Steve Ford
 

I'll apologise now to those Pruners who think this is not the place for news like this
However, with so many people to tell, I Think this exactly the place.

It is with deep regret that I have to report that Capt Steve Ford died yesterday following injuries received in a motorcycle accident here in Devon.

Steve joined the Army as a Royal Engineer but soon moved on to become an observer/gunner with the Army Air Corps. He completed his pilot training and had a long military flying career eventually becoming squadron QHI and a member of the Blue Eagles flying display team.

On leaving the military he joined Bond Air Services as a HEMS pilot with the Devon Air Ambulance in Exeter. A position that he later referred to as 'his spiritual home'. Having later gained his IRE/TRE he moved to BAS HQ at Staverton to become Chief training Captain Bolkow Bo 105.

Steve was a wonderful instructor and a great mate. I will miss him so much. But my thoughts are now with his wife Julia and his family. May they have the strenght to carry them through this tragic time.

For those of you who knew Steve, I will post again when the funeral arrangements are finalised.



Gone to the great crewroom in the sky - but not forgotten.

That's dreadful news - I did my first few flights in NI with Steve on the Gazelle prior to doing my Lynx course - I still remember him being extremely nurturing and helpful (this being before his QHI course). No matter how badly I biffed he kept incredibly calm and gave me a fantastic introduction to squadron flying.

I'm gutted

That's very sad news indeed. Like Sanddancer, I first met Steve at BK. I left to go on my pilot's course at the same time he went on his QHI's. Met him only a few weeks ago when he did my sim slot at Staverton. RIP fella and my condolences to his family and friends.

A cruel twist of fate for someone who has strived to help people in their hour of need for many years.

Our thoughts should and no doubt are with his family at this sad time may they have the strenght to get through it.

RIP Steve.

I had a phone call this morning and it was a great shock. I knew Steve very well, and served with him often: we were on that same QHI's course together. A very sad day. RIP.

Bobby, if you let us know funeral arrangements, it would be most appreciated.

From someone who has often seen the Devon Air Ambulance but, thankfully, never needed it, my profound condolences to those of you that knew him, and of course, to his family.

Thank you and Rest in Peace.

Sad news
 

What a tragic loss. He was one of lifes true gentlemen. I will always remember his energy, enthusiasm and passion.

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Thanks for all your help fella, I'm really glad to have known you. RIP

Pretty much lost for words! One of the finest instructors you could ask for and a damned good bloke.

TeeS

Steve was about to start a new chapter in his life.

A true professional, a true gentleman and he really cared.

......and boy could he talk!

I will miss you Steve, as will everyone else that knows you.

Take it easy mate.

Steve also did work for Trinity House,

And he was a guiding light to those around him,

A ray of inspiration when instructing,

And always had a beaming smile whenever we met.

Alas the light has faded and we have lost a true character.

RIP my friend.

I first met Steve when he came to Soest 662 Sqn as a new pilot and crewed with him on a number of occasions. 20 odd years later we met again when I joined Bond.
A lovely bloke, I'm very very sad about hear about his untimely death. I shall certainly miss him.
Rick

Bloody shocking news. I didn't know Steve terribly well but the times I met him, he was the consummate gentleman and ever the professional aviator.

Condolences to the family.

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.

And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.

And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Steve, all the best fellah.

Farewell Steve, RIP.

We served together several times in a former life and a nicer chap you couldn't wish to meet.

Bugger. Knew Steve when he re-enlisted, although we never worked together, many a hour spent whiling away the hours at the snooker table (I lost) or sprinting away the hour in the squash courts (I won) as we bimbled our way through MW on various courses. Every time we met afterwards was a joy with plenty of banter flowing, something that I shall miss.

RIP

My condolences go to the family and friends of this true gentleman.

Exmouth Journal tribute
 

To all those who have posted,
I am a reporter for the Exmouth Journal.
I am very sorry to learn of Captain Steve Ford's death, we will be running a tribute page in this week's paper.
We will like for people to contact us with their messages so we can put it in the paper, especially those who left the touching messages in this thread.
We have been in touch with the family who will alos be putting in a tribute.
Please contact me on 01395 276 153 or 07840381802 before our deadline on Wednesday morning.
Thank you for your help.
Dina Karim

Very sad news - I first flew with Steve when I turned up as the RAF exchange at Middle Wallop and he generously coaxed me through an IRT on a Gaz with no SAS. I met him several times later at Chiv when he was on Bond duties and he was always the consumate professional and complete gentleman.

RIP Steve

Steve first appears in my logbook in Feb 86 when we served in 662 Sqn. Last seen at Beakers leaving do in MW.

RIP mate.

Jeep

RIP Steve
 

Steve and I were QHIs together at Wallop and in 4 Regiment at Wattisham. He was a true gentleman and I will remember him with a smile and affection.

My thoughts are with his family and close friends. Godspeed Steve.