Betty (Jenkins) Ford

After a long, well-lived and truly remarkable life, our dear Betty passed away peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning, June 15, 2020, two months and two days shy of her 89th birthday.

Born in Calgary a few minutes after her twin sister Pat, Betty soon developed some great personal qualities that never left her: including independence, honesty, friendship and loyalty. And then there was her tireless work ethic. Finding herself a single mom of three energetic kids under the age of 10, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work. Soon she was Personnel Supervisor for Sears Canada in Edmonton. After that, Manager/Sales Person for Dale Carnegie Training, then founder and President of Time Systems AB Inc., followed by top Sales Person for three years running at Edmonton’s Westend Suzuki, crackerjack Sales Person for Crown Properties International in Camrose, and another crackerjack sales stint with ArrKann Trailer & R.V. Centre in Sherwood Park. 

We mentioned loyalty: Betty was devoted to her family, friends, colleagues—and causes. So many causes, and so much volunteering, fundraising, organizing and supporting: the Liberal Party, the Terry Fox Foundation, community soup kitchens, social justice and LGBTQ organizations, and of course, her beloved Oilers.

At 80 Betty retired to beautiful Courtenay, BC. Soon she decided that retirement was overrated and went back to selling RVs, campers and trailers, this time for Comox Valley RV, which she did until she was 83.  Then it was time to get serious about her golf game, yoga, walking 10,000 steps a day, rain/snow/shine, building a puzzle a day, then Mudsharks Coffee Bar… Through it all she lived with boundless energy, grace and style, enriching the lives of everyone fortunate to know and love her.  

Predeceased by son Lorne, who passed away due to heart complications, on May 23, 2020 in Victoria, Betty is survived by her daughter Morie, son Glenn, granddaughter Logan, son-in-law (and golf buddy) Bill, and dear friends far and wide. 

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to a non-profit that supports inclusion, diversity, acceptance and/or equality. 

There will be a coffee gathering in Betty’s honour on August 15, 2020. Details and location to follow. Email morie.ellen.ford@gmail for information.