Ford Ellsworth Long, Sr.

Ford Long, Sr. was called by the Great Architect of the Universe on January 11, 2017. He was 88 and passed peacefully at home in San Francisco surrounded by his family. Ford was born on the Paris Island, South Carolina, Marine Base on June 9, 1928, to Albert and Ida Long. He was the youngest of four children. His family transferred to Haiti, San Diego, New Orleans, Atlanta and settled in San Francisco in 1945.

He attended Polytechnic High School where he excelled in sports and was inducted into the San Francisco Sports Hall of Fame. More importantly, he met his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 68 years, Theo Jeanne.

He is survived by his wife Theo, children Suzanne (Tony), Ford, Jr., (Ann) and Michelle. He was the adoring Papado to his grandchildren Trisha (Matt), Justin (Amy), Jessica (Loren), and Brian (Jade) and his seven great-grandchildren Easton, Blakeley, Chloe, Presley, Theodore, Juliet and Noelle.

Ford graduated from Polytechnic High School and the University of San Francisco. He joined the San Francisco Police Department in 1948 and after serving 10 years in patrol and undercover operations, he was assigned to Planning and Research where he successfully managed Departmental budget issues and assisted in the development of SFPD operational procedures. As Ford promoted, he held command positions in the Criminal Information Division and was instrumental in the development of the Department digital information and communications systems that are in place today. He retired after 31 years of service as a Captain at Northern Station.

Ford was a 55 year Mason who served as Past Master of Columbia Brotherhood Lodge and received the prestigious Hiram Award. As a 42 year member of Asiya Shriners, he received the Honor Jewel award and numerous other awards. Serving as a S.F. Scottish Rite mason for 40 years, he was awarded many honors as well as his 33 Degree White Hat, topping off a very impressive Masonic career.

He had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a gifted athlete, artist, craftsman and lived life with love and passion.

A celebration of Ford’s life will begin with a visitation on Sunday, January 22, at 4:00 p.m., with a sharing at 5:00 p.m., at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA. Funeral Services will be held at Duggan’s on Monday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. followed by the burial at Woodlawn Cemetery. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity.