Daniel J, Ford Sr.

Dan passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016 surrounded by the love of family and friends. Congestive Heart Failure was his last challenge, and Dan put up a good fight. Dan was born in Pottsville, Pa. on July 13, 1933.  He graduated from Pottsville Catholic High School in 1951 where he excelled in several sports, leading to a full athletic scholarship at the University of Delaware where he played football for all four years culminating in being named Captain of the "Fightin' Blue Hens" in his senior year. 

He married Jody in 1956 and they have three sons:  Dan Jr. of Lake Tahoe, Chris (April) of San Francisco and Matthew (Katharine) of Brisbane, Australia.  He was preceded in death by parents, Mary and Dan Ford, sister Mary Ann and brother Bob (Mary Elaine).  He leaves behind his brother Jack (Marion), and four grandchildren:  Michael, Brian, Dylan and Anthony, aside from his sons and devoted wife Jody. 

In 1995 he was inducted into the Eastern Pa. (athletic) Hall of Fame.  His love of competition and athletics continued his entire life as both spectator and participant.  Over the years he enjoyed tennis, skiing, and riding his trike on the American River Parkway.  He was an avid reader. A long-time member of Del Paso Country Club he took up golf, as he said, "too late."  He cheered and sometimes agonized over the Kings, 49ers and SF Giants.Dan was one of the founding members of the Board of Trustees at Jesuit High School who, along with a small group of business and community leaders, was instrumental in helping to keep Jesuit's doors open during a period of potential closure.  Jesuit recovered to become renowned for scholarship, athletics, and charitable works.  Dan was Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1977-8 and remained dedicated to the school his entire life.

He offered his time, leadership and charity for multiple causes and institutions throughout the years. Dan approached his work life with high ideals and a true sense of integrity.  He had only three jobs after college: a two year US Army stint, a salesman for Armstrong Cork and 45 years as a partner with Butler Johnson Corporation, a wholesale distributor of flooring, tile, plumbing and countertop products, serving Northern California and Western Nevada.

An inspirational leader, he mentored numerous employees in the art of sales and the value of strong and lasting professional relationships. He was deeply admired on many levels; sales, office staff, warehouse men, truck drivers, customers and suppliers.  Dan led his sales team to be awarded Mannington Mills  highest distributor recognition, the JB Campbell Award four times, recognizing their best overall distributor in North America.  He served on the advisory councils of Mannington Mills, Bruce Hardwood Floors and Kentile.   IN 1996 he was the recipient of the "Alumni Award of Excellence" from the University of Delaware College of Business and Economic Alumni Association.  In his acceptance speech he noted that he was probably the first person with a "solid 'C' average" to receive this award. Dan will be deeply missed by his family and many friends, a loving and generous man. 

We would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Sacramento Sutter Hospital's ICU unit for the compassion and care they showed Dan during his last days. A Memorial Mass was be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 5057 Cottage Way, Carmichael, Ca. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests charitable gifts may be given to the Jesuit High School Scholarship Fund in memory of Daniel J. Ford Sr. 1200 Jacob Lane, Carmichael, Ca. 95608