Ronald Ford Obituary

Durango resident Ronald Edward Ford died of hypertensive cardiac disease on Friday, June 27, 2014, at his home. He was 71.

Known as "Ron," he was born to Ralph A. and Martha (Gadeken) Ford on April 26, 1943, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha Central High School.

Mr. Ford went on to attend Omaha University for three years, where he was a member of the Army Reserve.

In April 1965, he married Nancy Hendrix in Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple had two children together before the marriage ended in divorce.

While raising his young family in Lincoln, Mr. Ford worked for the U.S. Checkbook Co.

"Ron made countless friends in Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska," according to his family.

In 1977, the Ford family moved to Durango, where Mr. Ford owned and operated KDGO-AM, a local radio station.

"Mr. Ford truly fell in love with the community of Durango and established lifelong friendships through his work at KDGO," according to his family.

He was involved with KDGO for 12 years before moving to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in 1991. He moved back to Durango once his grandchildren began to arrive in the late 1990s.

"He relished his role as the proud grandpa, cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events and activities," according to his family.

After his return to Durango, Mr. Ford worked at Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

An avid adventurer, Mr. Ford traveled to Germany, Thailand, Chile, England, Denmark, Russia and the Czech Republic. His sons said some of their favorite memories are of road trips with their father.

Mr. Ford was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of Sesostris Shrine Temple and a past associate guardian of Job's Daughters Bethel 60. He served four years as a scoutmaster in Lincoln. He was also a board member for the Southwest Colorado Mental Health Center in Durango.

"He always had a warm smile and funny story to share and saw each day as a new opportunity for adventure," according to his family.

Mr. Ford is survived by his sons Don A. Ford and John E. Ford, both of Durango; sister, Barbara Oertell, of Omaha, Nebraska; three grandchildren; and two nieces.

Cremation has occurred. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blue Star Mothers of Durango, c/o Cindy Bernard, P.O. Box 483, Bayfield, CO 81122; or the Durango High School Demon Booster Club, P.O. Box 3387, Durango, CO 81301.