Donald Bruce Ford

Donald Bruce Ford September 6th, 1951 � January 30th, 2018 Don was born on September 6th, 1951 in Dinuba, CA to parents Donald C. and Cleona Ford. He attended Redwood high school and graduated in 1969. In 1971 Don was married to his life-long partner, Charlotte Ford. Together they moved to Germany where they spent three years living and traveling while Don served in the U.S. Army. The couple returned to Visalia, Ca. in 1974. Don is father to three children, Jason, Willy and Chelsea. Don was the quintessential example of man and father. He set good examples for his children in his tendency to love and care for his family and in his work ethic. Don was married and always faithful to his wife, Charlotte for 45 years. He will be well remembered for constantly telling his family that he loved them, especially when they were parting ways, even when they were just going outside to play. Don worked in dairy processing for most of his career at Real Fresh in Visalia, CA where he made many life-long friends. Don is well known for his collection of goods, antiques, motorcycle parts, and anything else that he thought that he "might use some day." Don is remembered for going to the swap meet and often coming home with odds and ends. Though it seemed to some that Don had way too much "junk," he always had a plan to use everything that he ever brought home. And he never stopped making plans. He was a true believer in the saying "get busy living, or get busy dying" and he never stopped making plans for the future. Don loved music, motorcycles, parties, and his family. He enjoyed it when friends would stop by the house to share a beer and visit. He loved going on motorcycle rides to the coast, the mountains, and to bike rallies with his riding buddies including his son, Willy. He loved his music loud, and usually had music playing around the house at all hours of the day. And he loved to watch his children and grandchildren having fun at his house; whether they were riding motorcycles, the side by side, go-carts, playing on the zip line, shooting bb guns, etc. Ford's Place was a child's-play paradise and he was always proud that his family loved being there. Don is survived by his mother, Cleona, brothers Randy and Jeffery, son Jason and wife Erin, son Willy and wife Sarah, and his six grandchildren, Jackson, Olivia, Asa, Emily, Clay, and Ezekiel. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 10, 2018 at 9:00am at Visalia Cemetery. All are welcome to attend. Condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Donald Bruce Ford

September 6, 1951 - January 30, 2018