Obituary of William "Billy" Thomas Ford, Glace Bay

It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts, that we the family, announce the peaceful passing of William “Billy” Thomas Ford, on Friday October 30, 2020, at home while surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 73. Born and raised in Glace Bay, Billy was the son of the late William “Bill” and Jessie (Whiting) Ford. Billy worked in the coal mine for a period of time in his younger years, but his passion was for the sea and he decided to continue on in his father’s footsteps. The vast amount of fishing knowledge that Billy gained through the teachings of his father along with his experiences, made him an outstanding fisherman. He always knew when and where the fish would run and nobody could steer you up on a swordfish better than Billy. Throughout his years, Billy found joy in music, dancing and carrying on with his many family members and friends. He was also an avid story teller and was so good that the children in the family couldn’t tell fact from fiction. Billy is predeceased by his parents, Bill and Jessie Ford; sisters Anne Jovita (infant), Anne Shirley (child), Mary (Sid) Battiste, Theresa (Bill) Gillis, Rita (John Joe) Ford all of Glace Bay, Catherine Ford and Margaret Bobbett (Vancouver) and Lorraine McKillop (Halifax); his brothers; Paul, James (Shelia) and David Ford all of Glace Bay. Billy is survived by his children Brenda Lee Ford (Sydney) and Peter Ford (Saskatchewan); his grandchildren Vikki Ford (New Waterford) and Ryan Ford (Saskatchewan); his sisters Helen (Tom) MacDonald (Dartmouth), Ruth Ford (Doug), Linda (Ernie) Billard and Carol Ford all of Glace Bay; sister-in-law Sharon Ford (Glace Bay), brother-in-law Dave McKillop (Halifax) along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews all of whom he loved and adored. Billy was known for his quick wit, kind and caring soul and his huge heart of gold. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him but will never be forgotten. Death ends a life, not a relationship. So, we will see you on the other side. The funeral will be facilitated by V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Center, 16 Reserve, Glace Bay, NS. His funeral mass will be held Wednesday, November 4 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Anne’s Church, Glace Bay with Fr. Duaine Devereaux officiating. Interment in the parish cemetery. Although, there will be no visitation, online condolences to the family can be sent via: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. Donations in Billy’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Diabetes Association or a charity of choice. DUE TO SEATING RESTRICTIONS, WE ASK THAT EVERYONE REMAIN IN THEIR CARS IN THE CHURCH PARKING LOT UNTIL THE FAMILY ARRIVE AND ARE SEATED. MASKS ARE ALSO MANDATORY. THANK YOU.