A former firefighter of Wilton Fire Station for nearly 30 years, Ian Charles Ford, the youngest son of Edward & Violet Ford, born at 74 the Hollows Wilton, Wiltshire on 26th February 1943, died suddenly on 13th August 2010.
Ian started his schooling at Wilton Junior School then went onto Wilton senior School (opposite his home, pleasing Ian as this wasn’t too far to travel!!) On Sundays Ian accompanied his three brothers and two sisters to Sunday school and received many prizes for good attendance!!
Outside of School Ian’s passion was football playing in the Sunday league for local teams Burcombe and Wilton; he was also a great supporter of Sunderland FC.
In 1964 Ian met and married Betty Streeter a nurse in Salisbury Infirmary, having three children Peter, Timothy and Julia. Sadly Betty passed away in 1981. Eventually after some years as a single parent Ian met and married Gill.
Having left School Ian worked initially in Salisbury for the abattoir, then for a short while Wilton felt mills, finally ending up at Wilton carpet factory, where he remained until the factory closed in the mid 90’s. Never being idle Ian soon found work with Wiltshire Council until his retirement in 2008. Not one for sitting around he soon found part time work with Wilton estate.
Whilst at Wilton felt mills he became interested in the Fire Brigade and eventually in 1969 became a retained fireman at Wilton fire station. His passion for everything to do with the fire brigade was infectious and resulted in new recruits for WiltonStation. He became one of the most popular members of the station, and certainly one of its hardest workers. Nothing was too much trouble-the fire brigade always took precedence over everything. In the early days whenever he got a “shout” all Ian had to do was jump on his bike as it knew its own way to the fire station!!! A great mate to all his colleagues, many of whom he helped over the years, Ian will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Over 200 friends and colleagues packed Salisbury Crematorium on August 24th to pay their last respects. Ian is survived by Gill, his three children six grandchildren and one great-grand son.
Added by: Julia Petty on 2 October 2010.
Comments
What a shock it was to us on the other side of the world. We tend to think time is standing still over there, so no one is getting older as we are here. Every one looks as they did when I last saw them as that's how you remember.All of that made Ian's death more of a shock. I couldn't believe it he was the younger one and should have been around for years to come. Great Dad, he would do anything for anybody, he will always be missed in my heart, I wish I spent more time with you Dad. Always in my thoughts along with Mum. Miss you very much lots of love your eldest son Peter x x x my sister has said it all what more could i say he was a great dad special friend and last but not least an outstanding firefighter .sadly missed by so many rest in peace your youngest son tim r.i.p . xx Robyn Ford writes [26 December 2010]:
Cheers Ian.....
Love Robyn, Karen and Tanya and their families
Peter Ford writes [4 October 2010]:
Tim Ford writes [2 October 2010]:
Return to the top of the page...
add comments
Please mark your visit to this page with a few words, it all helps to keep the memories alive.
additional images
Click the thumbnails below to view as the main image.
charity information
Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.