FORD, David Park Ford -
March 16, 1941 - March 22, 2024
Surrounded by the love of dear family with his beloved music playing, David passed away peacefully due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
He and his wife were on holiday in Niagara Falls celebrating his 83rd birthday.
David was the beloved husband and faithful companion of Christel for almost 34 years.
He dearly loved his three daughters - Heather (Santo), Dawn (Gord) and Jennifer.
David was the proud Opa to five grandchildren - Tiana (Adam), Joseph (Nicole), Braden, Alexa and Christian.
Three great-granddaughters, Sadie,
Charlotte and Grace were an amazing, cherished gift. He will be dearly missed by his younger sister Susan (David), his brother-in-law Don (Lory), sister-in-law Karen (Jim), his nieces and nephews and their families. David is also survived by his former wife Della.
He will be lovingly remembered by dear friends, his Yorkminster Park choir and church family, and so many former students. David was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, where he studied piano, voice and ‘cello, the ‘cello being his greatest love. Singing as an Anglican choirboy was a highlight of his young years.
He completed an ARCT in piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as Bachelor of Music and Education degrees at the University of Toronto. He became well known for his outstanding orchestras, string ensembles and choruses while Head of Music at North Toronto Collegiate Institute.
For 30 years at this school he taught, coached and inspired young musicians (including his 3 daughters!) to heights of performance standards sometimes thought unattainable by high school students. Many went on to have a career in music themselves. In addition to this, David pursued other musical goals of his own.
He was at one time Assistant Director of the National Music Camp of Canada. He served as conductor of the East York Symphony for eight years. Singing bass in several choirs was a favourite activity. After retirement from teaching at age 55, David focused very much on the present in this new phase of life. He often said he did not want to be a Miss Havisham, sadly living only in the past! He conducted string and orchestra workshops, was hired as a music consultant and adjudicated competitive music festivals throughout Canada. Along with his wife Christel, he co-managed the Kiwanis Music Festival of Greater Toronto for two years.
Conducting a high school honour orchestra in Vienna, and twice conducting North Toronto reunion concerts at Roy Thomson Hall were major highlights. For many years he loved travelling, hiking and biking with Christel. Cooking delicious meals and entertaining at home were great passions. Creating and maintaining a beautiful garden space was a shared joy. Oh, how he enjoyed his computer games!
Every summer time was spent together in Port Elgin on Lake Huron, a place he had loved since his young childhood.
Singing in the Yorkminster Park choir and being part of the Church family meant so much. More recently David lived with the ongoing and progressive physical and cognitive challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, a challenge he met with grace and dignity. The sparkle in his eyes, his gentle soul, sense of humour and ongoing gratitude defined his life every day.
He loved visits with family and friends, smaller trips within Ontario, and regular outings closer to home. Enjoying delicious meals remained a joy. David knew he was so loved, he gave of himself as he was able, and he was content and grateful for life at home every day. Many thanks to the medical staff at Niagara Regional Health for their kind and compassionate care
in his final hours. A private family service will take place next week, followed by a public Memorial Service on Thursday, May 2, 2 pm, at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St., Toronto. All who wish to honour David are very welcome to attend.
Arrangements with SIMPLE ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL CENTRE - PICKERING .
In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, or the Daily Bread Food Bank. Love Always and Forever.
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