W. Ford Kaufman

Kaufman, W. Ford 8/5/1956 - 4/2/2021 Alanson, Michigan W. Ford Kaufman, 66, of The Shores on Crooked Lake, passed away on April 2 after a life lived gracefully with MS. Ford was born on August 5, 1954 in Gladstone, MI. He was a 1972 graduate of Gladstone High School and earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Psychology from Western Michigan University, which led to his work as a Behavioral Psychologist. Ford loved sports, from his high school track relay team and later Murph's Fast-Pitch Baseball Team, about which he had many fond memories. While still able, he fished for walleye and salmon with brother Mike (Mio) and friends on Lake Huron and Saginaw Bay. Ford was one of Mio's Boys Basketball's biggest fans – traveling from Kalamazoo for almost every single game when they were undefeated and State Champions in 1989. He was an avid reader and wore out a Kindle or two, enjoying one of his favorite pastimes. In addition, Ford also loved music of all kinds, but especially the music found on Martha's Vineyard Radio. As a nod to Ford, go to MVYradio.org and listen to some great tunes. More then anything, Ford loved people. It's been said that no man is a failure who has friends. In that regard, Ford was a wealthy man. He kept loyal friends from childhood through college and beyond. He made new friends at the Shores after moving "Up North" in 2013. He even befriended his healthcare workers and kept them smiling while playing chess together. He will be missed! Ford was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Dorothy (Ford) Kaufman; and by his brother Wayne of West Virginia. He is survived by his life partner, Alice Yankoviak and her siblings, Stephanie, Carole, Janine, Sara, and Joe, as well as by their families. He also leaves behind a sister, Laurie Kaufman-De la Garza, her son, Luis, and by his children, Abbie and Jax; and by his brothers, Mike (Jackie) and Jay (Patti); and by many special nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on July 5th at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 1920 Lake Shore Drive, Gladstone, MI 49837 with visitation from 10am until noon with a service at noon. A celebration of Ford's life will be held at the Shores Condominiums, 2800 Oden Road, Alanson, MI 49706 on August 7th from 3-7pm. Those wishing to honor Ford's memory are asked to make a contribution to the Northmen Den Youth Food Pantry via check and direct it to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1020 East Mitchell Street, Petoskey, MI 49770. Phone: (231)347-2350 and be sure to put "Northmen Den Youth Food Pantry" on the memo line. Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey.