Farewell to a friend: Long-time VOMC Board Chairman Harold Ford passes away

(The below information comes from Harold’s family and VOMC staff)

On October 15th 2008, at 10:15 a.m., at Toronto East General Hospital, Harold went peacefully to be with his Saviour. Harold was born in Surrey, England, but moved to Canada as a young engineer in 1954 and fully embraced being a Canadian. He loved the outdoors: gardening, camping and kayaking and recorded his adventures on film - his other love. Harold was strict and disciplined, but his sense of truth and fairness tempered every decision. Harold was generous and considerate and saw each individual person he came in contact with as important, from his family to a stranger met by chance. He would listen and advise as needed.

A long-standing church member for over 40 years, Harold dedicated his life to learning more about Jesus, sharing His love and salvation with others, and actively serving in his church community. From repairing church buildings to helping mend damaged lives, Harold did his part – lovingly, but firmly.

Harold also served as a board member for The Voice of the Martyrs Canada for over a quarter of a century, including 15 years as chairman. Former VOMC Executive Director Klaas Brobbel had this to say about the passing of his long time friend: “Harold Ford will be remembered by my wife Nellie and me as a dear brother in Christ who stood with us to help the Persecuted Church with words and with deeds. After reading In God’s Underground by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand in the early 1970s, Harold contacted us and began a life-long association with our mission, first as a board member and later as its chairman. Due to health reasons he resigned from that position only five weeks ago. His expertise and strength in dealing with complicated issues helped us though many rough spots and enabled us to continue with our work caring for persecuted Christians. While Harold’s work on earth is done, a new job is awaiting him which will carry on into eternity and without the human frailty we all are subjected to. May God bless his dear wife, Barbara, and his family as they look beyond the grave knowing that Harold has received the crown of life that will not be taken from him.”

Harold leaves behind his wife, Barbara; his five children - Susan (Ben Laird), Duane (Lesli Shew), Claire (Vincent Labarre), John and Yvonne; his seven grandchildren - Kathleen, Rachel, Eric, Nicholas-David, Jenna, Olivier-Mathieu and Karley; and countless other people whose lives will continue his legacy. He also leaves behind in England his brother Alec (Heather), his nephew Peter (Sarah), his great-nephew Sam, and his brother-in-law Thomas B. Todd. A celebration of his life will be held next week at Scarborough Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The Voice of the Martyrs (click here). Online condolences may be left at http://www.aftercare.org/.

The Service to celebrate the life and legacy of Harold E Ford will be held On Monday, October 20, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Scarborough Baptist Church, 1597 Kingston Rd., Toronto. Phone: 416-698-1973.