Randall Albright Ford

Wanderer, photographer, sailor, philosopher, writer, craftsman, dreamer – all come to mind when his friends and family remember Randall Albright Ford, known as Randy. He passed away on October 2 after complications from cancer treatment, and while he is greatly missed, the joy he left in his wake will be remembered by all who knew him.

Randy was born on May 19, 1946, in Los Angeles to Barbara Cotten Ford and Gene Carl Ford. He spent his youth on the beaches of southern California, learning to surf and honing his sense of wonder. He worked on various boats worldwide, eventually owning his beautiful sailboat, Elixir, in Ventura, CA. During that time, he traveled back and forth between the coast in the winter and Lake City, CO in the summer. There, he met his wife, Julie Knowles, in 1995.

He learned to play guitar and became a deep thinker. He loved to write essays on philosophy, religion, politics, and relationships and share his insights with his friends and family. He was self-educated whose interests mostly lay in astronomy and the weather. His woodworking skill graces the homes and businesses of many.

A celebration of his life is planned for Sunday, October 22, 4:00-7:00 pm. Please bring a fond memory and a dish to share.

Donations to either the Rose Hill Hospitality House at St. Mary’s Hospital or HopeWest Hospice would be deeply appreciated in lieu of flowers.