Leonard Charles Ford Jr.

Leonard Charles Ford, Jr., 69, went to his eternal rest due to complications from a lung infection, on August 16, 2019, with his wife holding his hand at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, four and a half months after a successful liver transplant. He is survived by his wife, LuWanda, of Arvada, son, Charles (Jessica), and one grandson, Xander, of Bailey; mother, Helen Stallsworth, Northglenn; sisters, Neta Goeken, Northglenn; Nyla Tapscott, Beeville and Corpus Christi, Texas; Geraldine (David) Smiley, Central Point, Oregon; Marjorie (Ray) Stafford, Broomfield; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Charles Ford and brother James Robert Ford. He was born in Yuma, Colorado, and grew up in Adams City, Thornton and Golden. His family spent many weekends at Bonny Dam in Sterling, fishing, boating, waterskiing and camping. He won a baby contest and later learned to play the accordion. He won many awards in accordion competitions. Shortly after graduation from Golden High School he joined the US Navy and served two tours in Vietnam. He served on LSTs (Landing Ship Tank) as a Boatswain’s Mate and was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star. Part of his time in Vietnam was spent taking supplies up the river and bringing out fallen soldiers. When he was honorably discharged he was assigned to the USS Frederick. Stray animals touched his heart and he brought many of them home. His favorite was a Great Dane who was both deaf and blind named “Arnold”. He loved that dog. He loved yard sales and flea markets, sports and especially the Broncos. He watched wrestling many hours with his mother. Country and Western dancing was a favorite pastime and it was in November 1989 that he met his future wife at dance lessons in Golden. In high school he stocked shelves at Safeway. Then after he returned from the Navy he worked at Trailmobile with his dad; in the body shops at Yellow Cab and Metro Cab; at a company in Evergreen which painted motorcycle helmets for police departments and ended his career at RTD where he worked on buses in the District Body Shop and other shops. The last 10 years or more he did only window and windshield replacement and repair. Shortly after he retired in December 2015, he was diagnosed with NASH from fatty liver and was told he needed a liver transplant. He was transplanted in late March 2019 and shortly after contracted a bacterial infection in his lungs which led to his death. He was a hard worker with a great work ethic. He loved working with his hands and carpentry. After retirement he and LuWanda learned to play Hand N Foot and played regularly with other seniors in Arvada. He made many friends playing cards. During his lifetime he was a member of the Machinists Union, Transit Workers Union, Knights of Columbus Council 9597, American Legion Post 161, VFW Post 4331, and Elks 2278 in Arvada. He was an active Boy Scout parent and leader for over 14 years. He served as Webelos Den Leader in Pack 402, Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 583 and as Scoutmaster in Troop 231. Throughout those years he impacted the lives of many young men and helped many to reach Eagle Scout. He will be lovingly remembered by all those who knew him. He had a gentle spirit, a great sense of humor and compassion for all. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, August 26, 2019 11:30 a.m. Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church 3900 Pierce St. Wheat Ridge CO 80033 Burial – Thursday, August 29, 2019 Gather at 2:15 at Staging Area “C” Fort Logan National Cemetery 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver CO 80236 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Donor Alliance Inc 200 Spruce, Suite 200 Denver CO 80230 Attn: Memorial contributions or donoralliance.org/contribute American Legion Dept. of Colorado Veterans Assistance Fund 7465 East 1st Ave, Ste D Denver CO 80230