Robert Chad Ford
Obituary for Robert Chad Ford
April 7, 1965 - April 28, 2026
Born in Powell River, BC, Chad spent most of his childhood in Richmond. After graduating from Richmond Senior Secondary, Chad studied history at UBC.
He spent several years working at Ford Laboratories (no relation!) before attending Capilano College, where he trained as a Support Worker. He went on to work as a Community Inclusion Facilitator for BC Centre for Ability (Daily Endeavours), the Vancouver Resource Society, and then later as a Resident Care Aide at Sardis House. Chad cared deeply for the people he supported and approached his work with tremendous compassion, respect, and dedication.
At the age of two, Chad had his leg amputated. His childhood prosthetist made a huge impression on him and years later Chad chose to volunteer with the Prosthetics & Orthotics program at BCIT, supporting future prosthetists in their training.
Having a “fake leg” (his term) never slowed Chad down. An avid cyclist, Chad could often be found riding throughout Vancouver, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. Until epilepsy made cycling unsafe, his bike was his freedom.
Chad loved to travel. He went to Ireland; he explored Canada and parts of the USA by train. He shared many adventures with his good friend Becks, including visits to chocolate plantations in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, and countless trips to his favourite campsite, Spot #12 in Roberts Creek Provincial Park.
Over the years, volunteer work was an important part of Chad’s life (Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter, BCIT’s Prosthetics and Orthotics program). In recent years, when health challenges prevented him from working, Chad found great joy in volunteering at the Vancouver Farmers Market, where he valued the opportunity to connect with people (thank you Laura & Jenn) and contribute to his community.
He had a wicked sense of humour. He loved animals, camping, the outdoors. Chad was an excellent cook, making his own vegetarian pizza from grain he had ground himself. He loved art and didn’t hesitate to bring home a piece that caught his eye.
He delighted in enjoying the things he loved — blueberries, Shakespeare plays at the beach, painting his kitchen walls goldenrod yellow, the occasional fireball whiskey, and chocolate…but only “good” chocolate. For a brief while he even started a small chocolate business and occasionally helped Becks at her shop, “Take a Fancy.”
Above all, Chad cared deeply about fairness and justice. He was a steadfast advocate for disability rights and believed strongly in the dignity and inclusion of all people.
Chad leaves behind his father Charles “Chuck” Ford, his sister, Cynthia (Jon Whipple), his niece Emily Hopkins (Tim Sample) & his great-niece Margo, his nephew William Hopkins; his uncles, Terry Moran (Diane) and Dan Moran (Monica); his Moran cousins, Kasey (Barbara); Korey (Jacob), Ryan (Angela), and Patricia (Aaron), and their children; his Ford cousins, Doug (JoAnn) and Steve (Rachelle) and their children; and his dear friends, Becks D'Angelo and John Gauthier.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of May's Place Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
By Chad’s request, there will be no memorial service.
Memorial Donations
In his lifetime, Chad supported, and was supported by, many organizations, including the Disability Alliance of BC, BC Epilepsy Society, May’s Place Hospice, Vancouver Rape Relief and Women’s Shelter. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization whose work reflects Chad's lifelong commitment to community, inclusion, and social justice.
Condolence Messages
Dignity. Respect. Simplicity.