Mike Ford passed peacefully on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at the age of 58. He was born April 11, 1958, in Oklahoma City, OK. Much of his life was spent in Richland, WA, where he attended public schools, graduating from Richland High School in 1976. He furthered his education at Columbia Basin College.

After college, Mike moved to Amarillo, TX, where he met the love of his life, Kim. They both said it was love at first sight when they met at a discotheque due to a close friend of Mike’s (Curt) encouraging her to meet his friend. It was instant attraction. They were meant to be and it was clear that this would be a lifelong love. Mike began his first job at Phillips Petroleum in Borger, TX and Kim worked for the Borger Chamber of Commerce. After several years of dating, Mike and Kim married. He became a Christian and was baptized at Johnson Park Church of Christ in Borger, TX.

Mike lovingly chose the role of father for Kim’s daughter, Audra. She always called him Dad and Mike always said she was his daughter. In 1981, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Danae. After visiting Washington state a few times to meet Mike’s family and friends, Kim fell in love with the beauty of Washington state and the people. They transferred with Phillips Petroleum to Kennewick, WA in 1984 and have happily lived here ever since. In 1986, Mike and Kim welcomed their son, Michael.

To Mike, the things that mattered most in life were his family and friends. He also had a deep love for sports; especially his Dallas Cowboys. He also spent several joyous years coaching Kennewick Grid Kids football, boys and girls basketball, and boys baseball. Mike wanted every child to have the opportunity to play and enjoy sports. He always asked, whether they won or lost, “Hey, did you have a good time…that’s all that matters.”

Mike was an avid outdoorsman; he loved hunting and fishing and the great friendships he developed with these ventures. He had several lifetime hunting and fishing buddies…Dave, Chris, Peter, and Joe…just to name a few.

One of Mike’s greatest attributes was his loyalty to his friends. He never met a stranger and it is amazing how many wonderful lifelong friends Mike made. He was just the kind of guy that you loved to get to know and he loved his friends dearly.

Fortunately, in 2012, Mike returned to his original employer Phillips 66. In 2015, he became ill and had heart bypass surgery. About eight weeks ago, Mike was diagnosed with cancer. Shortly thereafter, he decided to begin chemotherapy at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance in the hope of spending more time with the love of his life, wife Kim, and his loving family and friends. With the first round of chemo, his body was too weak and could not fight the illness, even though he gave it a valiant effort. Phillips 66 was so kind and generous to Mike during his times of illness, especially his boss, Nick.

Survivors include his wife, Kim; daughter’s Audra Hanson and husband Doug, Silverdale, WA; Danae Allan and fiancé Seth Hamaker, Richland, WA; and son Michael Ford and wife Julie, Kennewick, WA; grandchildren Brandon, Danielle, Dylan, Aspen, and Mason; and great-grandson, Leo. Mike is also survived by his mother, Evelyn Ray, Richland, WA; brother, Herb Ford and wife Christy and his children Max and Trever, Richland, WA; step-brother, Rick ‘Jack’ Ray, Seattle, WA; step-sister, Elaine Isenberg and husband Mike, Seattle, WA and her children, Kelly and Robbie and their families. Mike is also survived by his sister-in-law, Lisa Johnson and daughter Jill, Amarillo TX; brother-in-law Jan Davis and wife Carol, Seattle, WA and his sons, Michael, and Brett. He also leaves behind many dear friends.

Mike is preceded in death by his father Max Ford; step-father Jack Ray; and mother-in-law Gloria Davis.

Family and friends will celebrate Mike’s life with services on Sunday, December 11^th at 2:00 p.m. at Events at Sunset Center, 915 By Pass Hwy, Richland, WA followed by a catered reception. Viewing will be on Saturday, December, 10^th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Einan’s Funeral Home.