Larry Hayward Ford

With hearts full of sorrow, we share that our precious husband, father, brother and uncle, Larry Hayward Ford fell asleep in the Lord on May 10, 2026.

     Born September 21, 1946, he was the eldest child and only son of Henry and Vera Ford. From his earliest days, he possessed a boundless curiosity about the world - an inquisitive spirit that shaped his entire life. As a boy, he built telescopes, conducted experiments, and nurtured a fascination with science that never faded. Larry understood that knowledge was the one thing that could never be taken from an individual. He had a heart for teaching and passing on the love of lifelong learning. Larry received his undergraduate degree from Washington State University, an advanced degree from Arizona State University, and teaching certificate from Boise State University. Most of his career was spent at Centennial High School in Boise Idaho, where he gave his all to ignite a passion for science and a love of knowledge in his students. Larry was so very proud of his students' accomplishments and was especially heartened when former students would return years later to say thank you and share their successes. He made a difference in countless young lives.

     An adventurer at heart, Larry never shrank from taking risks to explore and discover. His journeys took him throughout the West, from Canada to Arizona. Larry especially loved the mountains. As a child, nearly every summer weekend would find him with mom, dad, and sisters, hiking through a wilderness area, awakening to campfire smoke at dawn, and once even catching a 10" trout barehanded! As a young man he guided many novice climbers up Mt. Shasta and other peaks. Later, he and the love of his life, Judy, spent countless summer days camping, kayaking, and fly- fishing on Idaho's lakes and rivers. Larry's love of animals and nature was to say the least, extraordinary! Wild or domestic, Larry met each living creature with compassion, kindness and respect. Even the squirrels, rabbits, and ducks knew they could always find plenty of food and refuge in his backyard.

     Larry is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Judy. He is also survived by his daughter Japhia, his two sisters Barbara and Bonnie, nephew Matthew and great-niece Gigi. With an unshakable trust in God, Larry looked forward to the soon return of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And we, his family, also look forward in faith to being reunited with our beloved Larry for all Eternity. Larry you were Mom's little red-haired boy, Daddy's little man, your sisters' big brother and protector, and your wife's true love. We love you with all our hearts and will miss you terribly. We love you 5 & 7!!!

So I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off and remain in the wilderness. Selah Psalms 55:6-7

    This remembrance would not be complete without acknowledging the special relationships Larry and Judy had with their close neighbors - sharing good times and bad, graduations and losses, and the joy of watching their children grow up into extraordinary young people. He and Judy were so thankful for their neighborhood family!