Erin Wheeler Ford
February 26, 1982 - January 17, 2025
Erin Wheeler Ford has left this world after a four-year fight with cancer that she handled with incredible bravery and grace.
Erin was predeceased by her mom, Deborah Butler, uncle, Terry Butler, and father-in-law, Robert Ford. She leaves behind the loves of her life: husband, Dan Ford, and daughter, Louise.
She was lucky to have a great mother-in-law and will be lovingly remembered by Tina Ford. She also had an amazing and supportive extended family and will be dearly missed by many aunts, uncles, and cousins, too many to name. She always looked forward to their visits, Euchre tournaments, and in recent years they worked together on a family cookbook cleverly titled Butlers Diners full of cherished family recipes.
Erin was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She also leaves behind her chosen family of best friends, including her “twin” Debs and the HME: Kristen, Jess, and Sam.
Erin began her life in Delaware, Ontario, a town with no traffic lights. She then moved to nearby Mount Brydges, with one traffic light (and Village Pizza). From there, she went to London, then Kingston, then back again to the Forest City to begin her career as a kick-ass law clerk. She was a heavy hitter in her field, taking care of business one deal at a time.
Erin once had a great apartment in Wortley Village and one night at her local, met a chef with a money clip and an ivy tattoo. Three years later, she married him in a small, secret backyard wedding with lots of love, Strongbow, Pimm’s Cup, and a delicious cake made of the finest cheeses. A couple of years later, Louise was born, and the three of them made a happy little life together.
Erin loved photography, reality TV, podcasts, and crafting. She could make magic with a glue gun and popsicle sticks, and she curated the best playlists for any occasion or road trip. Her people could count on her for pop culture updates and sage advice on all life issues. She would often say she learned all the best things from TikTok, but we all knew she just naturally had the perfect blend of innate wisdom, goodness, and humour that is especially rare these days. We are heartbroken that she is gone far too soon and don’t know what we’ll ever do without her.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be notified of memorial arrangements at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wellspring Cancer Support as expressions of sympathy.
Heaven is a better place today because of this, but the world is just not the same
The Tragically Hip
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I am shocked and terribly saddened to hear of Erin's passing. I worked briefly with Erin in her early career at McKenzie Lake and after I left there for Lerners, we maintained a gentle connection through FACEBOOK. Imagine how pleased I was to see her now working at Lerners. She was an amazing Law Clerk and will be missed. I remember congratulating Erin on her marriage, her pregnancy and seeing the overwhelming Mother's love when she posted pics of her family, you knew she had hit the lottery. She simply loved her husband & daughter. I know little of her struggle with her illness. Even when she did post the odd pic occasionally on FACEBOOK, she always seemed upbeat and positive. Such a shock for her friends and family and co-workers. May she rest in peace.
Dan and Louise, my heart breaks for you, she is no longer suffering and will be welcomed with open arms by her Mom and your Dad and as well as by her Grandparents into heaven, she will be another shining star in the sky taken way too soon. Erin was an amazing person, cousin and friend to many others. Her smile lite up any room upon her entrance and she had a heart of gold. Erin will be greatly missed by many. RIP cuz love ya
My heart breaks for Dan, Louise, and all of Erin's friends and family. Erin was a shining light - smart, funny, introspective, and above all caring. We are better for having known her and and equally at a loss for her leaving so early.
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of Erin. Although I hadn’t seen her in years this makes me so sad. I met her in the early 2010s through a mutual friend and once her and I went to Stratford for a culinary festival where me met Chuck Hughes from the Food Network. She was so much fun and kind and deserved to live a long and happy life. My deepest condolences to her husband and her daughter, I cannot imagine what they must be going through. Rest in peace Erin, you are gone far too soon. Sending much love to her family and friends during these difficult days.
A shining light, Erin was always their with a smile and a soul as open and loving as hers will be missed from earth. Grateful that our paths had crossed , as I’m crying now I can always find a giant smile when my thoughts go to her. I love you Gumaloo ❤️💔❤️
There aren’t any words that seem fitting. To Dan and Louise, my heart is with you and I pray you feel all the love that surrounds you. I will always think of you Erin when I listen to All Killa no Filla and when I hear The Tragically Hip
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Oh Erin, the news of your passing was a complete shock. I’m sorry to the family. I still remember that little girl from down the street. You were like a little sister to me. You will always be remembered, Fly free my friend.
~ Kayo Jones