https://www.archfordmemorial.com/
On February 21, 2024, the world lost a great man.
Archie “Arch” Raymond Ford passed away suddenly while in Holetown, Barbados. He was a man whose words resonated long after they were spoken. He was renowned for his unparalleled intellect, boundless determination, steadfast kindness, dry wit, and deeply generous heart.
Arch was born on March 3, 1945, in Chico, CA to Russell Raymond and Lorna Jean Ford. His early years were marked by constant moving and adaptation as his family moved across the United States and Canada. He attended 23 elementary schools. Even at a young age, Arch refused to be defined by his circumstances. He was determined to chart his own path. And that he did.
As a young boy, Arch held various jobs, from gathering and selling leftover almonds to hawking newspapers on the street corner. He was destined to be an entrepreneur. His passion for learning and his entrepreneurial spirit would continue to grow and flourish over time.
As a teenager Arch moved to Napa Valley. He attended St. Helena High School and later joined the Air Force at age 16. During high school, he met his first wife, Joan Schlosser. They married in 1962, and had two children: Leo and Russell.
Arch’s time in the service was profoundly influential on his life. He was relentless in honing his skills, always driven to pick up new ones. Arch became a jet craft mechanic while finishing high school in the evenings.
After honorably leaving the Air Force, he attended Napa College, where he studied literature and physical science. Drawing on his Air Force experience he became a commercial pilot.
Arch’s journey was marked by countless projects and ventures. He worked at the Naval Shipyard at Mare Island, overhauling naval vessels, and the Government Surface Water Branch, gauging stream flows, and conducting laboratory testing of water and sediment samples.
He never settled for the status quo, eschewing employment in favor of the more challenging role of employer, and became the owner-contractor of a construction firm. Eventually, he moved his family to Idaho to escape the overpopulation of Napa Valley.
While in Idaho, Arch purchased a clothing store that he and his wife ran, and established a building and construction company servicing the Nez Perce and Clearwater Valley region. They later bought a hardware store/lumber yard that they ran for several years.
Arch’s fascination with off-grid homes, construction prowess, and longstanding readership of Mother Earth News launched him into the energy sector. He spent thousands of hours researching the technology. And in typical Arch fashion, one thing led to the next, and before he knew it, Arch was securing power contracts. He became the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of the former Oxford Energy Company (Oxford). A self-taught energy innovator, he became a go-to guy in the industry – a distinction that ultimately led him to his second wife, Brenda Cuddy.
As fate would have it, Brenda and Arch met while Arch was developing the Fords Creek hydro project. Brenda was working for her father’s engineering and surveying company, Cuddy and Associates, an engineering consulting firm on the project. Brenda was struck by Arch’s kind soul – a man who loved his dog, often bringing the four-legged friend into the office. After working together, their relationship blossomed. They married in 1987. And in 1995, their son Ryan was born. And in 1997, they welcomed twins Anna and Myles.
In 1995, Arch moved his family to New Zealand in part to pursue new energy projects. They’d call the Oceanic Island home on and off for 25 years. He loved to be by the water – a passion he shared with his children. Whether it was harvesting muscles off rocks or playing poker games overlooking the ocean, water in all its forms brought the family solace and joy.
Arch’s affection for energy propelled him to explore innovative solutions and sustainable practices. A pioneer in the industry, Arch developed groundbreaking projects that utilized scrap tires, municipal solid waste, and rice husks as fuel sources.
Over the years, either through Arch’s company, Westford Development, or in his role as Partner and Senior Vice President of Oxford Energy, Arch led numerous projects, including:
Fords Creek Project: Operating since 1988, the 1.5-megawatt hydroelectric facility in Weippe, Idaho, generates around 1.5 million kilowatt hours annually.
Modesto Tire Incineration Project: A pioneering 14.4-megawatt facility, operational since 1987, was fueled by 5 million scrap tires annually.
Stanislaus Waste to Energy Project: A 22-megawatt municipal solid waste incineration project in Stanislaus County, California, began operations in 1988.
Williams Power Project: Located near Williams, California, the 30-megawatt risk husk incineration facility is the world’s largest and generates approximately 220 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
Mulberry Power Project: A 120-megawatt natural gas-fired Cogeneration Project in Polk County, Florida, began operations in March 1994.
