Tadd Ford

Tadd Ford, 62, passed away on October 4, 2026.

Tadd grew up in New Hope before settling in Maple Grove, where he and his wife, Pam, raised their family. A successful self-employed contractor, Tadd spent his career working with his hands. He often joked that he was both the CEO and the janitor. He built his family’s home in Maple Grove and later put those same skills to work fixing up the family cabin on Horseshoe Lake.

In retirement, Tadd and Pam made the cabin their home. It was a fitting place for someone who was happiest outdoors, especially with a fishing pole or hunting gear nearby. Ice fishing became a true passion in his retirement, and he could spend hours out on the lake with the local guys and his fishing buddy, Oscar. Some of his favorite memories came from fishing trips to Canada and Alaska, along with plenty of hunting and fishing trips closer to home.

Tadd was a soft-spoken man who didn’t need much fuss. He wasn’t one for a crowd, but he loved talking with his buddies and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His friendships stretched across his life and came from all walks of it, from childhood friends to college buddies, hunting partners, neighbors, and people he met along the way. He enjoyed calling his friends, watching the History Channel especially shows like The Curse of Oak Island and Deadliest Catch, collecting duck decoys, and spending time with his dogs. His hunting dogs, Bogger, Gunner, Winter, and Oscar, held a particularly special place in his life.

Tadd also appreciated a good meal, whether it was a hamburger or a grouper sandwich, and especially enjoyed trips to Siesta Key, Florida. He was easygoing, kind, and always had a one-liner ready. More than anything, Tadd wanted the people around him to enjoy their lives. He didn’t need things to be perfect, and he didn’t need much attention himself. He was usually content to simply go with the flow.

Tadd is survived by his wife, Pam; his mother, Nancy; his brother, James; his son, Ben (Sydney) Ford; his daughter, Grace (Peter); and his grandchildren, Owen and Erika. He was preceded in death by his father, Larry; his son, Sam; and his sister, Mel, and her husband, Patrick.

No formal funeral service will be held. Tadd’s ashes will be spread in a few special places that held meaning to him and were home to some of his favorite memories.