Obituary: Robert Gerald Ford

March 5, 1934 – September 9, 2026  

Gull Lake & Tompkins, Saskatchewan

Opening Line

We remember and honour the life of Robert Gerald Ford, who passed away on September 9, 2026, at the age of 92, at the Gull Lake Special Care Home.

Life & Legacy

Gerald was born on March 5, 1934, the fourth of six sons to Ted and Emily Ford. The Ford family lived on the homestead west of Tompkins before moving into town the same year Gerald was born. Tompkins in those days was a lively place, made even livelier by the Ford and Migneault kids—who fought like siblings but stood united against any outside challengers.

Gerald grew up steeped in small‑town prairie life: dances, long drives, and the kind of nights where you slept beside the car because the party ran too late. He played nearly every sport available—baseball, curling, track and field—but hockey was his true passion. He played well into his 60s, first with the Tompkins Tigers and later with the senior team. He loved skiing in Banff, usually winning the races the group held, and he spent many quiet afternoons fishing at Duncairn Dam, though no one can recall him ever bringing home a fish.

His working years were varied and full of stories. In the 1950s he ran a grader for the RM, worked in BC logging with his brother Russell, and later drove cab in Calgary with his brother Kenny—calling it the worst job he ever had, even without today’s Deerfoot Trail. In 1961 he married Donna Mae Wiens, and together they raised two children: Gerry (1962) and Dan (1964).

Gerald ran the Esso fuel depot and later farmed with his brother Bernie on the original homestead. Like many Saskatchewan farmers of that era, they were hit hard by high costs and low commodity prices, eventually losing everything but the home quarter with its iconic Brick House. Gerald went on to work part‑time at the Coop gas station and later for Dwight and Lois Thienes, forming a lifelong bond with their family.

He loved coffee row, old country music, and taking his grandchildren for drives—to get ice cream, see the cows, or simply wander the backroads. He raised thousands of dollars for the Tompkins Skating Rink by creating and selling pool squares, becoming a familiar sight around town with his poster board during major sporting events.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hal and Crystal Bakken, Lisa Cote, and Deb Ford for their care, support, and kindness in helping Gerald before he moved into Gull Lake.

Family

Gerald is survived by his wife Donna Mae; children Gerry Ford (daughter Erin Ford, Brad) and Dan Ford (daughters Christina Vandenhurk, Brad; and Janelle Becker, Chad); and his great‑grandchildren Blake, Damon, Alana, Dylan, Colin, Hannah, Isla, and Levi. Of special note is Don, Damon’s father and long‑time partner to Annette.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Emily Ford; his brothers Russell, Kenny, Lloyd, Bernie, and Don; and two grandchildren, Annette and DJ.

Service Details

A Celebration of Life will be held:

Saturday, October 24, 2026  

2:00 p.m.  

Tompkins Hall

Donations & Memorials

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Tompkins

Skating Rink Fund.

• E‑transfer: tompkinsskatingrink@gmail.com

• Cheques:   Tompkins Skating Rink   Box 214 Tompkins, SK S0N 2S0

Closing Line

Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home, Swift Current.