Byron George Ford
December 18, 1959 to December 14, 2024
Obituary
How do you sum up a life in so few words? Byron was born on December 18th, 1959, to George and Edna Ford (nee Hancock). He grew up on a quiet street in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He had four siblings: his brother Glenn, and his sisters, Natalie, Wanda, Carolyn and brother in law Terry (Tracy). Family was invaluable to Byron. Through good times and bad, there was never a moment where if things weren’t quite right, that Byron wasn’t trying to think of a way to fix it.
He knew how to do a lot of things. In his words he knew “a little bit about everything” but the thing he knew how to do the best was love. This was obvious with his wife, Sharon, to whom he was married for 32 years. When she passed, it turned his world upside down; she was his life and best friend. The hole that left within him never quite filled. Even so, he found a way to keep moving forward. He was strong… He had to be, he raised four daughters. As any man with daughters can attest to, that is a significant challenge. But he did it, and he was so very proud of each of his “beautiful daughters.” He loved them very much, with no question of doubt.
Byron touched so many people’s lives. He couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. Much of that was due to his professional career. From banking, to mortgages, to his final work home with Hickman Chrysler, he met so many people in so many places, and you couldn’t help but be drawn in by his charisma. He knew how to talk to people, and how to make people laugh. Byron had a natural way with people and always made an impression. He claimed to be an introvert, yet he could turn on the charm and effortlessly become the life of the party. And the jokes… He knew how to tell them and how to tell them well. Even the most horrible of jokes, he could make you laugh. He loved to tease and taunt in a good natured way.
His battle with cancer was long and difficult. Even so, he made the most of it. He developed a love for travel, visiting Kansas to see his grandchildren, and San Diego with his Hickman Group colleagues. He loved binge watching TV, a competitive game of chess, a good feed of Mary Brown’s on a Friday night, and never turned down a little nip of whiskey. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles. From his first ride at 16, to his last ride on his Harley at 64 with his brothers and sisters from the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders Avalon, motorcycles were in his blood. He said that being on the back of a motorcycle, no matter how old he was, always brought him back and made him feel like he was 16 years old again. That was when he felt the most free.
Byron passed peacefully on December 14th, 2024. He is survived by his eldest brother, Glenn (Noreen), his sister Natalie (Bon), his daughters Krista, Jennifer (Simon), Allison, Stephanie (Chris), grandchildren William and Jimmy, his two fur babies Rosey and Chance as well as innumerable friends and family who cared for him deeply.
A celebration of Byron’s life will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Saturday December 28th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. We are encouraging everyone to wear color because Byron was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew him. To the CVFR, we encourage you to wear your colors as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center in St. John’s, Newfoundland, or the Canadian Veteran Freedom Riders Avalon division.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 28, 2024
7-9 p.m. on December 28, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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So very sorry to find out about Byron’s passing. I only just found out. We had a lot of good chats together. Knew him from a teenager, a friend of my brother Rick Rowe.
I only heard of Byron’s passing recently.
I knew his family.. Like his father he was impervious to difficult situations and negative perspectives..
My condolences to Glenn , Noreen and all his family.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Byron. He was such a positive person, always smiling whenever we crossed paths. Im definitely gong to miss seeing him around. Sending my heartfelt condolences to his family.
We are saddened tonight to hear of Byron’s passing. Our deepest condolences to his Daughters, Brother, Sisters & their extended Family members.. May he Rest In Peace.
Our hearts go out to your family for the loss of Byron. He was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. May his memory bring you comfort.
My condolences to all of the family. Byron was a very kind person. I will cherish my memories over the years working with him at Hickman’s and all the conversations we would have at work, he was a friend to all. He was always so supportive and thoughtful of others and he will be forever remembered by so many including myself. It gives me great comfort knowing that he is no longer suffering and is with his beloved wife Sharon, who he always spoke so fondly of. Rest easy my friend.
Pop , we will miss you . Sadly we only got to know you a short time . You were a kind and gentle soul rest in peace
My condolences to all of Byron’s family.
We first met way back in 1977 when we travelled to NL and our families spent time together (my dad was his uncle Edward)
I was so privelidged to spend time with Byron again over the last year and a half and get to know him again. I especially enjoyed some time at the range together when he invited me out to give it a try.,
cousin Brian Hancock, and family.
