"Coach Ford was very influential in molding my life as a young man. I remember as a 10 year old, Lakewood football games could be heard over the radio. At that point, I wanted nothing more than to play for Coach Ford and Lakewood High." --Bob Garcia, '74

Hello Father Fred,

Well, my old high school football coach passed away this last Wednesday. Coach Ford was very influential in molding my life as a young man. I remember as a 10 year old, Lakewood football games could be heard over the radio. At that point I wanted nothing more than to play for Coach Ford and Lakewood High. It was a childhood dream that eventually came true. About 10 years ago, a friend of mine and his brothers hosted an awards dinner for Coach Ford where 100's of past players and coaches attended. I had an opportunity to thank him for all he had done for me and voice words that rarely come out of my mouth to another man "I love you Coach." Coach Ford taught us to always respect others and to represent our City, school and family with class and style. These are virtues I have and will always carry within my heart. Coach Ford will be truly missed. Please say a prayer for Coach Ford, his wife, children and grandchildren

Thank You,

Bob Garcia
Class of 1974
73-74 Varsity Football

Saturday, May 27, 2006

As a 1966 Graduate, I was fortunate enough to have Coach Ford, at a time in my life, when I believe he really motivated me the most. I wasn't on the football team, baseball or any of the sports activities. I wasn't a jock, but still enjoyed sports as a spectator. I could only admire the ones that were fortunate enough to participate in any of the sports, or actually be on the Football Field playing for Coach Ford. I wasn't able to, due to working after school at night. Not being able to attend the games, I was there in spirit though, you see, I worked at the gas station on the corner of Woodruff and Harvey way...I heard every cheer and imagined every touchdown.

But, just having my senior year P.E. class with him was the greatest. Something about him really motivated me to try harder, do better and stay the course. Not only in P.E., but my other classes to, it seems. Something that he instilled in me just carried over to the other classes too, without actually knowing what did it. As an average student, and I mean "C" average, I just managed to get by with a, "just enough" to get the job done attitude.

1966 was when it changed for me. Not only did I get my first "A" in P.E. that year, I got two more "A's" a "B" and a "C", which really amazed both myself and my parents. Not to mention my insurance agent, as it qualified me for a good student discount on car insurance...

Every time I walk into the Mc Donald's on Woodruff and Del Amo, I look at the "Tribute to Lakewood Sports". It takes me back in time, to remember those days gone by. Instantly I think of Coach Ford, but also I am reminded of the others shown there, both coaches and students, who are all part of what it is all about.

I can only try to imagine how many peoples lives have been touched by Coach Ford. It really must be way up in the thousands. Not only touched, but changed for the good that he did for them, what he instilled in them, that can carry over to the lives of others. Their children, co workers and others that they associate with. How many can be thankful for the part of their lives that has been blessed by that interaction they had with Coach Ford? If only they all knew of his passing, how many tears of sorrow would there be? How many would look back and say "Thank YOU", Coach Ford? I can not imagine a number that great. For I as one, who looks back, with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat as I write...

THANK YOU again Coach Ford, for all you have done, for all that you have been for so many. You will never be forgotten, and always will live in the hearts of those you have touched. In them, your life's work extends beyond your mortal being, an extension of all that you have been for so many.

Gary Redmayne
Class of "66"

"John Ford set the tone for thousands of young mens lives by the life lessons he taught on the football field. Lessons that could not be learned in the classroom." --Ron Wilson

Friday, May 26, 2006

It is with a very heavy heart that my wife, Debbie, and I send this return to all of you. We are currently out of state on the East Coast and will not be returning until late Sunday night, therefore we will not be able to attend the services this Saturday for Coach Ford.

Let me say that our thoughts and prayers will be there in spirit for Coach Ford, Mrs. Ford, the boys and their families. I am sad in a selfish way. I am sad for me because I will not be able to see him or talk with him. Yet, I am so very thankful to have had the opportunity to have been guided by him at such an early age. I know that I am just one of many he touched and influenced. I can truly say he was the person most responsible for the direction of my life.

His teachings both on and off the field have had the most direct effect on my daily life. He taught me the true meanings of dedication, determination, discipline and desire and showed me ways to apply those teachings in my athletic life as well as my everyday life. I tried my best to pass those teachings on to my own children and to others I have come in contact since leaving Lakewood High School.

Yes, he will be missed, but his influence and his teachings will be carried on for many many generations by the athletes and the students who had the pleasure and privilege to have had him in their lives, even if only a short time.

Good Bye Coach Ford,
Thank you and I will miss you

Ron Ayala
Lakewood Lancer "64-67"

"Coach Ford had such a profound effect on so many people, including me. It would have been a tremendous honor to play for him." --Lucio Arellano, '87

Thursday, May 25, 2006

Lancers,

I share your sorrow and grief in the loss of your great coach, John Ford. John was both a respected opponent and a great friend. I will miss him dearly. John Ford's teams were the sole reason for the Moore League to become one of the best in the CIF. How he did this was by becoming so good...we opponents had to coach well...just to survive. He had the help of many great assistants, such as Gene Gillies, Roy Woolbright, Tom Collins, and Warren Stevenson. All great coaches in their own right...but it was John's leadership that brought it all together. We knew that we had to coach and motivate our players to great heights to achieve a victory over his teams. Yes, you are right. We didn't get many. But the few we got...were very dear to us.

After leaving the regular campus, both John and I taught off-campus guidance classes. And there is where John shined...as a man, coach, teacher. These were almost all gang-bangers...going to and returning from custody...guys the system had given up on. Coach Ford put the same effort into helping these wandering souls as he did on the field. Everyone got their chance with a lot of help from your coach.

We later built a house together on the ocean in Baja California. I will always cherish watching the sunsets... after a long day's work...drinking our coffee. We would talk of our players...you guys...my guys. Those were good times. I noticed that every night John would set aside a bit of time to read from..."The Good Book." Of course all the books I read...had a lot of pictures in them...but I understood. Respected.

The next time I am down there...watching the sunset...drinking my coffee...I will think of John...as I promised him I would. A great man, father, husband, friend...and yes...COACH. I will miss him dearly.

Kirk King
Millikan H.S.
Football/Wrestling

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"I owe most of my success in life to the Lakewood system and coach Ford. Thank you, coach." --Mike Rae, '69 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |