. Father Bill recruited Mike to work at a youth camp on Lake of the Woods, Minn., called Laketrails Base Camp, where he served as a camp counselor and wilderness guide. That created a life-long relationship with the Laketrails Base Camp community, where he later served on the board of directors.

He and Lori were married December 29, 1962. He began his teaching career in Roseau, Minn., before transferring to Bemidji State University to continue his education and work as an instructor in the English department. Their two daughters, Kathryn and Julie, were born in Bemidji. Shortly after Julie arrived, they moved to Nashville, where Michael continued his education at George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, earning his doctorate degree in English. While in Nashville, Michael worked for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.

Michael’s career in higher education continued at Oklahoma City University, where he eventually became chair of the English Department. It was during that tenure where his incredible servant leadership and relationship-building skills so impressed the university president, he re-assigned Mike to head up the development office. His career as a fundraiser was born. Michael later held development leadership roles at schools in Missouri and Texas before moving to Fresno, Calif., in the mid-1980s. He worked for the Diocese of Fresno and Community Medical Foundation, retiring in 2000 as Vice President of Development.

He founded the Osprey Group, a national fundraising consultant business, which he operated for 20 years offering fundraising experience and leadership training. He helped several local non-profits, including the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, Poverello House, Valley PBS, Central California Food Bank, Hinds Hospice and AMOR.

Another important part of Mike’s life and service was being a faithful friend of Bill W. beginning in 1995. In addition to his AA community, Mike was also active in the Rotary Club of Fresno, and St. Paul Newman Center.

Michael will be remembered for his beautiful smile and care for people. He lived his life in context, aware of his surroundings and those in his presence. He had a special way of connecting and building relationships with people from all walks of life, serving as a mentor for people of all ages. He was a life-long learner. He loved music, theater, art, sports and reading.

Michael was preceded in death by wife, Lori, son, Stephen sister Anne Ford Nelson, and his parents.

He is survived by daughters Kathryn Weakland (Steve) and Julie Tymn (Chris), both of Fresno, Calif., and grandchildren Tyler Donaghy, Emily Tymn and Abigail Tymn. He was also known as Grampy to many.

Michael enjoyed special relationships with his “Ford Bird” siblings, Judith E. Ford, of St. Paul, Minn., Patrick Burk Ford (Angie) of LaVerne, Calif., John D. Ford (Ginny) of Phoenix, Sue Ford Clausen of St. Paul, Minn., and William T. Ford, St. Paul, Minn. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Nov. 16, at 9:30 a.m. at the St. Paul Newman Center, followed by a Fellowship Reception in Cardinal Newman Hall. A private family internment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Michael’s memory to any of the following charitable organizations he supported: Hinds Hospice (Fresno, Calif.­), Central California Food Bank (Fresno, Calif.), Laketrails Base Camp (Oak Island, Minn.), or a favorite charity.

In his final days, he reflected on his life, calling it was “complete, rich and full”. Among Michael’s last words: “Be Gentle on Yourselves and Each Other”.