Craig Robert Ford

On July 4, 2026, we lost our dad, our grandpa, our brother, our friend, and one of the most unforgettable people we'll ever know.

Craig Robert Ford lived life on his own terms. He loved deeply, laughed often, worked hard, and never passed up the chance for one more ride, one more road trip, or one more memory with the people he loved. While our hearts are broken by his passing, we are incredibly grateful for the life he lived and the love he gave so freely.

Craig was the beloved son of Fred and Joan Ford and the second oldest of eleven children. Growing up in such a big family taught him resilience, loyalty, and the importance of showing up for the people you love. Those values stayed with him for the rest of his life.

He proudly served in the United States Navy and was deployed to Vietnam multiple times. Although he rarely sought recognition for his service, it shaped the man he became: strong, dependable, and quietly courageous.

He was a devoted father to Christopher (Angie), Cara (David), and Mason. But if you asked him what his greatest accomplishment was, it wasn't his military service or his career. It was being Grandpa to Jayden, Isabella, Laynie, Zoie, and Cash.

His grandchildren were his world. They gave him purpose, brought him peace, and filled his life with more joy than words can express. He celebrated every milestone, bragged about every accomplishment, and loved each of them with his whole heart. They weren't just his grandchildren. They were his greatest pride.

If you knew Craig, you knew he belonged on a Harley. Riding wasn't just something he enjoyed. It was part of who he was. One of his favorite traditions was taking each grandchild on their Memorial Day Rolling Thunder ride when they were old enough. Those rides became treasured memories, time spent together that can never be replaced.

Craig was incredibly intelligent and built a successful career as a Quality Engineer with General Atomics. His work took him all over the country, but whenever possible, he stayed an extra day or two just to spend time with Cara, David, and the grandchildren, wherever they happened to be living. To him, there was no better destination than family.

Some of our best memories were made on the road. Every year, Craig, Cara, Mason, and the grandkids piled into a vehicle and headed somewhere new. Together they explored 39 states, collecting stories, laughter, and enough adventures to last a lifetime. Looking back now, it was never really about where we were going. It was about being together.

Traveling with Craig also meant learning his version of navigation. You wouldn't hear, "Turn on Route 95." Instead, it was, "Hang a left at Jack in the Box," or, "Take a right at McDonald's." Somehow, it always got us exactly where we needed to be. There wasn't a gas station, fast food restaurant, or landmark he couldn't remember.

He also had a fun side that surprised people. He loved rhinestones, glitter, crafts, and anything that made life a little brighter. He never worried about whether something fit a stereotype. If it made him smile, or made someone else happy, that was enough.

More than anything, Craig loved his family. He taught us strength by the way he faced life's challenges. He taught us loyalty by always being there. He taught us to find adventure, to laugh often, and to make time for the people who matter most.

His legacy isn't measured by the places he traveled or the miles he rode. It's found in the lives he touched, the family he loved without condition, and the values he passed on to each of us.

We'll miss the sound of his Harley, his unforgettable directions, his stories, his laugh, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there.

We'll carry him with us every day.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Dad and Grandpa.

Fair winds and following seas, Dad. May the roads ahead be endless, the skies always clear, and your Harley carry you home. Until we ride together again, we'll hear you in every rumble of a Harley, find you on every open road, and carry your love, your strength, and your spirit with us every mile of the journey.