Passed away surrounded by his family at LHSC – University Hospital, London on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the age of 89. Beloved husband of Sandra (Van Praet) Ford for 45 years. Cherished father of Deb and Larry Clarke, Karen and Mark Tuckey, Randy and Alica Ford, Renee Kleinjan and Kevin Willcocks, Tracy and Steve Read, and Vicki and Brent Lovelace. Adored grandfather of 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Lois Hern. Fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews the extended Van Praet Family. Predeceased by his brother-in-law Ken Hern and his parents Arthur and Leda (Harding) Ford.
Irv was a hardworking and well-respected member of the Grand Bend community, proudly owning and operating Klondyke Farms for many years, where he built a successful potato farming business through dedication and determination. Beyond the farm, he was deeply involved in the community, spending countless hours refereeing hockey in Exeter and enthusiastically announcing motocross races at Hully Gully, a passion he shared alongside his son. Always embracing adventure, Irv earned his pilot’s license and loved taking to the skies in his own airplane. He also cherished the thrill of dune buggying through the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and looked forward each year to spending winters in Mexico with his beloved wife, Sandra, where many dear friends became like family. Whether cheering on the Blue Jays, enjoying time with friends, playing cards or making memories with those he loved most, Irv lived life to the fullest. Above all else, his greatest pride and joy was his family, whose love will remain his lasting legacy.
“Pitter patter let’s get at ‘er”
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Irv’s life will be held at the Grand Bend Legion, 20 Municipal Drive, Grand Bend on Friday, July 17th from 1 – 5 PM, with words of remembrance starting at 2 PM. Interment Exeter Cemetery at later date
If memorial donations are desired, please choose a charity of your choice.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Gary Jennison
Our sincere sympathy to the Ford & Van Praet families. May your memories carry you through this sad time.
Gary & Beth
Gord & Joanne Brown
Our deepest Condolences to Sandy and family. Gord will miss his chats and aggravating Irv, and getting a chuckle. Thinking of you at this time. 💕 Main street of Grand Bend won’t be the same. 😊
Mike and Shelli
Our pal Irv will be SO missed in puerto vallarta Mexico! He was always a hoot and highlight to our winters there…. all our love and prayers to Sandy and family, hope to see you all in Mexico this winter.
Rick & Lori Dellow (Turkheim)
Sandy and family
We are very sorry for your loss. Cherish each and everyone of your special memories!
Jim & Kathy Young
BEST KIND OF NEIGHBOUR, WE WILL MISS YOU IRV.
Elaine Clarke (Ducharme)
Sandy and family
I am so sorry for your loss .. Hugs 💕
Mike and Lynn Veri
Our deepest condolences to the Ford and Van Praet families. I have many memories as far back as the Potato days at Klondyke Gdrs. Thinking of all of you.
Karen McLellan
My sincere sympathy to you, Sandra and family.
Terry Genttner
Sandra and Family.
Sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure getting to know Irvin. A great man who had a real passion for his family. I really enjoyed hearing his life stories. A life well lived.
Sherri Horner
Our deepest condolences to Sandra & family, Ford will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, we will especially miss playing the ring toss game with him, I always loved beating him and putting him in his place because he was so competitive & thought he was the champion, he always put a smile on everyones face and was truly one of a kind…RIP my friend
From the ring toss gang: Sherri Horner, Freda Welten, Clara Watson & Joel Dupuis
Gerry Cross
Sorry for your loss Renee.
Gary and Audrey Jamieson
So sorry for your loss. Always lots of laughs when Irv was around. Cherish your memories.
Ray and Joan Webb and family
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Lynn Ferwerda
Sandra, Lois Children and families. Anyone who had the opportunity to know or ever meet Irv will all have a unique and lasting memory. His laughter, jokes, comments and advise were always said from his heart ❤️ . Missing him already. Hugs to you all at this sad time.
Jim Oesch
To Irvin’s family
Sending condolences to the passing of Irvin
Karen Dickins
Sandra, Karen, Randy and families, my deepest condolences. What great memories I have of the Hully Gully days, everyone knew when the races were starting…”Pitter Patter” . A fine referee, although sometimes we didn’t agree with his calls. Above all a great family man, so proud of his family. Cherish your wonderful memories…Hugs
Josey and Ralph
Hello. So sorry to hear about Irvin’s passing. We just saw him at the airshow on May 31.
Hugs to you all..R.I.P, Irv
John & Stephanie Hamilton
Sandra and family, our sincere condolences. We really enjoyed getting to know Irv, such a kind man. Sorry for your loss.
Tom and Julia Dickins
Deepest sympathy on Irv’s passing.
I remember Irv as one of the regular refs back in early 80’s doing intermediate D south huron hockey league. Irv would usually be in the middle of a brawl or two on the ice and his amazing voice announcing with Randy at the Hully Gully Motocross races.
RIP
Graham Hern
Irvin was an Uncle, second Father, and brother to me. He took me everywhere with him when I was growing up Showed me a lot and taught me a lot Sporting events car races and motor bikes and parties He was larger than life and was accomplished in everything that he wanted to take on. A successful caring man He will be truly missed
Sue Rock
Dear Sandra & Family, I’m sending sincere sympathies to all.
Cheryl White
The White family was very sorry to hear of Irv’s passing. Heart felt condolences to the Ford & Van Praet family. 🙏💔
Berni Landry
Irv was such a lovely man and so much fun to be around. He treated me as though I was family and always greeted me and everyone with a big warm hug and a kiss. I always looked forward to seeing him and Sandra on the strip in Grand Bend enjoying an ice cream with the roof of their car down. He will be sadly missed. RIP Irv and I look forward to that big hug when we meet again. 🤗🩷🙏
Edith Lewis
Karen and Mark
I am sorry to see the passing of your Dad.
Cherish his memories and he will always be with you.
Mary & Jim MacGregor
To Deb and Karen, and all your family,
Our sincere condolences of the passing of your Dad. You were fortunate to have him with you for so long.
Sending big hugs your way.
Bob & Sherry Knight
Dear Sandra and All The Family We were deeply saddened and sorry to learn of Irv passing on. Sure had a lot of good times and laughs over the years especially in Mexico with Irv. Sending our love and deepest sympathy to all. Take care everyone.
Connie and John Taylor
We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prays are with you and your family.
Randy and Lynda Rapley
Our deepest sympathy
Cindy Vander Burgt
Sandy and family my deepest condolences