Robert 'Bob' Henry Ford

HOLLYWOOD, Fla — Robert "Bob" Henry Ford died unexpectedly in his home in Hollywood, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at the age of 61.Bob is survived by his children, Brittany Ford of Toledo, and Spenser Ford of Stow, Ohio; grandson, Oliver Ford of Toledo; ex-wife, Gena (Skeels) Fouke of Perrysburg; siblings, Vickie (Ford) Whitewolf of South Bloomington, Ohio, Ladonna (Winke) Vivod of Fremont, and Jerry Winke of Fremont; and nephews and nieces of his siblings and of his ex-wife's family.Bob was born on All Saints Day, Nov. 1, 1956, in Fremont, to Chester Ford and Jeanne Ann Swartz. Bob graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1975. He was an exceptional athlete, playing varsity sports in basketball and cross country. Bob attended Rhodes College in Memphis, Tenn., on a basketball scholarship where he fractured his back, thereby ending his college career. Bob lived with the physical pain of his injury, including two surgeries, his entire life.He worked odd jobs including construction, bartending and retail, before settling into a lifelong career in construction management in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. In 1985, Bob graduated with an Associate's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Terra Community College and was one semester away from a bachelor's degree from the University of Toledo, also in Mechanical Engineering.Bob married Gena Skeels May 8, 1982, in Clyde. They welcomed their daughter, Brittany Breanne Ford, into the world in 1982, and their son, Spenser Heath Ford, in 1985. Bob loved his children, and being a dad, very much. His grandson, Oliver Henry Ford, named after him, which he was so happy and proud of, was born in 2010.He was an accomplished construction manager, working as vice president and president of several construction companies in Ohio, Michigan, and Florida.Bob loved the ocean, his work, his faith in God, being organized, the books "The Prophet," "The Ten Minute Manager," and the Bible. Bob was exceptionally bright and a true charmer. Bob loved to be friendly with strangers, often making people laugh and smile, and to serve and give money to the homeless and less fortunate.He was loved by many, especially his family. He loved, the best he could, and was so proud of his children - Brittany, the public servant and world traveler, and Spenser, intelligent and loving - and of his "grandbaby" Oliver, so smart and funny. Bob was sweet, loving and kind, funny, gregarious and fun. He was a great dad although often absent, but always loved. He loved Gena, his only wife, always. He was perfectly imperfect, especially to those that loved him so much.A memorial celebration was held Dec. 1, 2018, near his home in Hollywood, Fla., surrounded by his many friends in South Florida and his immediate family. The family spread his ashes in the ocean as he requested.Friends of Bob can join the family in celebration of his life and love 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb 9, at Fremont Yacht Club, 1900 Yacht Club Drive, Fremont. The family requests a copy of pictures you may have of Bob.Condolences may be sent to his children, Brittany and Spenser Ford, 26114 W. River Road, Perrysburg, OH 43551.In lieu of gifts and flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.The family would like to thank those that loved Bob and shared happiness with him.