No. 21 celebrates No. 80 — Birthday wishes to Roughriders royalty, Alan Ford, from his loved ones

As a CFL player from 1965 to 1976, Alan Ford — Mr. Versatility — contributed invaluably to the Saskatchewan Roughriders as a split end, tight end, running back, defensive back, linebacker, punter and kick returner. 

He was subsequently employed by the team in the capacities of assistant coach (1979), administrative assistant (1985 and 1986), director of administration and Canadian player development (1987), assistant general manager (1988) and general manager/chief operating officer (1989 to 1999). 

Along the way, he helped the Roughriders win Grey Cup championships in 1966 and 1989. 

But, over all these years, the titles that have meant the most to him are those of husband, father, and grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Today, as a member of Roughriders royalty celebrates his 80th birthday, many of the people who are closest to this remarkable man pay tribute to Alan Ford and his infinite admirable qualities. 

SALLY FORD (wife) 

“Life with Al is all about sports and teamwork. In fact, my introduction to him was on a double date in 1962 at University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif. He was on a football scholarship and playing hockey on a local team under an alias, Bob McFord. I was taken by him, even in those baggy pants that teams wore back then. Well, the rest is history, as we married in April of 1966 and have been co-captains ever since. We raised three beautiful children — Tracy, Rob and Jill. Unfortunately, tragedy hit our family almost 13 years ago, when Rob had a home accident and passed 59 days later. With much support from family, friends and the community at large, we came through that very sad time. In all our 57 years of marriage, it has been a team effort with our kids and their activities and education and now with our eight grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Al has been a hands-on husband as well, always helping out around the home. As a matter of fact, my girlfriends call me Princess Sally, as they say that’s how I’m treated. Hey, I don’t mind at all! Recently, our grandson Jaxon (Rob’s son) fulfilled a dream of three generations of Ford men — his own, his dad’s and his grandpa’s — by becoming a professional football player and, to top it off, a Saskatchewan Roughrider. Just like grandpa Al.” 

TRACY FORD (daughter) 

“It is hard to truly quantify the influence a parent can have on us. I believe in the values of hard work, caring and being of service to others. I believe that once you start, you do not get to quit partway through and give up. Others may be depending on you, but you also need to depend on yourself to finish what you started. I believe in being respectful and in treating others well, and that you can always be kind. Thank you, Dad, for being the kind of person I aspire to be. I believe you are simply the best.” 

JILL FORD (daughter) 

“When someone mentions my dad, the first things that come to my mind are always work hard, finish what you started, and always be humble. I will never forget when I was about 10 years old and Dad put me on a church league mixed basketball team. I happened to be the only girl on the team and I really had no clue about the rules, so I was NOT wanting to be there. I am sure I complained every time I had to go. Needless to say, Dad made me finish the season, and I actually continued playing basketball after that! This is something I have instilled in my own kids. I now own my own studio, training young acro dancers, and the values he gave me growing up have had a direct positive effect on my students and my business! Love from your biggest fan, Jill.” 

ZOE GERVAIS (granddaughter) 

“My grandpa has a couple of soft spots, one being my grandma. The way he cares for her is the definition of pure love and it truly warms my heart. It has been a huge influence in my life, as I hope I end up with someone who will look at me the way my grandpa looks at my grandma.” 

JAXON FORD (grandson; No. 17, Saskatchewan Roughriders) 

“The big 80! Eight decades and a milestone that deserves to be celebrated. As my grandfather, he has undoubtedly left an indelible impact on my life. Through his life experiences, he has been a major source of guidance that has helped me become the man I am today. Not only in sports but also in life, he has supported me and helped me thrive. Cheers to having an extraordinary grandfather.” 

ZACH FORD (grandson) 

“My grandfather has been the ultimate role model. He has been patient, firm, controlled, honest, strong and caring — be it volunteering to coach a flag football team, having Gainer the Gopher do a lap around Taylor Field holding up his grandson when the Riders score a touchdown, or always being a voice of support and encouragement when it comes to anything I want to do. He has been a massive inspiration and the definitive example of what makes a ‘real man.’ He is a man who always puts others and family before himself, always wants to do right by others, and is unafraid to call out things that don’t (meet that standard). He has been a constant source of support in my life, and I consider my life a blessing to be able to say Alan Ford is MY grandfather. I’m happy more people can have a chance to learn about him, because he has always been the greatest man in the world to me.” 

LEVI GERVAIS (grandson) 

“I cannot say with words how much he is an idol for me. The knowledge that he has passed down to me is something that I’m very grateful for and it pushes me and makes me be a better person and a better football player. When I was a little kid talking to him about football and his legacy, it sparked an idea in my head that I should play football. It is very cool to have a grandpa that played the same sport that I now love. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be the athlete I am today.” 

DAKOTA TRESO (grandson) 

“Having an All-Star football player as a grandfather was always the coolest. Grandpa Ford has always been extremely kind and caring toward my brother Jaxon and I, and very supportive in the athletics department. I could always count on him when I needed guidance, advice and support. I love him very much and I wish him an amazing 80th birthday and many more to come.”

JAKE VANCISE (grandson) 

“Thank you, Grandpa, for being you. You are one of the most caring and loving people I know, but you are also not afraid to call anyone on their BS.  You have helped shape me into the man I am today. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandpa. With the life lessons you have taught me throughout the years, I am forever grateful. Happy Birthday, Grandpa. Here is to 80 and many more. We love you and always will.”