Plymouth & South West director dies

AFTER a long illness, Phil Ford, Director of Plymouth & South West Co-op, died on Monday 2nd May 2005.
Born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales on 21st September, 1927, Mr Ford had always been a larger than life character.
The fiercely proud Welshman held two things very dear, his love for Wales and his even greater love for his family. Always quick with a joke and a smile, there was no doubt that the love of Phil&#039s life was his wife and children.
After leaving school he began his working life as an apprentice electrician but this was short lived due to his National Service with the Royal Navy.
His naval career brought him to Plymouth where he met his future wife, Babs.
When he left the Navy he took up a position with the Ambulance Service based at Greenbank and Crownhill in Plymouth and also spent many years as an Insurance Agent for the Co-operative Insurance Society.
After his retirement he was elected to the Board of Plymouth & South West Co-operative where he served for over 17 years and for the last 10 years along side his daughter Jill who also took up a position as a director.
He was also a leading figure in the Royal British Legion and was Chairman of Crownhill branch for 27 years.
He was recently described as having a presence when he entered a room, one of life&#039s true gentlemen, family, friends and colleagues throughout many walks of life will very sadly miss him.
He is survived by his wife, Babs and children, Gareth, Bryn and Jill.