Robert Alexis FORD Obituary (2025)

It is with great love and respect that we announce the passing of Robert Alexis Ford, known to all as Bob, who passed away peacefully on February 12, 2025, in Yakima, Washington, at the age of 76. Born on December 23, 1948, in Wilmington, Delaware, Bob was the son of Lawrence Presley Ford and Hilda Reed Ford. He grew up in Delaware and cherished his summers with his sister in Cape May, New Jersey, where he and his family had a summer home that welcomed many friends, escaping the city heat. Bob loved working at Steger's Beach, where he always kept the sand raked and the Coca Cola flowing for beachgoers. His fond memories also included working on the family's rental properties, often sharing stories of long days and funny moments with his loved ones. Bob attended Alexis I DuPont High School, and during his time in Delaware, he worked at Hearns Market in various positions. After high school, Bob pursued dental technology, attending Career Academy in Washington, D.C. He joined the U.S. Navy shortly afterward, where he worked as a dental technician. After his service, he continued working as a dental tech at a lab in Wilmington, Delaware, a trade that would serve him throughout his life. On July 1, 1972, Bob married Marilyn Robert, whom he met through a blind date set up by his sister. Shortly after their marriage, Bob and Marilyn moved to Yakima, Washington, where Bob worked on his father-in-law's sheep ranch, Robert and Sons. Some of Bob's fondest memories were made while caring for the sheep in the mountains of Leavenworth, Washington. After a few years, Bob returned to the dental field and eventually opened FM Dental in Yakima with a business partner, providing dentures and partials for local dentists. In his late 50s, Bob furthered his education by attending Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, where he became one of the early licensed denturists in Yakima, Washington. Bob then became the owner and operator of Custom Dental in Yakima, where he worked until his retirement in 2017. Bob's life was rich with love, family, and service. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and children. Summer trips to Lake Chelan, with best friends, Joe and Carolyn, being a highlight. He loved classic cars and enjoyed many evenings working late into the night turning wrenches and rebuilding cars with his son. He also enjoyed helping others and always took pride in having the right tool for the job amassing quite a collection. Bob was dedicated to his community, coaching his daughter Annie's fast-pitch girls' softball team for many years. He later became an umpire, working his way up to the Men's Division, and served as a referee for girls' volleyball. Bob was an active member of the Yakima Evangelical Church throughout the 80's and 90's, volunteering in various capacities. Never one to shy away from meeting new people, Bob quickly developed meaningful friendships. Bob cherished several new friends he had the opportunity to share life with during the last month of his life while at Good Samaritan. Bob had a deep love for his family, and his pride and joy were always his children and grandchildren. He was a constant source of encouragement and support, always eager to hear about their accomplishments and always willing to share some of his childhood memories. He never missed a chance to share his love and pride with them, ending his goodbyes with big hugs and kisses, letting them know how much they meant to him. Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, their three children, Pamela (Sean), Annie (Gregory), Robert (Kendra), and grandchildren, Gabe, Aleya, Anson, Cami, Noah, and Carly. He is also survived by his sister, Sue (Charles), nieces Amy (James), and Nancy, his brother-in-law, Doug and nieces, Elizabeth, Lisa, Lori, and nephews, John and Jeremy, as well as many great nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Presley Ford and Hilda Reed Ford, his in-laws, Emile Robert and Annie Robert, in-laws, John and Kathy Robert, sister in-law, Sue Robert and his granddaughter, Chloe. Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." The family is planning a Celebration of Life on Sunday, June 8, 2025, with more details to come. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans in Bob's honor. Shaw & Sons Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.shawandsons.com.