Obituary of Ivan Earl Ford

With great sadness, the family of Ivan Earl Ford (B.Sc.E., M.Sc.E., P.Eng.) announces his passing at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on August 16th, 2026. Born on December 18th, 1948, Ivan was the beloved husband of 53 years to Jean (nee Shears) Ford.

Ivan grew up in Dover, Newfoundland, and started working on survey crews with his uncle at a young age, which developed into a long and meaningful career in surveying and geomatics. Ivan met his future wife Jean when working on the survey crew for Gros Morne National Park in 1971. They married in 1973, raising three children and having five grandchildren over their 53-year marriage. 

Ivan completed a Survey Technology diploma in Trades and Technology in St. John’s, NL in 1974, and then ran a surveying business until 1977 when he began a B.Sc.E. at UNB Fredericton. After completing his degree he returned to Newfoundland to work for the provincial government until returning to UNB in 1987 to complete an M.Sc.E. in Geomatics in 1991.    

In 1994, Ivan began a career working overseas in international development and land information management. Starting in St. Petersburg, Russia, Ivan ultimately worked in over 20 countries in 25 years, particularly in many former soviet republics and more recently across Africa. 

Ivan was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was always ready to lend a hand with a project, a word of support, or a just good laugh. He was funny, curious, active, and generous and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.  

In addition to his loving wife, Jean, Ivan will be missed by his children Jennifer (Brent) and their son Isaac, Sandi (Fareeza) and their children Rayya and Rowan, daughter-in-law Cindy and children Justin and Jessica; siblings Carl (Isabelle), Maisie (Evelyn), Olive, Gerald (Jan), Kevin (Liz), Florence (Terry), Georgina (Ray), Mabel (Wilburn), and Imelda (Doug); sisters in-law Bernice and Mona, brothers in-law Walter, Ralph, Milton, and Bill; as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He also had a special relationship with his Aunt Triffina and Uncle Clayton Ford. 

Ivan was predeceased by his beloved son, Christopher; mother, Rebecca and her husband Chesley; sister Audrey, and grandparents Violet and Willis Ford.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Meaningful Connections Adult Day Center in Oromocto. 

A celebration of Ivan’s life will be held in the Royal Stewart Room at the Fredericton Inn on Friday, August 21st, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, with words of remembrance at 3:00 pm. Oromocto Funeral Home has been entrusted with Ivan’s final care. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.oromoctoFH.com

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ivan’s name made to Greener Village, Parkinsons Canada, or to a charity of your choosing would be appreciated.