Kirby E. Ford's Obituary
A Mass of Burial will be held, 9am, Saturday, March 24th at St. Frederic Catholic Church in St. Helens, Oregon. Kirby passed away at home in Warren on March 20th; he was 77 years of age.
Kirby was born February 14, 1935 in Protem, Missouri to Lawrence B. and Arkie H. Thorton Ford, the 6th of 10 children. The family moved to Yakima, Washington when he was about 8 years old and this is where he graduated from high school.
In his younger years Kirby traveled around the country working as a truck driver, and operated a rock crusher. He also was a golden glove boxer and was active in the drag racing world as a driver.
In 1960 he moved to Florence, Oregon where he met and married the love of his life. Joyce Sprouffske married Kirby on October 23, 1960. Again, the family moved several time due to his profession and they lived in Oregon, California, and Washington.
For the last 29 years they lived in Newcastle, California where Kirby was the Finishing / Shipping Consultant for Louisiana Pacific, among other companies, where he retired in 1986.
Kirby enjoyed sports and played soft ball as a fast pitch pitcher and catcher. He also kept up with and went to local high school football games. He and Joyce moved to Warren in 2004.
Kirby is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce, children; Gene Ford, Lynn Lamance of Grove, Oklahoma, Joseph Ford of Crescent City, CA, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, siblings; Nadine Wandler of Yakima, WA, Sue Hill of Yakima, Marcella Carter of Walnut Creek, CA, Barbara Lowrie of Glenoma, WA and Peggy Meikle of Yakima.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at; www.columbiafh.com
Columbia Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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