Edward W. Ford; Coffee Company Salesman

Retired coffee salesman Edward W. Ford of Ventura died Thursday in a Ventura hospital after a brief illness. He was 87.

Ford was born Jan. 30, 1910, in Denver, and was a seven-year resident of Ventura. He was retired supervisor and salesman for Farmer Brothers Coffee Co. and a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

Ford was known “Grandpa” by everyone at Joannafina’s Mexican restaurants in Ventura, owned by his daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Delfino Lopez-Rojas of Santa Paula.

Restaurant manager Jesus Chairez said Ford came to the restaurant on weekends and always had kind words for the staff.

“We’re going to miss him. He was one of the greatest people I ever knew,” Chairez said.

In addition to his daughter, Ford is survived by his son, the Rev. James M. Ford of San Roque Catholic Church in Santa Barbara; a sister, Catherine Ford of Marylhurst, Ore.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Monica.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at San Roque Catholic Church, Santa Barbara. Burial will follow in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home, Ventura, where friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday.