October 28, 1933 - April 16, 2015
Graham R. Ford age 81 of Mpls. Graham was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend to all. He had a Christ-like servant’s heart, always putting others first. He gave countless hours of service to his church, Boy Scouts, and community organizations. After earning his BA and MA from the U of M, Graham was a highly respected geologist for MnDOT for 37 years. He will be deeply missed by family and many friends. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susan; sons, Gregg (Marilyn) and Ben (Brenda); grandchildren, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Marshall and Adam; sister, Edith (Pete) Happe; and sister-in-law, Bette Hetland. Preceded in death by niece, Roberta Happe.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hope Presbyterian Church or Northern Star Council, BSA.
Memorial Service
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
11:00 AM
Hope Presbyterian Church
7132 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Visitation
Monday, April 20, 2015
4:00PM-7:00PM
And 1 hour prior to service at church.
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
Sorry for your loss. when I began my engineering career I car pooled with Rudy for one summer. He was a kind man. I was not young, as this was a career change and he seemed to recognize I had a different set of fears and hurdles than others hired with me. He was very supportive and offered many helpful hints for working in the St. Paul office. He was such a good man and an excellent geologist. I was fortunate to work with him on several projects until I retired. It was always so nice to visit with him at the retirees luncheons. His calmness contributed to a wonderful working atmosphere and carried over in our retirement. Sorry I will be out-of-town for his memorial.
I worked for Mn/DOT in Brainerd and had the opportunity to work with Rudy on a number of projects. He was a very good geologist and a true gentleman. Sorry for your loss.
I first met Rudy in Rochester, MN during the late 1960’s. We had lots of sink holes toward the Minnesota River and he and I had lot of fun exploring and running ground penetration tests. He often talked about his trips to England and the Auction Houses that you both visited.
He was a true Gentlemen’s Gentlemen and he taught me so much about not just Engineering/Geology, but also about life and friendship.
He will be missed, but never forgotten. Thank you for sharing his life with me.
Steve