Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his residence, on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at the age of 74, after a courageous battle with ALS. Beloved husband of Carole Campeau.
Loving father of Rebecca (Michael Dymond), Matthew (Natasha Kotwal), Katherine (Guillaume Campagné), Michael (Jody).
Dear step-father to Manon Campeau Dass (Philippe Dass), Sylvain Campeau (Julie).
Proud grandfather to Abbie and Benjamin (Dymond); Elizabeth and Elliott (Ford); Théodore (Campagné Ford); Huxley and August (Ford).
Cherished step-grandfather of Cédrik and Vincent and Zoé (Dass); Mathis and Maya (Campeau).
Dear brother to Madeline Ford (Lorne Colish); Angela Finkel (Russell Ross); Patricia Ford (Peter Tsekouras).
Predeceased by his parents Betty Madeline Ford (née Davis) and Kevin Joseph Ford.
Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Chris was an RMC grad, and a proud Engineer, serving 35 years in the Military Engineering branch of the CF, retiring as a BGen. He graduated from the Defence Services Staff College in India, the Queen's University Program for Public Executives, and earned a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Resolution from Carleton University. He received the Order of Military Merit from the Governor General of Canada for service in former Yugoslavia. Chris was a member of Toastmasters International for over 30 years and was the International President of the world-wide organization in 2007-08. He was the Executive Director of the Military Engineering Institute of Canada.
Friends, colleagues and family are invited to gather at the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, on Friday September 29th after 9 a.m. Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. followed by urn interment at the National Military Cemetery at 11 a.m. and reception to follow.
Those wishing to make a donation in Chris' memory might consider the ALS Society of Canada or Diabetes Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Dave Bennett
Randy Ewen
Remembered always - marching to "Heart of Oak" my friend.
Marion Grobb Finkelstein
I met Chris at Manotick Toastmasters over 20 years ago. Our paths crossed again with the Canadian Diabetes Association, and then again with the military support agency I worked for. I remember Chris coming as a guest speaker when I organized the Canadian Forces Newspapers annual conference. He talked about negotiating from a perspective of win-win. Always a consummate speaker, he truly connected with his audience members whoever they may be.
When I learned about a year ago that he was suffering from ALS I reached out to him and he assured me that his wish was to maintain a positive outlook and to "soldier on". He most certainly did that, and in doing so, continued to teach others.
Chris leaves behind him a legacy of kindness, class, and true elegance. He lives on in all the teachings he so generously shared.
David Gregory
It was a pleasure to have served with you in the RMC band, and later in the CF. Your attitude throughout has been exemplary. You have done your duty, it is time to rest.
John Laidler
RIP old friend - you will be marching to a different drummer now. TDV
John MacPherson
He was one of the good ones. RIP Chris
Steve Williams, DTM, PDG
Having met Chris at Toastmasters conventions, I can truly say that Chris embodied the true spirit of Toastmasters. My wife Mary had the privilege of serving alongside Chris on the Toastmasters International Board of Directors. Our thoughts and prayers are with Carole and the Ford family. Thank you, sir, for your service to Toastmasters and your nation and may you rest in His eternal peace. - Steve Williams, DTM, PDG-14, Atlanta, Georgia USA
Gary McDermott, OMM, CD, Maj (Retd)
I first met Chris as a member of the drum corps of the RCMP pipes and drums. Chris was the consummate gentleman always wearing a smile on his face. He shall be missed.
Bruce Hewat
I had the privilege to have Chris play with Chris as a member of the RCMP Pipes, Drums and Dancers. His presence in our snare section will be missed. He was always ready to volunteer for a gig and at all times ready to laugh and have a good time. As a leader I was lucky enough to get sage advice from Chris and he was always eager for my feedback on his playing. “Not too terrible” became our way of paying each other a compliment. Chris was an all around good egg.
William (Bill) Montague Captain Ret'd
Served with Chris in Germany in early 70's. What a gentle giant he was! You'll be sorely missed Chris! Rest In Peace! CHIMO!
RIP Chris! It was an honour to have known and worked with you. "UBIQUE"