Nooksack Falls Project: Resuming operations in 2003 after refurbishment, this hydroelectric facility near Bellingham, Washington, generates approximately 25 million kilowatt hours annually, supplying Puget Sound Energy.
Youngs Creek Project: Originally a licensed 8.3-megawatt facility near Sultan, WA, it was revitalized by Westford in 2007 and later sold to Snohomish Public Utility District.
Calligan Lake and Hancock Lake Projects: Unconstructed 6-megawatt hydroelectric facilities near North Bend, WA, acquired and sold to Snohomish Public Utility District in 2010 after obtaining new FERC permits.
While Arch held a diverse energy portfolio, he loved hydroelectricity the most. He saw it as simple and beautiful, and most notably, less harmful to the environment. One of his proudest achievements, the revival of the historic Nooksack Falls project, showcased this technology.
Despite prolonged regulatory battles, Arch, true to his nature, persevered and saw it through to completion.
A passion for salvage and exploration led Arch to copious trips to the Philippines for many years, diving and searching. His discoveries of material treasures were small; however, his cultural and scientific connections were rich.
Arch’s commitment to justice and advocacy was evident throughout his life. Born to a Canadian mother, Arch was determined to secure his Canadian citizenship, a pursuit that was long hindered by discriminatory laws. This led Arch to team up with Don Chapman, founder of the Lost Canadians, a group dedicated to changing those laws. Together, they did it, ultimately returning Canadian citizenship to thousands who unjustly lost their status.
Amidst his many achievements, Arch’s greatest source of pride was his family. He was a loving husband, father, and brother – and their biggest supporter.
As a husband, Arch could make an ordinary moment extraordinary. From surprise getaways to everyday moments, the beauty was in the details. He cherished his wife, Brenda, knowing full well she was the best thing that ever happened to him. And she feels the same about him. Together, they created unforgettable memories.
As a father, he endlessly loved and empowered his children, embracing their individuality. He made them feel capable, providing guidance and advice, but most importantly, he allowed them to take ownership of their learning. Arch’s unconditional love and unwavering support created a nurturing environment where his children could thrive and pursue their dreams.
Arch loved a good glass of chardonnay and exceptional food. He loved the simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted Caesar salad, and no one made a better Caesar salad than Brenda. Brenda’s cooking was one of Arch’s finest joys – setting the standard by which he judged all other meals.
Beyond his love for food and drink, Arch loved to travel, encouraging others to explore new places. As a man who revered the water, the ocean was his favorite place. Arch loved dogs too, sometimes more than people. No dog ever compared to his sweet Molly. Her absence left a hole in his heart, and in her memory, he named his boat “miss Molly” – a lasting reminder of how much he missed Molly.
Arch is survived by his wife, Brenda Ford, and children: Ryan, Myles, and Anna Ford of Bellingham, WA; Leo Ford of Hunters, WA; and Russell Ford of Orofino, ID. Arch also leaves behind his younger siblings, Lindy Giesser of Elk Grove, California, and Mark McEwen of Marysville, California. He was preceded in death by his older sister Carolyn Jackson of Lewiston, Idaho. Arch’s family also included four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
As we say goodbye to Arch, we mourn the loss of a visionary, a trailblazer, and above all, a beloved husband and father. If there was ever a human power plant, it was Arch, running at total capacity from the moment he was born until he left this world. His absence leaves a void that can never be filled but his legacy of courage and compassion will continue to inspire. In the words of
Arch, “You are your destiny. You make your own way.” May we carry forth his legacy with the same courage, determination, and grace.
When we remember Arch, we will picture him at the helm of his boat, salty wind on his face, Molly at his feet, a glass of chardonnay in his hand, and a twinkle in his eyes saying “cheers” to us all.
Arch, we raise a glass to you, toasting an incredible man and a life well-lived. The hole in our hearts is the price of great love. We wouldn’t trade knowing and loving you for all the treasures in the world.
A celebration of life will be held on August 24, 2024, in Bellingham, WA. If you would like to attend please RSVP at archfordmemorial.com.
