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Keith D. Ford died peacefully with his family surrounding him on Sunday, April 19, 2009. Keith was born at home in Royal Oak Township, MI to Clyde and Bertha Ford on December 30, 1929. In junior high school he met the love of his life, Cecilia "Rollande" Chateauneuf. They were married in Detroit on January 28, 1950. Keith started his career in sales with M & T Chemical Company. He learned the importance of hard work from his father who was a carpenter. He instilled in his children that same ethic with his always sage advice "Suit up and show up!". Keith loved sales and without a college degree worked his way up to national sales manager with American Can Company. His next promotion would have made him vice president and a move to Greenwich, CT. Not wanting to leave his beloved Michigan he and his wife purchased the Gambles Hardware store in Lake City, MI; a favorite vacation spot the family had enjoyed for many years. He became a leader in the community sitting on the city council, Kiwanis Club, and the volunteer fire department. He led the charge to revitalize and overhaul the look of the town bringing the whole town to work together. In 1984 Keith and Rollande retired to the Land of Enchantment; Albuquerque, NM. They enjoyed playing golf, traveling, many family dinners, and playing with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In 2003 it became apparent that Keith was being taken over by Alzheimer's disease. He fought diligently and honorably until he died from complications of the disease. We remember him as the true gentle man he was before the disease took him from us. He is survived by his wife, Rollande of 59 years; his children Nancy LaForest, Doug Ford, Elaine (John) Baker of Albuquerque, NM and David (Dawn) Ford of Lake City, MI. Sisters Janet Brown of Gladwin, MI and Linda (Larry) Sauers of Advance, NC. Grandchildren Michele (Ray) Richmond, Michael LaForest, and Angela Baker of Albuquerque, NM, Jennifer Ford of Orlando, FL, and Aaron, Christopher, and Curtis Ford of Lake City, MI. Great-grandchildren Logan Mitchell, Aidan, and Abbey Raye Richmond of Albuquerque, NM and Jaxon Ford and Mason Ford of Cadillac, MI; and special cousins Maynard Moyer and Mike Watson. Keith was preceded in death by his father and mother; granddaughter Kristen Ford; nephew Kirk Brown; and brother-in-law Larry C. Brown. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at St. Catherine Healthcare for their incredible dedication and care, especially Janet, Patrick, Danita, LaDonna and Victoria. Also thanks to the nurses with Hospice of the Sandias. Cremation has taken place and a Service to celebrate his life will be Friday, May 1, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Sandia Presbyterian Church at 10704 Paseo del Norte, Albuquerque, NM 87122; Pastor Dewey Johnson presiding. A reception will be held immediately following at the church. Internment will take place at 1:00 at Gate of Heaven Cemetery for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to Sandia Presbyterian Church or Hospice of the Sandias, 105 Hospital Loop, NE; Albuquerque, NM 87109.
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