It does happen. Rough ore becomes a diamond. Angels travel among us trying to make the world better by helping one life and then another to see a better path. Clever men, able to fix things, able to build things. Artistic men who learn to play guitar and sing and entertain us with their humor and sometimes silly jokes. Men who give their all for others. This was Cameron. His big and generous heart gave out and he was so suddenly gone. The world is deeply saddened by the loss. But his passionate energy has left the world better for his having been here. People will remember that. Cameron Ford passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022. He was 64.
Cameron Jay Ford was born in Concord, NH and lived and attended school in Contoocook, New Hampshire. Cameron is a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam era, honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He later attended Daniel Webster College and received his BA in Organizational Management, a useful degree to have in his chosen field.
Cameron is survived by his wife Dinah Delaney of 40 years, his beloved daughter, Hannah Ford Delaney of Contoocook, NH, beloved sons and daughters Ben Heine of New London, Alichia Ford Knight of Charleston, NH, Anna Heine of Concord, NH, Charlie Ford of Pensacola, Florida, Justin Ford of Pensacola, Florida. He also is survived by Denielle Marcoux and Zeb Ordway who he considered beloved “adopted” children, as well as many nieces nephews, beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his loving father and mother, Newt and Margie Ford. He is survived by siblings: sisters, Lorena Case, of Contoocook, NH, Aurora Boyle of Concord, NH, brothers Royal Ford, at Ponte de Lima, Portugal, Tracy Ford of Gwynn Oak, Maryland, Jessie Ford of Hendersonville, North Carolina, Glen Ford of Wilmington, North Carolina and their spouses. Cameron also leaves behind many close friends who he considered family and always will. (You all know who you are. He loved you deeply).
Cameron spent more than 30 years working at non-profits. His first venture into this field was with Work Opportunities Unlimited, Concord, NH developing jobs for youth and adults with disabilities. He oversaw the operation of the Youth Career Programs as Director of Youth Development.
He spent 9 years at My Turn, Inc. as Regional Director, and then Executive Director. My Turn provided services to 800 students per year both in and out of school programs.
In 2017, Cameron was selected as Executive Director of Headrest, a program he really loved. He worked with people in need, and those who struggled with substance abuse. His work included the suicide and crisis hotline. He believed all people deserved a chance to improve their lives and that one of the most important opportunities was through work.
He often told the story of when he was a child, he asked his Dad, “How do you get money?” Dad replied, “It’s like magic! All you have to do is go do some work to help someone and just like that, they give you money. Magic!” He took that to heart and lived his life that way.
In addition, he volunteered for many community organizations including Capital Area Boxing Club, which he started with good friend, the late Billy Ahern. He was founder of the Contoocook Teen Center, and volunteered for the Hopkinton Rescue Squad for many years. He was part of the NH Division of Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Recovery Challenge. He was a Founding Member of the Board of Directors of the New Vision Coalition. In 2016 Cameron, with his partner Rick Godfrey, started a non-profit called IRON HEART serving Veterans. A resulting lack of funding for our beloved Veterans forced Cameron to close the program.
Cameron was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He loved Indian Motorcycles. He built them from scratch and restored many antique Indian Motocycles (original spelling) and had many Indian enthusiast friends.
He was a carpenter and built his own home as well as many other homes. When he drove through towns with his daughter Hannah, he would point out all the chimneys he built. He was a mechanic who loved to teach young people the art of fixing a vehicle. He always believed if he didn't know how to do something he could learn. And he always did.
There will never be another man like him. He was a star from heaven and will be missed. A celebration of Cameron’s wonderful life will be announced. A gofund.me page can be found at https://gofund.me/f38136a1 to help the family with expenses.
Celebration of Cameron's life will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the E. Roger Montgomery American Legion Post 81 at 169 Boundtree Road, Contoocook, New Hampshire 03229.
We want this to be a time to share photos, stories, jokes, and Karaoke.
Refreshments will be served. If you wish to bring a dish to share it will be appreciated.
Out of respect for the work that Cameron did helping people overcome alcoholism and addiction, No Alcohol will be served or allowed during this event.
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