George Arthur Ford, age 76, passed away peacefully at home in Moran, Michigan, on May 11, 2022. He was born in Owosso, Michigan, on October 28, 1945, to Lloyd LeRoy and Marie Ivora (Hilden) Ford.
George grew up in St. Johns, Michigan. He started working at Oldsmobile at age eighteen, following in the footsteps of his father. Oldsmobile provided his education while he was working and going to school, until he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Western Michigan University. He was employed with General Motors in Lansing, Michigan, as an engineer for thirty-three years and retired in 1999.
George married Jo Ann Workman on April 30, 1966, in St. Johns and they made their home in DeWitt, Michigan, where they raised their two children, Mike and Jen. Once George retired, he and Jo Ann moved to their dream home on Brevort Lake.
During the past twenty years in the St. Ignace area, George was happily involved in many organizations. He and his wife, Jo Ann, created the Mackinac Animal Aid Association to help raise funds to support the local animal shelter; they rescued many dogs and cats throughout the years that they loved and cherished. George was acknowledged by the County of Mackinac for organizing the “Bark in the Park” event in 2008. He was the St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce Ambassador in 2007, the Community Spirit Award winner in 2007, and the 4-H Ambassador in 2010. George also represented the Mackinac Straits Hospital and Health Center as an Authority Board Member in 2008, having served on many hospital committees during its development. George was also a member of the Moran Township Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Unfortunately, George suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury eight years ago and was unable to be a part of the community like he wanted. Over the past few years, he continued to improve, but the trauma took a toll on his mind, body, and heart.
George was an avid reader and loved his newspapers, magazines, and books. George loved music, especially 1970s rock n’ roll. He loved his antiques and often came home with treasures he found in yard sales to add to his collection.
Being in the automobile field, George loved cars. He purchased a 1956 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 that Mobsteel from Detroit restored and entered into the Bakers of Milford car show in 2016, winning “Best of Show.” After this, they asked if George would be willing to sell it for their television show. George agreed and was featured along with the car on the first episode of “Detroit Steel” on January 28, 2017.
George is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Ford; son, Michael Ford of Lansing; daughter, Jennifer (David) Snyder of Trussville, Alabama; grandchildren Calvin and Gavin Snyder; and sister, Joyce (Richard) Young of Florida.
George is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marie Ford.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this summer.
Memorials can be made to the Mackinac Animal Aid Association, P.O. Box 71, St. Ignace, MI 49781.
Galer Dodson Funeral Home & Cremation in St. Ignace, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.
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