We were so sorry to hear of Byron passing. We met Byron when Carl worked at Hickman’s.
Byron was a friendly soul who loved to make friends with all he met. We will be thinking of you all at this time.
From
Carl ( co worker at Hickman’s years ago) and Liza Kavanagh
Stephanie and family, my heart is with you all at this unimaginably difficult time. Byron and Sharon were great neighbors and friends of mine and my family. Byron always made sure my driveway was clear and that i was looked after when my husband was offshore. His kind heart and genuine smile honestly made my day and will never be forgotten. He lit up when he spoke of his girls and grandkids. He was truly one of the kindest people I have ever met. They say, with great love comes great loss. My deepest sympathies are with you all.
Sending condolences to you all from your long time neighbours on Dorset Street,
So sorry to hear of Byron’s passing💙
We went to school together.
Condolences to all his Family
Gone too young 💙
I had the pleasure of meeting Byron when he became a patient at 4 South A of the HSC and shared a room with my late wife, Linda Penney. Byron and Linda bonded from day one and she always wanted me to help him out in any way I could during my daily visits. I so enjoyed our daily chats and he never failed to say good morning when I would arrive and good night when I would leave for the night.. Truly a beautiful person and I know my beautiful and precious Linda is enjoying Byron’s company once again. God Bless and Rest in Peace my friend.
It is with great sadness that we recently heard of Byron’s passing. I met Byron several years at the shooting range that we both frequented. We hit it off immediately as I suspect most people did with Byron. We became friends quickly and enjoyed a few good rides on our bikes and shooting at the range. Whatever time was spent with Byron you could always count on good conversation interspersed with lots of laughs. He was a kind, caring and compassionate person and a devoted animal lover. He will be truely missed by all of us whose lives he enriched. Our deepest sympathy to Stephany and Byron’s entire family. RIP Byron and may your memory be a blessing. Dave & Cathy Moore.
Glenn, Natalie, and Byron’s family:
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Byron. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
My deepest sympathy.
Greg Dowden
Glenn, Natalie, Krista, Jennifer, Allison, Stephanie, and family,
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Byron. He was a wonderful friend. I shared many great memories from our earliest days. His kindness, humor, and spirit will always be remembered. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
With my deepest sympathy,
He was our neighbour on alderberry lane he was such a sweet guy and meet Sharon when she moved in she had beautiful red hair u r both together now u r happy to be with your love good speed my freind nice to have meet u my freind
Condolences to Byron’s family. I went to school with Byron and he will be missed. Rest in peace..
To Byron’s family.
I have known Byron in a professional environment for many years. He was always welcoming, professional and friendly. We would talk business for 15 minutes and then onto his family and of course his love for motorcycles. He will be missed in the auto industry. Our condolences and keep your memories close.
His friends at Scotiabank
My deepest condolences,
I pretty much knew Byron my whole life. He was a fantastic person with so much love and humour to share. I’m am thankful I had a visit with him recently.
Life is missing one great guy now, but he is now reunited with Sharon and making those on the other side laugh.
I knew Byron through Sharon when I worked at Sobeys in the late 2000’s. He left a lasting impression on me and I have followed his journey on social media. He was the sweetest man and I always thought that him and Sharon were the perfect couple. Sending my thoughts and condolences to Byrons entire family. May he rest easy and hope he can give Sharon a squeeze for me
Knew him only a short time but that was all I needed to know what a great guy he was.
So sad that we lost a good one, gone too soon. I will miss our banters back and forth and the laughs that we shared. A kind man always with a huge heart and smile. You will never be forgotten. I’m lucky enough to have purchased his old motorcycle, that he affectionately called moonshadow. Every time I fire it up, will think of you. I will think of you riding in heaven with Sharon and with a smile. Keep twisting your wrist.
Terry and Colleen Nelson
To the Ford family, there are no words to express how sad it is to loose such a fun, loving guy . Byron was always there for a laugh . He had the biggest heart and everyone who knew him knew he lost a part of that when he lost Sharon . I am sure he is happy right now because he is with her . Take care and hold tight to all those wonderful memories.
Michelle and Noel Rowe
Will miss your kind smile and kind way you treated everyone you met, the world lost a wonderful person today but you are happy with Sharon now! Rest in Peace Byron ❤️